CRESTVIEW — There is a number of activities scheduled this weekend in North Okaloosa County.
Poker Run
The Iron Order Motorcycle Club of Crestview's 2nd Annual Poker Run on Saturday benefits the Families First Network of Lakeview.
The run starts at Hot Spot Cigars and Coffee, 5155 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview, and finishes at Split Oaks Saloon, 892 W. James Lee Blvd.Registration begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at the start site.The cost is $15 per rider, and $5 for an additional poker hand.
We've already seen how the club helps the organization, members said. A large portion of the $1,700 accumulated from last year's fundraiser helped bring 3-year-old Emmanuel Menz back home, according to Families First representative Mary Culbertson.
The boy was kidnapped March 6 from a South Ferdon Boulevard fast food restaurant, according to Crestview police.
Club funds paid for airfare after authorities recovered Emmanuel and his alleged kidnappers in Henderson, Nev. Karl Menz and Virgina Lynch are in custody in connection with the case after an almost month-long search.
"We paid for the social worker to go up there and pick (the boy) up (and bring him back)," David "Pothole" Trafford, event organizer, said.
For Saturday's run, participants can make five stops, select a five-card hand and earn prizes for the best and worst poker hand. During the final stop at Split Oaks Saloon, there will be a raffle, 50-50 auction, live music and food.
In addition, nearly $30,000 worth of prizes, donated by area restaurants and businesses will be available, Trafford said.
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Relay For Life
Crestview’s American Cancer Society Relay For Life organizers are still accepting last-minute team sign-ups and sponsors for this weekend's main event.
Thirty-seven teams and 269 participants have been raising funds for months with yard sales and other activities in preparation for the main event, which takes place Friday through Saturday, beginning at 6 p.m., at Shoal River Middle School, 3200 E. Redstone Ave., Crestview.
“The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement symbolizes hope and our shared goal to end a disease that threatens the lives of so many people we love,” Loney Whitley, the local fundraiser’s event co-chair, said.
The event will include an opening ceremony, live music, a luminaria ceremony commemorating those affected by cancer, food, a spirit points competition and closing ceremonies at 6 a.m. Through the event, residents can walk a track in support of fighting cancer and funding research.
Contact event co-chairs Megan Bowersox, 603- 2002, or Loney Whitley, 603-3500, for more details.
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Healthy Kids Day
The Crestview YMCA will present health awareness activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 298 N. Wilson St., Crestview.
Healthy Kids Day will feature a bouncy house and blood donation vehicle; admission is free.
"Healthy Kids Day is the Y's national initiative to improve the health and well-being of families, featuring fun, active play and educational activities to help kids be healthy and reach their full potential," an event spokesperson said.
The event precedes the YMCA's Family Strong Festival, a fundraiser scheduled for 2-5 p.m. Sunday at Old Warrior Ranch, 3229 Audrey Drive, between Auburn and Garden City.
Tickets cost $5 each and are free for children under 3 years old. Tickets are available at the gate or at the YMCA.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Poker run, Relay For Life and Healthy Kids Day among NWF events