Listen Live

Chase the Ace winners ‘still in shock’

A Shellbrook couple who bought Chase the Ace draw tickets online was surprised when an unfamiliar number showed up on their phone’s display. The end result being they had won $1.2 million. 

Over 150,000 people watched the live social media draw for the contest, hosted by Lloydminster Exhibition, but Duane and Janet Nyberg were unaware it was being streamed.

For over 40 weeks, residents watched the draw from the Lloyd Ex to see if the ace of hearts would be selected from the remaining cards.

Viewers heard Duane say he could not be at the Lloydminster Exhibition in 15 minutes to pull one of the seven remaining cards when his ticket was drawn, so a seasoned proxy from last year stepped in to do the honours.

For the second year in a row, John Blair drew the ace of hearts, ending the weeks of community and region participation to select the grand prize winner.

“We are still in shock here,” says Duane. “We’re going to help our kids out, pay some bills and spoil the wife.”

Ray Foy from the Lloydminster Exhibition Association notes this year they had 45 weekly winners leading up to the ace of hearts being drawn.

He is thankful for all of the community support, as this venture started in the height of the pandemic and is in its third season. The money raised from the lottery draw is going to needed projects at the events facility.

“We have put a new roof on the WLS convention centre. It was in need. We have torn down some hangars making room for a future expansion for a campground. We have put in some permanent infrastructure. Examples would be some permanent lighting around wagon camp for the chuckwagons. We have run power and wifi over to the infield tower,” says Foy.

Foy added this enables them to not have to rent all of that equipment.

Overall, he estimates this year the Lloyd Ex stands to benefit by about $1.5 million from the Chase the Ace proceeds.

Gerry Lampow
Gerry Lampow
Gerry has lived in Lloydminster since winter 2010. That detail is important as coming from the Caribbean he did not see green grass until May. Now an Alberta/Western Canada resident, you would be hard-pressed to find a stronger proponent of Lloydminster than the news guy that appreciates a healthy dose of rock music and dress code leather. His mantra is focus on one thing and do it well.
- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Lloydminster RCMP seek help to find missing person

Lloydminster RCMP are asking for your help to find 45-year-old Jennifer Dillon. Jennifer was reported missing on June 28, 2025. Her family have not heard from her in the last couple months and are concerned for her well-being.

LRHG seeks board member

It's a chance to use your talent and give back to the community where housing needs are concerned as a board member-at-large with the Lloydminster Region Housing Group (LRHG).

Heat Warning in effect for Lloydminster and area

Heat Warning - Temperatures reaching 29 degrees Celsius combined with overnight lows near 14 degrees Celsius are expected for the next 2 days.

Have your say in Lloydminster Budget 2026 priorities

With themes like Engage Today - Shape Tomorrow, Investing in a Sustainable Future, and Your Tax Dollars at Work, the City of Lloydminster is inviting you to chime in on the next municipal budget.

Lloydminster spending $150K to get housing projects shovel-ready

Lloydminster City Council is devoting $150,000 to get emergency, transitional, social and affordable housing projects ready to proceed.
- Advertisement -