Saturday, Nov. 11, will be the 19th year since the inception of the Merrill Poker Run. This year we have a special “Lucky 13” Poker Run. We are adding one more business to make our Lucky 13. Also on Nov. 11, watch for craft festivals at these locations: Good Samaritan/Ministry Health Center has their Holy Bazaar, New Testament Church, Bell Tower, Merrill High School, Les and Jim’s, and St. Francis will also have their Treats and Crafts fair.
The Poker Run has reached 19 years becoming a yearly event bringing the Merrill community unique and fresh Christmas ideas for the coming season. This year, 13 Merrill businesses will bring the Poker Run to the community with prizes over $900.
There is a grand prize of $500, a 1st prize of $150, a 2nd prize of $120, a 3rd prize of $90 and a prize offered by the 13 Merrill businesses for the worst hand. The 13 sponsoring businesses are: Ballyhoos, Miller Home Furnishings, Merrill Boys Basketball, Hargrave’s, Merrill Ace Hardware, Radio Shack, The Fresh Boutique, Courtside Furniture, Brose’s Flower Center, Central Carpet & Flooring, St. Francis Church, Generations Antiques, and Merrill Sheet Metal (we lost Blooming Wishes due to closure). We work together creating fun events for the community.
How does the Poker Run work? Go to anyone of the 13 participating businesses and pick up a game card. Go to each business and receive a stamp (no purchase necessary). At 2 p.m. or later, turn in your game card (must have a minimum of five stamps from five businesses). Get dealt a hand (based on your amount of stamps; five stamps equals five cards and 13 stamps equals 13 cards). The dealer will help you to receive a poker hand with the possibility of getting a Royal Flush.
Each business has Poker Run Specials displaying Christmas items, in-store specials and tasty treats. St. Francis Xavier School is putting on their Christmas Bazaar & Fund Raiser with baked goods and for those with a sweet tooth; candy by the pound.
Check with the participating 13 businesses for more information or watch the Foto News, listen to WJMT, or call the Merrill Chamber of Commerce at 715-536-9474.