400 snowmobilers participate in 29th annual poker run

The Montana Nightriders snowmobile club held their 29th annual Redneck Backwoods Hillbilly Throwdown $1,000 super poker run Saturday. The event is said to be the biggest poker game in Mineral County. Traditionally over 400 participants from all over the Northwest converge on Haugan’s 50,000 Silver Dollar Bar.

The event started at 9 a.m. when snowmobilers lined up in the souvenir shop, waiting to register and get their poker hand. Participants also bought raffle tickets and made donations to the club.

A bonfire was held the night before and the event also included a costume contest. During the bonfire participants toasted the Great Snow God, “Elibomwons” and sacrificed a giant stuffed virgin doll into the flames. The ritual is done in the hopes of good snow for their ride.

The entire run is about 50 miles extending up to Lookout Pass. However, there was a change in the trail this year due to Idaho regulations.

Because part of the trail goes into Idaho, the forest service requested that snowmobilers have a Idaho permit in addition to the Montana permit.

However, many of the riders didn’t want to purchase a permit. Especially if they have a family since it could get expensive, explained Forest Service District Ranger, Carol Johnson. Members of the snowmobile club spoke with the Idaho district and tried to get a one day variance, but officials refused. As a result, the trail running into Idaho was changed and the riders stayed on the Montana side of the mountain.

Once riders left the 50,000 bar, they traveled to the warming shelter for their second draw. Then to Taft, after that the Old Montana Bar in Saltese and back to the 50,000. Once back in Haugan, there were raffles and door prizes in addition the $1,000 poker hand prize. Also, plenty of good food, drink and camaraderie.