By Lion Dan Matten
To The Haldimand Press
HAGERSVILLE — On Thursday, March 9, 2023 we held another draw of our run-away success, the Hagersville Catch the Ace.
We opened doors just before 10:30 a.m. and the sales were unusually strong all through the day until about 6:30 p.m. when it slowed down. We sold over 101,000 tickets and took in over $665,000.
People lined up around the block to purchase tickets – at one point in the day, the line began to double around the block for a second time. —Haldimand Press photo by Mike Renzella.
Glenda Vibar from Niagara was our weekly winner and she had learned about Catch the Ace from a friend. Glenda and her friend were not able to come to Hagersville because of work, but Morris, Glenda’s friend, had a friend in Caledonia who bought tickets for them.
Glenda and Morris made a deal to split the winnings if they should win. Glenda’s ticket was drawn by Rock “N” Ray Michaels, who is not only a radio host on 92.9 The Grand, but also a fellow Hagersville Lion. Glenda and Morris won $133,208. She chose envelope #50 and it was the King of Diamonds, not the Ace of Spades.
I would like to mention the Hagersville Rocks Committee (under the umbrella of the Hagersville Chamber of Commerce) is our partner in running Catch the Ace. They are putting so many volunteer hours into the event and it is so very much appreciated.
The traffic around Hagersville was backed up and the line to buy tickets at one point began to double around the block for a second time. The wait times were often more than an hour long. Despite this, the absolute majority of people were positive and had a smile on their face. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Parking is problematic and some people chose to block driveways and businesses. This is very regrettable.
—photo courtesy of Erie Treasure, Shawn Donato.
Please, when picking your parking spot, make sure you are not blocking or hindering anyone. Quite a few vehicles had to be towed and that takes the joy out of your day. Plus you could have used the money spent on the tow to buy more tickets. Please be respectful and mindful when parking. You will have to walk for 5 or 10 minutes to get to the Hagersville Legion at 5 Alma St.
See you Thursday, March 16 at the Hagersville Legion for our next draw. Tickets are being sold between 10:30 a.m. and 7:50 p.m. Cash only. One ticket is $10 or three for $20. The draw is at 8 p.m. and can be watched live on the ‘Hagersville Lions Club – New Page’ Facebook page.
