DOWNIEVILLE – If protocol holds true, at this time you're supposed to thank all the merchants for their generous donations and the volunteers for their hard, hard work in making the Gallows Poker Run a great success. So thank you all.

Wow, wow, wow: nobody will ever remember except a small few, how much hard work and generosity was put into this event. They will only remember the amazing, spectacular, unforgettable finish of the 2009 Gallows Poker Run.

The scene was right out of the movies: the dealer, LadyFingers Potter, well known for her poker playing victories over the Cincinnati Kid, San Diego Fats and most of all Stovepipe Pete, took her place as the event dealer. Billy Epps, the handsome and stylish Billy Epps, appeared as her tattooed pit boss/bodyguard in the background. With a magician's ease, LadyFingers dealt the hands. It was soon evident a lovely lady by the name of Sylvia C. of Grass Valley had the high hand: two pair, kings over tens. Very ladylike, she kept her composure, knowing there was still time for someone to draw a better hand.

Only one young, slightly cocky gentleman took a chance to relieve Miss Sylvia of her thousand dollar prize money. The ruggedly handsome pit boss decided that in fairness, Miss Sylvia should deal the young man his card.

Ever ladylike she drew the young man an ace, giving him two pair: aces over eights. The look of despair and loss flittered over her beautiful face. But with a little coaxing from her husband, Miss Sylvia gamely decided to buy one more card, hoping for a full house.

Once again the strapping good-looking pit boss decided the young man should deal the lovely lady's card.

All the world became silent, when the cocky young man dealt Miss Sylvia from Grass Valley, California a king, giving her a king high full house and one thousand dollars.

At this writing the crowd is still standing and cheering. LadyFingers Potter noted "I have played with and dealt for the best, but I have never seen anything like that."

With the grace of a Greek god, Billy Epps gave Miss Sylvia her prize and then begged her to adopt him. Sylvia C., Winner of the 2009 Gallows Poker Run.

(Editor's note: In keeping with her day's luck, Mrs. C. declined Billy's offer to extend her family) Wow!

Reprinted from the Mountain Messenger, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009. Story by Billy Epps. Photos by Ken M.

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