The fifth annual Motorcycle Poker Run took place on Saturday to benefit the Honor Flight program, which sends veterans to Washington, D.C. Kiwanis of California helped sponsor the event. Nearly 50 local riders took off from California High School as part of the 130-mile trek through Boonville, Glasgow, Blackwater and Pilot Grove.
Along the way, the riders teamed up with other factions from Sedalia and Columbia. All three groups of riders returned to California at the end of the route. The festivities in California began with Boy Scout Troop 120 raising the flag before the national anthem was performed via trumpet.
"(The poker run) is a passion of mine because my ancestors were WWII veterans," said event organizer Mike Katschman. "My dad and all his brothers were WWII vets.
"(The Honor Flight) is just something that kind of touches you once you see it. Some of the experiences they have on those trips are just unbelievable."
Local spot sponsors for the poker run were Bud and Nancy Bolinger, Bubby and Freda Oliver, Ann M. Perry, Abe Rohrbach, Cargill and Nic Nac Cafe. Door prizes were donated by Burger's Smokehouse, Burger Haus, Jalisco Mexican Restaurant, Connie Katschman, the Rev. Peter Kurowski, Mike and Jane Robertson, Mr. G's, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Sweet Buy & Buy and Double-X Speedway.