Honeywood Heritage Nursery held its $10,000 early bird draw Aug. 10 at the Parkside Heritage Centre.
Approximately 30 individuals gathered to enjoy a hamburger and witness the draw.
Ticket verification was completed by promotional co-ordinator Vivian Nemish and appointed auditor Judy Krakalovich. The tickets were placed into the draw barrel by Honeywood Heritage Nursery manager Judy Harley, auditor Judy Krakalovich, Cst. Tyler Haley and Cst. Mike Lien of the Shellbrook RCMP detachment.
The draw was made at precisely 1 p.m. by Cst. Haley. The winning ticket was purchased by Roy W. Johnson of Canwood.
Roy, along with his wife Diane, travelled to Honeywood Heritage Nursery that afternoon to accept the cheque. Roy and Diane operate a grain farming operation in the Canwood district and have always believed in supporting Honeywood Heritage Nursery. When asked about his ticket purchase, he replied he believes in supporting local lotteries not only because the odds of winning are better but also because he believes in local causes such as Honeywood Heritage Nursery.
The excited couple is indecisive as to what they plan to do with the money and jokingly commented their children had hinted at a family trip. "We do like to take winter holidays," replied Roy, adding he is grateful for the win.
Tickets for the Honeywood Heritage Nursery cash lotto grand prize draw of $100,000 and subsidiary prizes will be sold until midnight Sept. 12. The draws will be made Sept. 14, following a three day radio-thon with CJWW Sept. 10, 11 and 12.
"Only 2,500 tickets will be sold with ticket prices at $100 each," commented Honeywood Nursery manager Judy Harley, further explaining, tickets can be purchased at Honeywood Nursery, Parkside General Store, from the directors and by calling the toll-free telephone number 1-855-947-3425.
"The general public is welcome to stop by the centre during the live broadcasts to meet one of the CJWW radio announcers, enjoy some refreshments and purchase a ticket," added Harley.
Honeywood celebrates the rich horticultural heritage of the area and is a testament to the commitment, love and dedication that Dr. Porter displayed with the cultivation and hybridization of lilies, for which he was known worldwide, and his quest to develop hardy fruit varieties for the Canadian prairies.
The funds raised through this lottery will assist with the major upgrades and renovations of the heritage site as well as provide opportunity to maintain the aging equipment.
Some of the major projects include the installation of windows and the refurbishing of the original Porter cabin. Yard and garden maintenance is essential to ensure the grounds are kept in superior condition for public viewing.
"It all comes down to preserving the living legacy of Bert Porter," says Vivian Nemish, promotional co-ordinator for Honeywood Heritage Nursery. "This site is an integral part of the history of horticulture in Saskatchewan. It is one of the few original nurseries that remain in Saskatchewan and should serve as a reminder to our generation and future generations that the fruit we enjoy in our yards and gardens did not just happen but rather developed from years of testing and research."
Designated as a municipal heritage site in 2001 and provincial heritage site in 2007, Honeywood Heritage Nursery is not only considered a destination of preference for weddings but also as an educational tool for horticulturalists, gardeners, landscapers and students of all ages.
