Honkers Host Casino Night

Place Some More of Your Bets

Poker, roulette, blackjack and craps…several ways to test your gaming skills. Area residents came out for a night of casino-oriented fun or just to see if Lady Luck was on their side at the Lamar Elks Lodge this past Saturday, July 16^th.  The Lamar Chamber Honkers decided to hold a casino night some time ago to raise funds to renovate “Feathers” their giant goose decoy that’s been around for about 40 years.  After tragic events developed regarding the VanCampen family, Honkers President, Holly Burton said the group decided to donate a portion of the proceeds to accounts set up at Community State Bank and Lamar Civic Federal Credit Union.

Lisa Carder and Kole Schwarze with Top Winner Troy Branom and Brandy Branom

Gamers could buy a minimum of 200 chips for $20 and win as much as they could to qualify for the top three prizes. The person with the most chips at the end of the night could claim their winnings.  Most people focused their attention on the 21 tables while a few got a free crash course on the fine art of craps before placing their bets, or received a brief explanation on the payout table before going red/black or odd/even or just selecting a lucky roulette number and hoping for the best.

$200 Winner Amy Kessler with Darla Klotz and Toni McPherson

“Feathers” ‘needs a new pair of shoes’, or a facelift or a complete makeover. The giant goose has represented the Honkers, the Chamber and the City of Lamar in numerous parades or has just shown up at various events to highlight the occasion.  But she’s showing her age with drooping eyelids, her blinking red-light eyes no longer light up and what passes for her feathers is actually carpet and is getting a little threadbare.  She’s going to represent the community in this year’s Colorado State Fair Parade at the end of August.  It’s been several years since she’s made an appearance, but she’s still recognized as attendees will occasionally yell out, “Hey Lamar, good to see you up here!” or something to that effect.  There’s also talk that she’s getting in training for competition this fall from a new fowl on the block.  Feathers might be ruffled.

3rd Place Winner Craig Grice with wife, Linda

Congratulations to the winners of the casino night:

Troy and Brandi Branom won first place and received a 52” TV and lounge chair donated by Kactus Furniture, as well as a surround-sound system donated by KVAY radio. Amy Kessler won second prize of $200 and Craig Grice took the third place prize of $100 in Luv Bucks.

The Honkers want to thank all the Elks Lodge volunteers who contributed their time to help create the casino night. There are plans for a bigger and better return event this winter.
By Russ Baldwin