OPTA Poker Derby this Saturday

Tim Brody - Editor

Looking for a fun snowmobile event? The Ojibway Power Toboggan Association (OPTA) is inviting snowmobilers to join in on their annual Poker Derby on Saturday, Feb. 7.
First organized by Garry Rattai, the long-running event has been held annually since 1979.
OPTA President Dean Osmond explained, “The Poker Derby consists of five check points, #1, and #5 are at the clubhouse, #2 will be at the warm-up shelter in Ojibway Park, #3 will be at the Hudson Community Hall, and #4 at the Wapesi boat. At each check point you will find a stamp, which you will stamp the sheet that you were given at registration. When you get back to the clubhouse for checkpoint #5, you will go to a dealer where you pick five cards from the deck. The person with the best poker hand wins at the end. First, second, and third prizes are awarded. All players must be back at the clubhouse by 4 p.m. to finish their hands.”
Osmond said the event regularly draws 75-140 sleds. “This is a great day of riding with your friends and family, while playing a game and chance to win prizes,” he added.
The event is open to all riders who hold a valid OFSC trail pass. A special event permit can be purchased online at www.ofsc.on.ca prior to registering for anyone who does not have a trail pass.
Pre-registration for the Poker Derby takes place Friday evening on February 6 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the OPTA clubhouse, however riders can still register the morning of the event from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Age of majority is required, however Osmond clarified, “While you must be 19 to purchase hands, this is still a great opportunity for kids to come for the ride and enjoy the day with their families. There is no age restriction on meal tickets.” He added, “We are having a supper following the event, tickets must be purchased at registration for the meal.”
“We are very fortunate to have Corrie Strating and Sonia Nutt planning our events. We are looking forward to a great day of riding and dinner. Food will also be available at the Hudson Community Hall for those riders wanting to grab a lunch,” Osmond said.
“If riders would like to join for dinner, they can purchase meal tickets for $10.00/person at registration. Dinner will be served after all hands have been played and winners announced. Trivia game to follow dinner,” Osmond added.
Sixty percent of the funds raised will be paid out in cash. The remaining 40 percent will be used by the club to support trail work, equipment, and club events.
Osmond stated, “I would like to recognize all the volunteers that make our club function. Directors, committee chairs, and everyone who helps with trail work, grooming, equipment maintenance, and everything in between. Without them, we would not have organized snowmobiling in our town. I would also like to acknowledge the landowners and the Municipality of Sioux Lookout for giving the club access to the trails that cross on their property.”
He added, “We are always looking for more volunteers, and it’s a great way for students to get their volunteer hours for high school.”
Osmond concluded, “Please follow us on Facebook for upcoming events, trail reports, and more. We have another exciting upcoming event, our first ever “Pink Warrior Run” on March 7th. This event is for a great cause. Funds raised for that event will stay here locally in town to the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Health Centre Foundation to support funds needed for updating equipment and women’s health. And a great Grand Prize for the “Fort Garry Hotel” Experience for 2. Tickets for this event will be available soon,”