Charity poker run, party set for Saturday

Posted 7/5/17

Spanky's to hold annual poker run and party for fallen bikers

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Charity poker run, party set for Saturday

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EVANSTON — For the past six years, Spanky’s Bar in Evanston has organized and hosted a poker run and party, led by Marsha and Ian Redding, the bar’s owners. Proceeds go to family members of fallen bikers for scholarships, among other things.

This year’s run and party, the seventh annual event, is scheduled for Saturday, July 8, and costs $25. Plenty of bikers participate — a growing number each year — but any type of vehicle is allowed.

Marsha Redding said that while the biker community is fun and up for a ride, nothing brings bikers in this area together more than the opportunity to help others.

“The biker community is incredibly generous, kind and always willing to support great causes,” Redding said. “The biker community around here just loves to ride, and anytime there is an event for a cause, there is always a large number of local riders that participate. There is a group out of Rock Springs that does an annual ride to honor a special child with cancer of which we’ve been honored to be a part of.”

Redding said not only does the child benefit from it, but it means a lot to her and other participants.

“Nothing beats seeing the child’s eyes light up when they see close to 200 motorcycles roll down the road for them and to pick them up and take them on a ride,” she said.

Spanky’s poker run started after fellow biker Lee Nickerson talked to the Reddings about starting an event for fallen riders. With fewer than 20 participants the first year, the run has grown significantly. Redding said last year’s event brought in about 90 riders. 

Spanky’s run has raised about $5,000 over the years, including $2,100 last year.

This year’s event will begin and end at Spanky’s Bar, where participants will register between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. From there, riders will head to Bunny’s Club in Coalville, Utah, to draw a second card. The third stop will be The Notch in Samak, Utah.

The Painted Lady in Evanston will be the fourth stop, and the fifth card can be found back at Spanky’s, where participants will show their hands and enjoy a nice spread of food. The crowd will also be entertained by Phat Daddy, who will perform on the back deck by the river at 6 p.m.