Usually held in August, the EVHS Hoggs for Dogs Motorcycle Poker Run is scheduled for Saturday. If the rainy weather carries over into the weekend, the event will be moved to April 9.
Riders will make five stops along their route through scenic back roads, beginning at Harley-Davidson of Cartersville, 2281 Highway 411, and ending at Tom's Place, 461 Old Mill Place. Stops will be made at USA Cycles, Motorcycle Bob's, Panhead City, the Humane Society and finally at Tom's Place.
At each stop, including Harley-Davidson of Cartersville, riders will collect a playing card. Once all riders arrive at Tom's Place, the riders will show their hands and whoever has the best 5 Card Stud hand will be declared the winner.
Misty Flapjack and the Butterworth Blues Band will be on site to entertain the crowd as a dollar raffle and a 50-50 raffle will be conducted throughout the evening.
Riders will register at Harley-Davidson of Cartersville at 10:30 a.m. and begin the ride at noon. Full festivities are set to run from 4 to 8 p.m. at Tom's Place. The first 20 people to register will be given a free T-shirt. Cash prizes also are available to winners. The first, second, and third best hands and the worst hand also will be awarded.
"You don't have to ride a motorcycle to participate," said Carrie Thomas, EVHS board co-chair. "We've had people come in their cars."
Continuing the event for its sixth year, Tom's Place expresses their support for the society as the idea was originally proposed by the business. "Tom's Place came and wanted to do something for the society and wanted to get involved and this was a way they could help," Thomas said.
"A lot of people who ride are animal lovers," said Bryan Canty, humane society director. "We want the riders to stop at the humane society to see what it is they are helping," said Thomas as she reflected on the inspiration for the various stops along the way.
EVHS' 4,928-square-foot shelter at 36 Ladd's Mountain Road in Cartersville costs about $120,000 per year to manage and is funded solely by private donations, fundraisers and adoption fees. Events such as this are integral to its operation.
For more information, call Beth Cauthen-Tipton at 770-833-4330.