The first H.A.W.G. Waller Poker Run took place at the Flat Rock Rodeo Grounds between Chouteau and Wagoner Oklahoma, on September 13th, 2008, just as Hurricane Ike was making landfall. The day started out with light sprinkling, and it was decided that everything was to be moved under tents. A large circus style tent was brought in for use around the main stage and band area, and smaller tents were put into use for the beer sales, and vendors. The entire experience was a dash from one dry spot to the next, but that didn't stop the fun at all, if anything it added to the sense of enjoyment and purpose of the day. We were there for a reason, to raise money for autistic children and their families, and a few drops of rain weren't about to dash our hopes or stop our efforts...

...the show went on! Bands began playing in the early afternoon, with 'Bad Attitude' kicking off the party. Other bands played throughout the day and into the night, with such great acts as 'WhipperSnapper', 'RainWater'(fitting name), 'HickBilly Splendor', 'David Castro', 'Big Daddy & The Blues Kickers', 'EMH', and 'Driving Rain'(another fitting name), all giving their time, their music, and their best efforts, braving the elements for a good cause.

The winds and rains picked up throughout the day and made for a very muddy experience, but then again, what's a H.A.W.G. Waller without some mud? In fact the mud led to the first H.A.W.G. Waller being very true to it's name, with a ribbon pull from a cow's tail on the slick and sloshy rodeo grounds, to people dancing on the saturated earth, under a tent, to the sounds of music well into the night. All told, we had some fun, raised some money for a good cause, and played in the mud for hours.. .

...what better way to waste our time? In addition to the annual H.A.W.G. Waller Poker Run, which is going on it's fifth year now, we are continuously exploring new ideas and avenues for fund raising. If you would like to volunteer your time, music, or ideas please do not hesitate to contact us.