Emerald green parsons
EZB Publishing, Inc.
The Poker and Casino Night, which took place at the Monticello Opera House, started punctually at 6:00 p.m. with approximately 36 poker players competing for one of the top five winning spots with a total value of over $ 4,000 in prizes. For an entry fee of $ 50, players were given $ 4,250 worth of chips to start their night, plus the option to purchase a $ 1,000 chip for an additional $ 20. Anyone knocked out before 7:00 p.m. had the option to buy back into the game for an additional $ 50.
For the roughly 20 players who played their hand at roulette, blackjack, craps, and the money wheel, their $ 35 game fee gave them $ 200 in play money.
As attendees started their night of casino and poker game, the crowd enjoyed watching the fun. There was a hors d’oevres table for players and non-players that could be enjoyed all night, as well as a cash bar.
About three hours later, the final nine players gathered around the final table to battle for the championship title, which then dwindled to the top 5 still battling to be crowned winners.
When the smoke cleared and the night ended, Angie Cogland was the great Casino Cruise Champion. She went with a $ 1,000 prize package consisting of: a two-day stay at the Golden Nugget in Biloxi, Mississippi, $ 100 hotel credit, a case of bourbon from Monticello Liquors, a bourbon cocktail recipe book from Oh Happy Day gifts and a box of premium cigars from All Realty Services.
Second place went to Donnie Bailey. He won a $ 1,100 “Camo” prize package consisting of: a Ruger, Vaquero 357 Magnum rifle donated by Firebase Robert, Inc gifts and a $ 50 gift card to Trophy Creek Outfitters.
Third place went to Bill Sineath. His total “Family Entertainment” price package of US $ 1,425 included: a 50-inch LG 4K Smart TV from Badcock Home Furnishings & More, an airboat tour at 5 Rivers Airboat Rides, a round of golf for four at Jefferson Country Club, two tickets to Monticello Ghost Tours, family farm tour tickets at Grand Oaks, tickets for two to the North Florida Wildlife Center, and golf balls, a cool box with speaker and dartboard donated by Hardee’s.
Kevin Bass secured fourth place. His Meat Lovers Prize Package was valued at US $ 200 and consisted of: two reserve steaks from Johnston’s Meat Market, a John Wayne Grilling Cookbook and an oven mitt from Oh Happy Day Gifts, a US $ 50 gift certificate for Gulf Coast Lumber and a steak set knife, apron, and BBQ utensils from County Commissioner Chris Tuten.
Lonnie Powell won fifth place. His “Spa Package” was valued at US $ 235 and consisted of: a US $ 30 gift certificate for Taylor Massage, a US $ 50 gift certificate for BeYOUtiful Skin Spa, and a US $ 50 gift certificate for Victoria’s boutique , candle, bath bomb and laundry spray from Soulshine, lotion, soap, slippers and a spa headband from Oh Happy Day Gifts and a bathrobe from The Luckie Pearl.
As a novelty this year, Pat Sarkasian won the $ 150 casino table games prize package, which included a folding cart from Tractor Supply and several plants from Monticello Milling and Simpson Nurseries.
The Chamber would like to express its special thanks to the event sponsor Hurst Boilers; and table sponsors CWR Contracting, Kelly & Kelly Properties, and North Florida Abstract & Title. Thanks also go to: Mafia Pizza for providing pizzas, Tupelo’s Bakery for providing desserts and to the many board members who donated food. Another special thank you goes to the Eric and Amy Paul family for loading the poker tables, dealer chairs, and poker chips and borrowing their popcorn machine.
