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Wimauma Park Looks For Jackpot

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By JOHN CEBALLOS

jceballos@tampatrib.com

Published: December 31, 2008

WIMAUMA - It won't be the usual game of poker next month at the Little Manatee River State Park.

Instead of sitting around a casino table and getting their cards from a dealer, players will scour the park's horse and paddling trails in search of the best possible hand.

The park will host its ninth annual Jackpot Poker Ride Hike and Paddle Jan. 10. The event will take place from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., and the winner of the $100 prize will be announced at 2 p.m.

Besides raising money for various park projects, the day will serve as a showcase for the facility.

"We're very proud of the park and we're always very interested in having people who've never been out there before come out," said Cathy Moore, president of the Friends of the Little Manatee River Park, which is organizing the event.

The park features a 61/2-mile wildlife trail for hikers, a 10-mile paddling trail for canoeists and kayakers and 12 miles of equestrian trails.

Participants in the jackpot poker event will collect up to six playing cards in six locations throughout the park. The cards will be in a sealed envelope, so players won't know how great their poker hands are until the winner is announced.

Cards will be placed along the hiking and equestrian trails and inside buckets along the paddling trail.

Players also may purchase additional sealed cards for $1 to improve their chances of walking away with the $100, which was donated by the Canoe Outpost and the Triple B Riding Club.

The Canoe Outpost and the Triple B Riding Club both offer canoeing and horseback riding in nature parks across the state.

Moore said the money raised likely will be used to update the electrical system in the park's laundry room or buy a new computer.

"We're really hoping the weather cooperates for this one," said Moore, who is expecting about 75 participants. "If we get a good day, I think it's going to be a lot of fun."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: The ninth annual Jackpot Poker Ride Hike and Paddle event

WHERE: Little Manatee River State Park, 215 Lightfoot Road, Wimauma

WHEN: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 10

COST: $10 entry fee for the jackpot event

INFORMATION: (813) 677-9291

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555.

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