Winning “surreal” when Ace was pulled

The Ace of Hearts was drawn in the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association’s Chase the Ace last week making one person richer.

Marilyn Napper is celebrating a big win being nearly a quarter-million-dollars richer because of it.

Napper was sitting in her home north of Lashburn when her phone rang last week. She noticed it was coming from the Lloyd Ex and her initial thought was, wonder what is going on now.

“It was surreal! I was just sitting there, minding my own business when I got the call from Lloyd Ex. Dallas (Eaket) told me I’d won $20,000 from the weekly jackpot. I was shocked! They asked if I could get to the office in 15 minutes, and I told them it’d take me at least 20.”

Shortly after they called back.

“They said, ‘guess what?’ I couldn’t believe it,” she recounted. “I told my son, and he just laughed and laughed—it was such a surreal moment. It really took a while to sink in!”

Napper is an avid supporter of the Lloyd Ex and volunteers with the organization; it’s why she chooses to support the facility. She recounted her grandaughter had some ideas about what she could do with the money.

Well, my granddaughter suggested I buy a new microwave, and I plan to do that—it’s definitely needed,” said Napper. “I’ve also been considering purchasing a quad or an SUV for the farm, but I’ve decided on a John Deere Gator. I’m hoping it’ll last for many years.”

Home renovations, an upcoming trip to California and putting some money away are also in the cards for the winner. She explained why it was important to her to support the Lloyd Ex.

“I have a vested interest in the Lloyd Ex. I’m a volunteer here and participate in many activities,” said Napper. “I’m also hoping we can establish an equine center. I’m part of the Light Horse Committee, and my passion lies in equestrian and Western events.”

She hopes one day they can build an equestrian centre on the property.

It’s that support from the community the Exhibition relies on.

“It means everything. Without the community, we wouldn’t have this raffle,” said finance manager Stacey Cadzo. “We’re incredibly grateful for their support. It’s because of the community that this raffle is successful, and it’s wonderful to see everyone come together for it.”

In the past the funds from this draw have gone to lighting, barn renovations and other improvements on the compound. This year, it isn’t much different.

“We’re focusing on capital expansion and repairs,” said Cadzo. “For example, we’ll be looking into conceptual drawings and other updates.”

Although this year’s draw is in the books, if you would like to support the association, you can always head over to their website for more information.

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Dan Gray
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