by G. Moritz, editor
Despite all the difficulties and hardships that 2020 has brought, you can still find hope and those looking to make the world a better place. The Team Tayden 8th Annual Poker Run ride is still going forward, and it’s happening next week, launching from the Bullet Bar in Sherman. Signup will start at 10:30 a.m. and the run will start at 11:45 a.m. on Sat., Sept. 12.
Motorcycles, cars, trucks and ATV’s will all be welcome as usual.
Organizer Danielle Grohs said that they will be taking reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including hand sanitization, disinfecting and distance spacing as much as possible, and that events and stops along the route will have outdoor stations and be hosted outdoors wherever and whenever possible. She said she’s also praying for good weather.
Grohs said the local fire departments of Garretson, Jasper and Flandreau are leading the way in support this year, and that Ryan Longhenry of the Garretson Fire Department was the primary designer of this year’s official logo and shirts.
Grohs said that two boys were selected as the beneficiaries of this year’s run, Trey a 5-month- old infant with acute myeloid leukemia and Isaac, a three-year- old boy with neural blastoma. Sadly, she received word last week that Isaac had died. Grohs said that they plan to continue the run in support of the family.
The food truck will be returning, and they are also planning an aerial flyover at the start of the ride. Outdoor tents with Team Tayden merchandise will be available.
“Pastor Steve Moberg will kick things off, with his prayer and blessing as usual,” Grohs said. “On our pre-ride we encountered some construction, it’s every- where this time of year, so the ride route will be slightly different.
The motorcycle, car & truck route will be from Sherman to Critters in Crooks, the Shipwreck in Brandt, MN, to Blue Jays in Eagan, MN, to the Stonewall in Jasper, MN, and back to Sherman.
The ATV route will be to the Green Lantern in Hardwick, MN, the Trotsky Bar in Trotsky, MN, Splitrock Burgers and Brews in Ihlen MN, the Stonewall in Jasper and then back to Sherman together with the main group.
Raffle prizes this year will include a half hog plus processing, family photography by Jay Bow- man, a digital projector with 120” screen, and two GCI outdoor rocking chairs. There will be a 50/50 cash raffle as always.
Grohs said that because of COVID-19 concerns they decided not to host the bean bag tournament and instead will host a live auction.
Returning riders will enjoy a pork loin meal and music will be hosted by DJ Tad. It all starts in Sherman this Saturday, Sept. 10.
