PERFECT WEATHER FOR THUNDER FUNDRAISER

2006-10-09T16:29:19

1000 riders gathered for fourth annual poker run

The fourth annual Thunder into Louisville Poker Run, held under beautiful weather conditions on Saturday, Oct. 7, raised about $10,000 for the 2007 Thunder Over Louisville show – the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies. Produced by WDRB TV, the motorcycle rally attracted 1,000 participants (riders and passengers combined) and featured eight stops, beginning at the Bluegrass Harley Davidson dealership at I-64 and Blankenbaker Parkway and ending at “FOX DEN at the Corner.” Participants paid a $15 entry fee and received a special event pin in addition to their shot at the $1,750 purse for the top three “best hands” in the Poker Run.

Poker Run Winners:

• 1st Place ($1000) – Jean L. Hawkins of Louisville (four kings)
• 2nd Place ($500) – Devona Pharris of Taylorsville (four jacks)
• 3rd Place ($250) – David Taylor of Louisville (four nines)

Said Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO Mike Berry: “We were fortunate to have great weather and a great turnout for this fun event. Everyone seemed to have a good time and it was for a good cause. We’re very grateful to all the sponsors and volunteers who helped to make everything run so smoothly.”

Thunder into Louisville rally sponsors included: Bluegrass Harley Davidson, FOX41 WDRB TV and “FOX Den at the Corner.” WSFR 107.7 FM provided race day updates and remote broadcasts.

Thunder Over Louisville is the largest single-day event in the region. The 2006 Thunder Over Louisville, themed “Thunder Country,” entertained around 800,000 people with a daylong air show and nighttime fireworks.  The show  was sponsored by Caesars Indiana, Chase, E.ON U.S. and UPS.  The 2007 show is scheduled for Saturday, April 21 and will be the eighteenth annual production.