Half Million Dollar Jackpot Tonight At Eldred Legion

Eldred's regular population of 300 will swell to thousands tonight in anticipation of the drawing. The last big Queen of Hearts Drawing at the Eldred American Legion was on Aug. 14, 2018. Covid restrictions stopped the activity until the end of last year.

Dave Lehr, post adjutant, said Monday and he said he and the others with the Legion are excited to have the big drawing again. Jon Baker is commander of the Eldred American Legion Post.

“We put the Queen of Hearts Drawing into hibernation because of COVID-19,” Lehr said. “They lightened up the rules after Christmas and because we had inclement weather, we decided to wait to spring to have another big drawing. There is a lot of excitement about Tuesday’s drawing.”

There will be a lot of food available and the drawing begins at 7 p.m. All tickets must be in the drawing container by 6:45 p.m.

“We will have a limited menu of brats, hot dogs, Sloppy Joes and the Shriners will be outside with pork chops," Lehr said. "Also, a person will sell kettle corn and Pig on the Wing will also be at the park.”

The Legion will have buckets of beer available and there will be many volunteering to help with bar tending because of the crowd.

Jeff Quigley of Murrayville, IL., won the last big prize of $409,908, at the raffle on Aug. 15, 2018.

If the ticket owner isn’t present for the drawing they only receive half of the proceeds, so attendance is vital for the full amount.

Because this drawing is a Draw For A Winner, there will be no customary $500 drawings. There will be a 50/50 Drawing expected to be over $40,000. The gravel lots west of the Legion will be seating areas only for the March 29 drawing, so there will be a lot of standing room availability.

Paid parking may be available in yards and fields around Eldred, Lehr said, because it will be so packed and other parking will be along the highway, but people are encouraged to do it safely off the side of the road.