By Eli LOCKE

Every Saturday, the Early Rodders car club meets at the United Artists Theater in La Cañada.  Although the Early Rodders generally focus on hot rods and muscle cars, any one can bring their vehicle and join in the fun. The Saturday morning car displays last from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and are pretty well attended, thanks to word of mouth and the occasional flier.

But this past Sunday, the Rodders – and supporters – took part in the inaugural Early Rodders Poker Run, which started at the UA Theater. Hosted by Bob Smith Toyota with support by the CV Chamber of Commerce, drivers paid $20 to collect playing cards at several local businesses, then brought their hand to Bob Smith Toyota. The car lot on the south side of Foothill Boulevard had been cleared to accommodate players and their vehicles.

While waiting for everyone to arrive at the lot, participants enjoyed a full breakfast. But a wild card kicker, determined by the spin of a wheel by Mike Smith, kept players on the edge of their seats as they saw their 5 Card Stud fortune come into focus or spin away. In the end, there were nearly a dozen winners who split the pot, which totaled several hundred dollars.

Declared a success, the Early Rodders are planning to hold more poker runs in the future, but whether they are held at Bob Smith or not remains to be seen as the southside lot is currently for sale.

  cv chamber of commerce, Early Rodders, Poker Run