Back by popular demand!!!
The 2022 "Grass is a Gas" Poker Run was held on Saturday, September 10th, from 0730 - 1330. The event, sponsored by the Brainerd EAA Chapter 1610, was 100% free to participants.
The start and finish were out of the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport (KBRD). We had 21 aircraft with 39 participants arrive from throughout Minnesota AND North Dakota.
Here, coordinator Mike Petersen is providing the flight briefing regarding the (approximately) 160 NM route between KBRD and the four grass strips: Bowstring Airport (9YO), Remer Airport (52Y), East Gull Lake Airport (9Y2) and Hill City (O7Y).
You probably notice that Mother Nature was very kind to the pilots and crew that day. Clear skies and mild winds prevailed throughout the region.
Aviators arriving Bowstring were marshalled by The Grinch and then treated to a nicely-prepared fish fry breakfast...Walleye, of course...and cinnamon rolls.
Not to be outdone, Remer turned the Poker Run into a community event with a fire truck, ambulance and a free slice of fresh-baked pie for everyone who showed up.
And here are the event volunteers at East Gull Lake and Hill City awaiting to hand out the (possibly) winning card.
Upon their return to KBRD, the cards were turned in, checked and poker hands were posted to the Leader Board.
The first-place hand was FOUR OF A KIND...Four 3's!! This won a Grand Prize... a $100 fuel certificate courtesy of NorthPoint Aviation.
The second-place hand was a HEARTS FLUSH. This also won a Grand Prize... a $100 gift card for food, golf or lodging, courtesy of Maddens of Gull Lake.
The third place hand was THREE OF A KIND...Three Kings!! This won the final Grand Prize... One night lodging and waterpark passes courtesy of Arrowwood Lodge.
In addition to each participant receiving a Swag Bag, 54 door prizes were awarded by a random drawing. Plus, NorthPoint Aviation awarded each participant a $.50 per gallon fuel discount.
EAA Chapter 1610 extends a sincere THANK YOU to all the sponsors who made this event a success and to all the pilots and crew for joining us at KBRD.