The last bike in American Legion Auxiliary Unit 389's seventh annual Poker Run is supposed to be back at the legion post by 5 p.m. Saturday, but the activities in Beverly won't be anywhere close to winding down.
The Legion post, located at 122 Fifth St., is combining some new events - a chili cook-off, live music and a projection screen viewing of the Ohio State football game - with the auxiliary's annual fundraiser. All proceeds will go to Legion and auxiliary projects.
"Some of the Legion members have talked about ... 'hey, can we maybe pull off a chili cook-off this fall?'" said Rhonda Beebe, first vice president of the auxiliary unit. "Our poker run will be ending up when their festivities are just starting."
The portion of Ohio 60 in front of the Legion post will be closed down for about half the day. There is no charge for admission to the afternoon and evening events.
About 25 people have signed up for the chili cook-off and the chance to win the title of "grand champion chili master," said Katie Wainwright, first vice commander of Post 389. More can still sign up as long as they contact Wainwright at (740) 336-8575 by Friday.
Wainwright said she's pleased with the turnout so far.
Fact Box
If you go
What: American Legion Auxiliary Unit 389's seventh annual Poker Run.
When: First bike out at 11 a.m. Saturday, last out at 1 p.m.; last bike in by 5 p.m.
Where: Starts and finishes at American Legion Post 389, 122 Fifth St., Beverly.
Cost: $10 per person or $15 per couple.
For more information: (740) 350-4743 or (740) 607-6556.
What: Inaugural Chili Cook-Off and Rally in the Alley.
When: 4 p.m. Saturday.
Where: American Legion Post 389.
Cost: Admission is free.
Activities: Chili Cook-Off judging starts at 4 p.m., Close Enuff performing from 5 to 7, Ohio State-Wisconsin football game on projection screen at 7:30, Resurrect 27 performing after the game.
For more information: (740) 336-8575.
"I was hoping to get 15, and people have still been calling me and asking for details and if they can still sign up," she said.
A quartet of judges will pick the best overall chili and a runner-up. Those honors will be announced around 5 p.m. A People's Choice Award - based on whose chili garners the most cash donations - will be given out at 7.
Poker run participants will get tickets for food at the cook-off. In addition to the various chilis, barbecue chicken, sloppy joes, hot dogs and more will be for sale.
Close Enuff, a local band that performs classic rock, will be on stage from 5 to 7 p.m. A projection screen will be set up to show the Ohio State-Wisconsin football game, set to start at 7:30 p.m.
After the game, alternative band Resurrect 27 will perform in the Legion post.
"Once the game's over, then people can go right across the street," Beebe said.
Half of the proceeds from the poker run will go to the auxiliary's Toys for Children program that last year provided gifts and food for 68 families and more than 160 kids.
"We provide, typically, two wrapped gifts per child," Beebe said. "There's a food box for each family to pick up also."
The rest of the proceeds will go to other auxiliary service programs.
The later events will benefit Legion programs, including community scholarships and veteran service projects.
