Photo: (Foreground) First Place Winner, Laurence Jaques; (Background) Second Place Winner, Ted Wagner

Silver City, NM — July 29, 2014

The 2014 CLAY Festival, a Silver City Arts & Cultural District Signature Event, held its second annual CLAY Poker Tournament Fundraiser last Saturday. Beginning with 34 players, the event kicked off to an exciting start at 3:00 PM with the final hand dealt just after 8:00 PM.

Throughout the tournament, family and friends gathered around tables to watch the action, adding to the energy of the event. The fun continued outside on the patio with wood-fired pizza provided by Floyd and Faye McCalmont of Pig Iron Pizza, music, and a full cash bar by W & N Enterprises.

Taking first place was out-of-towner, Laurence Jaques, winning a week-long stay at the Raintree Cimarron Golf Resort in Palm Springs, California. Second was Terry Wagner, choosing the seven day vacation at a condo resort in Sedona, Arizona. Brian Dolton finished third, claiming $150 in MainStreet gift certificates. Fourth place was Amber Rheubottom, selecting a two-night stay at Little Toad Creek Inn & Tavern. Mayor Mike Morones took fifth, winning $500 to Syzygy Tile. Sixth place and $100 to Manzanita Ridge was awarded to Chris Evans followed by Wesley Farris taking seventh and $75 to Diane's Restaurant. Marcos Marquez took eighth and a $50 gift card to Mountain Ridge Ace Hardware. Ninth place went to Wendy Phillips who chose a haircut and massage from Curl Up & Dye Salon. Linda Gagnon finished out the final table, taking tenth place and a gift basket from Single Socks Thrift Store.

This event is the first of many for the 2014 CLAY Festival. For further details on free youth activities, gallery exhibitions and receptions, a street dance, workshops, and downtown activities, visit www.clayfestival.com. CLAY wishes to thank all sponsors who made this year's CLAY Poker Tournament Fundraiser possible.