The second annual equine poker run and craft fair, hosted by the Chapter 9 Veterans of Modern Warfare (VMW) based out of Owego, N.Y., is scheduled on Saturday, July 15. Participants are invited to bring their horse and join in on the fun at Shaman’s Hill Farm located at 600 Eiklor Hill Rd. in Candor, N.Y. The event runs, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with proceeds benefitting local veterans programs.
The second annual equine poker run and craft fair, hosted by the Chapter 9 Veterans of Modern Warfare (VMW) based out of Owego, N.Y., is scheduled for Saturday, July 15. Participants are invited to bring their horse and join in on the fun at Shaman’s Hill Farm located at 600 Eiklor Hill Rd. in Candor, N.Y. The event runs, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with proceeds benefitting local veterans programs.
Traditional poker runs typically involve motorcycles or other motorized equipment, but equine poker runs are proving to be a popular and challenging experience involving similar concepts, like drawing a playing card at various checkpoints.
President of Chapter 9 VMW, Danielle Ingram, explained that participants would have a choice of trails, from one hour, two hours and four hours. Ingram said that the course will take riders through fields, woods and around a pond, and excludes crossing water or jumps.
The poker run challenges riders to accumulate five cards along marked trails and turn in their stamped acquisitions before the end of the event, with a monetary prize awarded to the winner. There will be plenty of designated areas for parking and grooming, and water troughs will be available. Participants under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet.
The cost for riders to participate is $25, which includes a free chicken barbeque. A chicken barbeque for non-participants is $10, with an option for a half chicken at $5. Hot dogs, chips and other refreshments will also be available for purchase. Tables will be set up for guests to enjoy watching the event while eating a meal.
Participants who register on or before June 30 will receive a free tee shirt.
The event also features a craft fair, a 50/50 raffle, basket raffles, and a silent auction. Live music by the group Story will feature bluegrass, folk and a little country from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Soloist Roger Bacorn is scheduled to perform from 4 to 5 p.m.
“Proceeds support veterans in Tioga County,” Ingram said, adding, “Although it has not been decided where this year’s money will go, last year we had 35 riders and donated proceeds to ‘Wounded Warriors in Action’ and ‘Stable Movements,’ both organizations that help veterans.”
It is Ingram’s hope that more riders will participate this year, and more people will come to watch. With hundreds of beautiful acres of scenery for riders to enjoy, the event is open to the general public.
The mission of the VMW is to provide education, advocacy, and support for veterans affected by the complexities of modern warfare, which includes veterans from Desert Storm, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. The group meets monthly and welcomes new members.
The VMW has supported various community activities such as Wreaths Across America, helps schedule rides for veterans to appointments at no charge, and will be holding a brunch at the end of September for Gold Star and Blue Star families, just to name a few.
For general information, or to inquire about vendor fees or tickets to the July 15 event, contact Danielle Ingram at (607) 205-0902 or Brian Spencer at (607) 240-1921. You can also find the Veterans of Modern Warfare Chapter 9 on Facebook.
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