Submitted photo Dave Hansen of New Ulm was the grand prize winner in the 4th annual Poker Walk in New Ulm this past May. Pictured above, from left, are Cindy Winters, Dennis Paul - Ameriprise, Crystal Altmann - Ameriprise , Rachel Smith - Ameriprise , Hansen, Jenny Eckstein - Chamber of Commerce and Greg Leuthold - Ameriprise

NEW ULM — The 4th Annual Poker Walk, sponsored by New Ulm Ameriprise Financial, the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce, and Hearts Beat Back: The Heart of New Ulm Project, took place on Fridays throughout the month of May.

The walking routes included 20 local businesses and a total of 74 participating walkers. This year the event also received the attention from KEYC TV as a community wellness initiative.

The coordinators of the event organized the walk to promote wealth and wellness in the community, and to provide a fun venue for people to participate in.

Each Friday in May, Poker Walk participants walked a 1-mile route, which included five different stops at participating businesses who would hand out a playing card. Once five playing cards were collected, participants registered their hand at the Chamber of Commerce. At the end of each Friday, the 4 highest hands received a prize and were entered in to the Grand Prize Drawing for a $250 certificate to be used at a local health club or towards a personal trainer.

The Grand Prize Winner for 2018 is Dave Hansen of New Ulm, who decided to use his money towards his wife’s yoga instructor, Joan Lindholm.

The participating businesses were: David Hirth Agency; Gallery 512 Boutique; New Ulm Turner Hall; Bank Midwest; United Prairie Bank; Chuck Spaeth Ford; Magic Water; Don Sanderson – State Farm; Rooms and Rest; Broadway Chiropractic; MVAC’s Thrift and More; Ahren’s Heating, Inc.; Nicklasson Athletic Company, Inc.; Sister’s Bridal and Tux; and Allina Home Oxygen and Medical Equipment.