Cars cruise into Minden rain or shine during Poker Run

Stormy weather did not affect the Hot August Night Poker Run with more than 300 visitors cruising through Minden Thursday.

“It’s been pretty active,” said Valley Cruiser Car Club member Eric Neusel. “I thought the gas prices over the weather would be an issue, but no people are still stopping by.”

Minden is the third stop on the poker route and known as the “Lunch Stop” where the classic cars and their owners park along Esmeralda Avenue. It’s the only stop along the run where participants can get out of their cars.

Stops include Atlantis Casino resort, Sol Cannabis, Main Street Minden’s Scenic Minden Park, Historic Virginia City and Champion Chevrolet.

Members of the Valley Cruisers Car Club volunteer to deal and direct traffic and it features food, music and unique cars. Gardnerville residents Whitney Lee and her nephew sought out a Red Pontiac.

The boy said he liked it because it is red, and red is his favorite color. Across from the Pontiac was Gardnerville resident Jeff Pisciotta’s 1965 Period Correct Replica by Kirkham.

“It’s a people’s choice car,” said Jeff Pisciotta. “It’s all aluminum with a 427-side oiler. The motor is rare, this one was in a real Cobra in 1965.”

Carson Valley Cruiser Car Club volunteers dealt 425 cards by noon. Participants collect a poker hand by drawing a card at each stop, turning them in at the end of the route for a chance at prizes.

“This is our second time doing the event since COVID and I think it’s been a great turn out,” said Valley Cruisers Car Club member MaryJo Savoy. “People are trying to get out and they want to get out.”