ARNOLD–The annual Devil’s Den Motorcycle Rally is back in Arnold for its 10-year celebration along with concerts, BBQ, raffle, live auction, and the Mike Nelson Memorial Poker Run.
Former board president Mike Nelson began working with Devil’s Den after the event’s first year and played a major role in the annual festivities. He was diagnosed with cancer in the spring of 2020 and passed away in September of last year.
In a 2018 interview with KCNI/KBBN, the late Mike Nelson said the rally is all about fun, friendship, and getting together with the community for people who love music and motorcycles.
“Every year we keep getting bigger and bigger. There’s more people showing up. We’re getting more and more bikes taking the poker run every year,” Nelson said.
Longtime event organizer Heather Hagler has been involved with the Devil’s Den Motorcycle Rally since the beginning and said this year is bittersweet in continuing the traditions, but having to do so without Mike.
“It’s very bittersweet. There’s just so many things that…Mike and I were a pretty big team so a lot of the planning it was Mike and I back and forth. Obviously other board members too but Mike and I had been in it the longest out of everyone. Adding the memorial was just one thing we could do for him,” Hagler told KCNI/KBBN.
The Mike Nelson Memorial Poker Run takes place on Saturday, July 10 and Hagler said it was a well-deserved honor to include Mike’s name. She said the family helped out each year including Mike’s wife, Kendra.
“You know, he had been in it I think nine years. He started after the first year. It was his baby. Like I said, a lot of it was Mike,” Hagler said.
As always, proceeds from this year’s events go to local charities including the TeamMates Mentoring, Autism Awareness, and suicide prevention.
Hagler told KCNI/KBBN most of the Devil’s Den board members volunteer as TeamMates mentors and some money goes toward the scholarship funds.
Funds donated to Autism Awareness go toward the purchase of special items to be used in the classroom—specifically for the SPED program but also for all students to use.
Custer County and surrounding areas also benefit from funds designated to help local families dealing with suicide.
“We help with suicide prevention. We set aside funds to help anyone in the community that has had any issues or that needs a little extra help. Of course we do that all anonymously if a family comes to us and says they need help with maybe expenses they’ve incurred that had something to do with suicide we help that way,” Hagler said.
Below is the schedule of events for this year’s Devil’s Den Motorcycle Rally and Mike Nelson Memorial Poker Run.
Friday, July 9
Gates open at 5 p.m., Biker Games, DJ, Karaoke, Cheap Drinks, Giveaways, Food & Fun
Saturday, July 10
8-10:30 a.m. Breakfast by Arnold After Prom
9-10:30 a.m. Sign up for Poker Run
10-11 a.m. Show & Shine
11 a.m. Blessing of the Bikes
11:15 a.m. National Anthem
11:30 a.m. Poker Run Start
4 p.m. Bar open & BBQ Starts (BBQ and concerts included in poker run, $10 for all others and includes concert)
5:30-6:30 p.m. Announcement of Poker Run Winners, Giveaways, etc.
6:30-8:30 p.m. Cliche’ (Band)
8:30 p.m. 50/50 Raffle Winner, Live Auction, Miss Devil’s Den Contest
9:30 p.m. to ??? Shoot to Thrill (AC/DC Tribute Band)
Coed Sand Volleyball Tournament starts at 9 a.m.
Poker Run Stops
Grazers or Jake’s in Arnold
Fubar in Anselmo
Kinkaider or Legends in Broken Bow
Shotgun Annie’s in Callaway
Last card at Arnold Recreational Area
Admission for Poker Run
Singles: $30
Couples: $50
Concert & BBQ Included
Admission for BBQ & Concert is $10
*10 & under FREE
*Minors 14 and under must leave by 9 p.m.
