Pontiac snowmobilers were in all their glory on Saturday, when a Fort Coulonge bar’s poker run was met with the perfect conditions for a day of zipping around the countryside.

With five stops and plenty of kilometres to cover, Donnie’s Pub’s second annual poker run proved a big hit while simultaneously showcasing many local businesses.

After having a hugely successful inaugural event in 2018, pub owner Donald Dubeau and his wife, Angèle Fortin, decided to bring it back for more than one reason.

“It makes a nice day out, you can do it as a family because there’s restaurants you can stop in and it helps all the businesses around,” said Fortin.

She explained that though it is a lot of work to put on, it’s heartening to see it attract so many people to not only the Fort Coulonge business, but those around the Pontiac, too. Whenever someone signs up, she said, she strongly encouraged them to stop at places not only to grab their next card, but a bite to eat or a drink, as well.

“It helps everybody and it’s a day out,” said Fortin. “It’s a lot of organization but lots of fun.”

Right from the get-go, people were itching to hit the road as they raced to the bar to sign up. From Donnie’s Pub participants would head out to Mansfield’s Motel Bowers, the Waltham Station, Campbell’s Bay’s Baie Inn, and Shawville’s Atkinson’s Bar.

But that’s not where the community involvement ends, as Fortin was proud to share that the poker run was lucky to have the support of 71 local sponsors, providing all sorts of gifts and prizes. Not only was most everyone able to take home a gift, but last place wasn’t such a bad spot to be in this year, as one business offered a prize valued at $50 for the unlucky participant.

Meanwhile, Dubeau provided the first place prize, putting up an ice auger valued at $600 for the day’s champ.

First place went to Monique Lavoie with her hand amounting to a flush, while coming second was Shannon Pearson and third, Amy Chasles. The prize for the worst hand went to Lylie Allard.

In total, 72 participants signed up, of which 40 did the run on their snowmobiles.

When all was said and done, Fortin was happy to see so many take part in their event, and looks forward to it growing in the winters to come. Based off the success, she’d like to organize a similar event this coming summer.

“I’d like to do it every year,” she concluded.

The event was privileged to receive the support of 71 different sponsors and featured stops in Mansfield, Waltham, Campbell’s Bay and Shawville.

Register or subscribe to read this content

Thanks for stopping by! This article is available to readers who have created a free account or who subscribe to The Equity.

When you register for free with your email, you get access to a limited number of stories at no cost. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access to everything we publish—and directly support quality local journalism here in the Pontiac.

Register or Subscribe Today!