Elation and exhaustion after McIvers chase the ace win

The madness is over in McIvers.

"It's about time," said a shocked Josh Nash, the Flat Bay man who ended the chase the ace crazeby pulling the ace of spades before a packed crowd Sunday evening, sending the McIvers Community Hall into a frenzy of celebration.

Nash, 34,had onlythree cards to pick from, as the long-running lottery wrapped upon its 50th week.

• McIvers Chase The Ace won, $725K jackpot goes to Flat Bay man

The $725,913 jackpot will be split six ways amongst Nash, his girlfriend and his family.

Although Nash was at a loss for what he would do with his share besides show up for work the next morning at his roofing and contracting business, as usual his partner was already dreaming.

"We're all going todo something fun I guess, maybe take a trip," said Julie MacDonald, beaming from ear to ear.

The McIvers million

But the otherwinnerswere the organizers: the McIvers Come Home Year Committee grosseda little more than$1 million over the course of the lottery.

And when the ace was drawn, perhaps nobody was celebrating more than they were, as the big takehome had begun taking its own toll on the volunteers.

"We're all pretty exhausted with it now," said committee co-chairSterling Lawrence.

Lawrence addedpeople startedsetting up for the draw at 7 a.m. Sunday and didn't pick up the last pieces of trash until well past 10 p.m.

"We've been working really hard, especiallysince May and June when it really went into high gear."

Lawrence estimatedthe group, hoping to make a big splash for the Come Home Year 2017 celebrations, originally set a goalto make between $25,000 and $30,000.

Now the committeefaces a problem most people would love to have: how to spend all that extra cash.

Lawrence said plans are tentative, but include helping out the local fire department, seniors hall,and church.

"That's where it will go, back to the service groups in the community."

While Lawrence figures there will never be a need to hold another chase the ace in McIvers, the committee hopes the community will be up for one more big celebration soon.

"Once we get back together and the dust settles, we're going to plan an appreciate night for the town."