20th annual Poker Run to help Special Olympics scheduled for Saturday

The 20th annual Ride the Ridge Poker Run to benefit Special Olympics Arkansas and the St. Francis Area Developmental Center is scheduled for this weekend.

This year's route for the Poker Run on Saturday, April 20, has changed. Motorcyclists will head south rather than north and make a loop taking in Bear Creek and Storm Creek.

SFADC Director Joey Astin said that although the route has changed, the times remain the same with the last bike scheduled to leave Forrest City at 10 a.m.

"Once again the Poker Run will feature 100 miles of rolling hills along our route on Crowley's Ridge," said Astin. "However, this year our route has changed. Riders will leave from the old Stage parking lot at 2342 N. Washington St., in Forrest City at 10 a.m., and head south where they will do the Bear and Storm Creek loop. They will have stops along the way where they will collect their cards. When they end their ride at the Delta Regional Airport in Colt, they will receive their last card and see who wins."

Astin said pre-registration for the event will guarantee that everyone receives a T-shirt in the correct size, however, those who register on the day of the event will get their shirt based on availability.

"Pre-registration is underway," said Astin. "Preregistration is $25 and $20 per rider. It is the same price on the day of the event. The price includes the Poker Run, a door prize ticket and a T-shirt based on availability. Those who preregister are guaranteed a T-shirt in the size they need. Registration will begin at 8 a.m., on Saturday in the old Stage parking lot. The first bike out will be at 10 a.m., with the last bike to leave out at noon. The last bike in will be at 3 p.m., at the Delta Regional Airport in Colt. General admission to the event is $15 at the airport."

According to Astin, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the event, live music has been brought back for the Poker Run.

"We aren't having crawfish this year, however, we are offering Cajun jambalaya, barbecue and refreshments," said Astin. "The participant with the best hand after the Poker Run will win $100. There will also be a 50/50 drawing, door prizes and a live auction. With this