Elusive ace: Lottery saga continues in Bay de Verde as $250K jackpot goes unclaimed

A lottery logjam is showing no signs of ending in Bay de Verde, with the ace of spades failing to show up for yet another week in this seemingly unending chase the ace.

But two lucky participants still walked away with some impressive paydays, and the Roman Catholic parish can expect another influx of money into its rapidly swelling coffers.

Jack of spades spoils the party

Myrtle Clarke of Gull Island purchased the lucky ticket Wednesday night, ensuring her a consolation prize of just over $40,000.

It also earned her the right to pick from the six cards remaining in the game, and with it a chance to win the jackpot of more than $250,000.

But jaws dropped once again as Clarke picked the jack of spades — not the prized ace — ensuring the lottery will continue for at least another week, with just five cards remaining.

Clarke was far from disappointed, however. She jumped inside the massive wooden box containing the thousands of lottery tickets and screamed her heart out.

"I got lots to do with it," she said of her winnings.

Seven children will benefit from 50/50

Tonya O'Neill of Bay Roberts also won big, claiming the more than $22,000 prize in the 50/50 draw.

O'Neill and her husband, Jamie Kelloway, have seven children between them, and the money will come in handy.

"I know it's not like millions of dollars, but for our family, with as many kids as we have, this is amazing," O'Neill said.

"This means a good Christmas for probably the first time ever, and maybe possibly a trip to Ontario to see my step-kids and his kids, which is even better."

More than 3,000 chase the ace hopefuls invaded Bay de Verde Wednesday, some lining up at 9 a.m. in order to buy tickets.

Like the jackpot, the crowds have been growing every week as word spreads, with participants travelling from far and wide.

The influx caused some traffic turmoil, with vehicles lined up for kilometres along the route into town, with every possible parking space occupied.

It was quite a scene for this small and remote fishing village of just 400 or so residents.

A stubborn ace

The atmosphere inside the parish hall as the jackpot total was announced was palpable, with everyone checking their tickets one more time, hoping they had the lucky one.

There was a potential for more than $300,000 in total prize money to be awarded, but a stubborn ace of spades put an end to those dreams.

Organizers are now forced to plan for another invasion into their town next week, though they're far from displeased by the success of the fundraiser.

Heading into Wednesday's chase the ace, the Assumption Parish had already profited several hundred thousand dollars for much-needed repairs and upgrades.

Extra revenue for local businesses

The event has also meant an important boon for the few businesses that operate in Bay de Verde.

"Business has been crazy here all day. We haven't stopped since 11 o'clock this morning," said Pauline Sutton, owner of Jimmy's Bed and Breakfast.

Sutton closed the doors to her restaurant at 7:30 p.m. so she could buy her own chase the ace tickets.

"It's wonderful for the community. For me, it has meant an extra few dollars the last few weeks."

And people can't seem to get enough.

Bev Kearsey was one of the more serious players, planking down $250 on tickets for the chase the ace and 50/50 draws.

"I'm loving it," she said.

When asked how she felt about spending so much money, she replied: "It's only once in a blue moon."

Some Bay de Verde residents were going to great lengths to keep their visitors comfortable.

Many opened their homes for people to use bathrooms or park their vehicles.

And with the threat of rain in the forecast, Elaine Wells even called for some divine intervention by hanging prayer beads on the clothesline.

"Prayer beads on the clothesline means good luck that it's not going to rain," she said, referring to an old folktale.

The move seemed to work, with the precipitation holding off until the draw was concluded.

There's sure to be a few prayers next week as thousands gather once again, chasing that elusive ace.