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2020 Johnson Twp. ATV Poker Run a Huge Success!

Winner Mike Naccarato, centre, with Tammy Naccarato, left, and Johnson Recreation Coordinator Pat O’Gorman

Johnson Township Recreation’s annual Poker Run was held on Saturday, September 26, on  a cloudy but warm day. The rain held off until the evening but that didn’t stop participants from getting wet  as there was plenty of opportunity to blast through water and mud holes on the app. 150 km. route. (A shorter and easier route was offered to those who wanted to leave later in the morning.) Fifty-seven ATV’s and SideXSides and 82 drivers and riders took part in this year’s event, by far the largest turnout we’ve had since Recreation introduced the event in 2009.

First prize was half the pot – and the winner with a Full House was Mike Naccarato from Sault Ste. Marie. Mike went home with $1050, and the remaining proceeds will go to supporting Johnson Township Recreation programs and events. Three draw prizes, gift certificates provided by Johnson Township Recreation and through a donation by Todd Rydall of Barry Rydall Builders, went to Mike Naccarato (it was his lucky day!), Emma Robinson, and Maija Bishop.

Johnson Recreation would like to thank Terry Barber for his work in helping to plan, organize, and sign the route; to Trevor McLean, who also spent a whole day on the trails getting signs up; and to Marlee Hopkins, who helped with registration and returned later in the day to help with the turning in of the cards and the draws. Johnson Summer Youth Employee Savanna Chaisson, hired under the Ontario Summer Experience Program, was on hand to help with the final part of the day and the clean up. Thanks also go to Cheryl Larrett of Cheryl’s Cafe who offered a breakfast special to participants.

Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions on gatherings, Recreation could not hold the BBQ that is normally offered at the end of the run. Johnson Recreation would like to thank all the participants for wearing masks and following instructions put in place to maintain physical distancing and keep everyone safe. Except for a few overheated bikes and a couple of breakdowns on the trail, the event went well and was enthusiastically received by the participants.