13th Annual Ben Johnson Days
2008
Poker Ride/Walk
November
9th
The fun continues Sunday, November
9th at the Goldfield Ghost Town, 4650 N. Mammoth
Mine Road (4.5 miles North of Apache Junction on SR 88) with the Poker Ride/Walk.
Participants can ride the trail on a horse in the beautiful Goldfield Mountains
or walk around Goldfield Ghost Town to collect five cards. Prizes awarded
for the top three poker hands and low hand. Prize for the highest poker hand
is a saddle. Registration begins at 7:30am and ends at 11am. $30 Entry (includes
lunch). First ride out 8am, last ride out 11am with rides leaving every
half-hour. For those who would like to ride and are horseless, mounts can
be arranged. The horse trailer raffle drawn 4pm.
Tickets Available at:
Mountain View Automotive
205 W. Apache Trail, A.J.
Crazy Horse Saddle Shop
1484 W. Apache Trail #3, A.J.
LV's (Los Vaquero's)
285 N. Apache Trail, A.J.
Apache Propane
1767 S. Wickiup, A.J.
Dash-In
2345 W. Apache Trail (HWY 88), A.J.
Superstition Skies
945 E. Scenic, A.J.
Trail Transmission
11240 E. Apache Trail, A.J.
Last Year's Trailer Winner
Linda Walker (back row center) wins the horse trailer,
raffled at the Ben Johnson Day's 2006 Poker Ride
Last Year's Saddle Winner
Bud wise wins the top prize, a saddle, at the Ben Johnson Day's 2006 Poker
Ride, for the highest poker hand.
Ben Johnson was an honest-to-goodness
Oklahoma cowboy who became an Academy award winner and World Champion Rodeo
Roper (1953). Ben's humanitarian as an organizer of celebrity rodeos to benefit
children was dear to his heart. He competed in his charity rodeo right to
the end (April 8, 1996), and frequently won! Ben took up residence in Mesa,
Arizona and soon adopted Sunshine Acres Children's Home as one of his charities.
Ben spent many hours with the children teaching them to rope. On April 19,
1997 they dedicated the newest facility, the Ben Johnson Memorial
Barn.
Charlotte Holmes, a long time resident
of Apache Junction and founding member of the Goldfield Ghost Riders, contacted
Ben Johnson about having an equestrian charity poker ride at the Goldfield
Ghost Town. Before long, a whole passel of friends wanted to give Ben a helping
hand. In November of 1994, Ben and about 20 of his old acting friends, including
Harry Carey, Jr., rode out of the Goldfield Ghost Town. In all, there were
349 riders giving Ben a helping hand. The proceeds helped the AJ Youth Center
and the Sunshine Acres Children's Home. The Goldfield Ghost Riders officially
formed in 1996 with a nonprofit classification and continues to raise money
for children's charities in the spirit of Ben Johnson.
13th Annual Ben Johnson Day's
2008
Saturday, November
8rd
Fun Gymkhana
Campfire JamFest
Sunday, November
9th
Poker Ride
EVENTS
FRIDAY
NOV 7
-AJ Rodeo Grounds- |
SATURDAY
NOV 8
-AJ Rodeo Grounds- |
SUNDAY
NOV 9
-Goldfield Ghost Town- |
Friday Night JamFest
Featuring-
Main Stage 6pm-9pm
"The Hey
Boyz"
Main Stage 9pm-Midnight
"Belle Union"
(Gates Open at Noon - Admission $10 - RV Parking
$10) |
Fun Gymkhana-
Registration Noon
Starts 1pm
$15 Entry Fee
Spectators FREE
Dry Camping-
$40 Admission Fee
(Includes one RV space AND admission for two to the Saturday Night
JamFest)
Additional Campers
$10 Per Person
Gates Open at Noon-
Open horseshoe pits and volleyball |
Poker Ride/Walk
Registration 7:30am-11am
$30 Entry Fee
(includes lunch)
First ride Out 8am
Last ride out 11am
Rental horses available
Trailer Raffle - 4 p.m. |
For more information, please email
Renee
Wagener or phone 480.650.7586
Thank You Sponsors!
Your generosity and support is overwhelming and greatly
appreciated! |
