On July 30, the Sundre Fire Department hosted the annual ATV Poker Run, which had about 300 participants, significantly less compared to the 400 who came last year.
Nicci Doyle, a volunteer for the event and the wife of fire Chief Marty Butts, said there was a poorer turnout this year due to tighter pockets.
“My personal opinion, I think it has to do with the economy,” she said. “(People's) priorities are a little different right now.”
The ATV Poker Run took place west of Sundre on a 60-kilometre trail. Contestants used ATVs and dirt bikes to traverse the landscape and reach the five checkpoints along the way.
“Every checkpoint that you go to you draw a poker card,” Doyle said.
The top three best hands determine the winners who will receive cash prizes. The cash prizes are taken from a percentage of the proceeds, which come from both fees and donations.
Last year, the Fire Department managed to raise $15,000 through the ATV Poker Run, but just under $10,000 was raised this year due to lower participation numbers.
These proceeds will go towards special equipment for the Sundre Fire Department. They went to specialized training and rescues in the West Country last year.
Doyle said the trails were wet and muddy for the event this year, and while it made the contest more challenging, nobody suffered any injuries because of it.
“It was pretty much a clear slate this year.”
Many contestants camped out over the long weekend while visiting Sundre.
Next year will mark the 25th anniversary of the ATV Poker Run.
