By Aaron Johnson
The Cincinnati Enquirer

EATON - A fund-raising event Sunday offers a bridge to Southwest Ohio's past.

The covered bridges of Preble County are both the main features and the beneficiaries of Sunday's eighth annual Covered Bridge Poker Run, hosted by the Preble County Historical Society.

"There is a lot of history in the covered bridges here," said Jane Lightner, executive director of the Preble County Historical Society. "They are very nostalgic and part of our past, but they remain right with us even after all these years."

Preble County, a still mostly rural area north of Butler County, boasts seven covered bridges.

Beginning at the Historical Center in Eaton at 1 p.m., each participant will be given a map of the route, which will crisscross the county on a 68-mile trip that includes all seven bridges. At each bridge, the participant gets a playing card. The five best hands of the day will receive prizes.

The proceeds (there is a $4 entry fee for each card player) will go to restoration and upkeep of the bridges, all dating back at least 100 years. The dinosaur of the bunch, Roberts Covered Bridge in Eaton, was built nearly 200 years ago. It has survived countless vandals, a move, and even a burning.

"There is a lot of romanticism involved with (the bridges) and they really show the craftsmanship of woodworkers 100 and 200 years ago," said Stephen Simmons, Preble County Engineer. "That is why they are a high priority to keep in good shape."

A special exhibit of folk art created by Seth Schlotterbeck will be on display and run through Oct. 5. Schlotterbeck was a 29-year Preble County maintenance engineer whose works include photographs, written legends and woodcarvings.

For more information call (937) 787-4256.