Emerald Greene Parsons
ECB Publishing, Inc.
The poker and casino night, which was held at the Monticello Opera House, started promptly at 6 p.m., with approximately 36 poker players seated and anxiously vying for one of the top five winning spots valuing in total of over $4,000 in prizes. For an entrance fee of $50, players were given $4,250 worth of chips to begin their night plus an option to purchase a $1,000 chip for an additional $20. Anyone who busted-out before 7:00 p.m. had the option to rebuy back into the game, for another $50.
For the approximately 20 players that played their hand at Roulette, Blackjack, Craps and the Money Wheel, their $35 playing fee gave them $200 in playing cash.
As the participants began their night of casino and poker playing, bystanders enjoyed standing by and watching the fun. There was a table of hors d’oevres for the players and non-players to enjoy throughout the night, as well as a cash bar.
Approximately three hours later, the final nine players gathered around the final table to vie for the championship title which then dwindled down to the top five still fighting it out to be declared as the winner.
When the smoke cleared and the night ended, Angie Cogland was the grand overall Casino Cruise Champion. She walked away with a $1,000 value prize package consisting of: a two-night stay at the Golden Nugget in Biloxi, Miss., a $100 Property Resort 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.
Coming in second place was Donnie Bailey. He won a $1,100 value “Camo” prize package consisting of: a Ruger, Vaquero 357 Magnum gun donated by Firebase Robert, Inc., a shooting range monthly membership at Robinson's Gunworks, a camo tumbler, camo boxers and shorts donated by Oh Happy Day Gifts and a $50 gift card to Trophy Creek Outfitters.
Winning third place was Bill Sineath. His $1,425 total “Family Entertainment” prize package contained: a 50 in. 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 North Florida Wildlife Center and golf balls, a cooler with speaker and dart board donated by Hardee’s.
Fourth place was won by Kevin Bass. His “Meat Lovers” prize package was valued at $200 and consisted of: two reserve steaks from Johnston's Meat Market, a John Wayne Grilling Cookbook and oven mitt from Oh Happy Day Gifts, a $50 gift certificate to Gulf Coast Lumber and a set of steak knives, grilling apron and BBQ tools given by County Commissioner, Chris Tuten.
Winning fifth place was Lonnie Powell. His “Spa Package” was valued at $235 and consisted of: a $30 gift certificate to Taylor Massage, a $50 gift certificate to BeYOUtiful Skin Spa, a $50 gift certificate to Victoria's Boutique, a candle, bath bomb and linen spray from Soulshine, lotion, soap, slippers and a spa headband from Oh Happy Day Gifts, and a bathrobe from The Luckie Pearl.
New this year, Pat Sarkasian won the casino Table Games prize package, valued at $150, which included a folding cart from Tractor Supply and several plants from Monticello Milling and Simpson Nurseries.
The Chamber would like to extend a special thank you to the event sponsor, Hurst Boilers; and the table sponsors, CWR Contracting, Kelly & Kelly Properties and North Florida Abstract & Title. other thanks go to: Mafia Pizza for providing pizzas, Tupelo’s Bakery for providing desserts and to the many chamber board members that donated food. Another special thanks to the Eric and Amy Paul Family who loaded poker tables, dealer chairs, and poker chips, as well as loaning their popcorn machine.
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