2017 Summer Jackpot Giveaway Finalists Split $100,000 at Grand Prize Event

After receiving more than 70,000 entries, the Nebraska Lottery ended its Summer Jackpot contest by handing out a total of $100,000 at an event during the Nebraska State Fair.

The six semifinalists assembled on August 26 to determine their share of the prize money. Each semifinalist was guaranteed to win at least $5,000, with one person taking home the top prize of $50,000.

A series of elimination rounds narrowed the field of contestants down to two: Michelle Schmidt of Omaha, and Carson Blackman of Paxton. In the final round, the contestants played a giant replica of a $50,000 Jackpot Scratch ticket, taking turns selecting one of the 20 play spots then peeling off the sticker to reveal the prize.

After several turns without finding the winning symbol, Blackman stepped up to the ticket and peeled off a sticker to reveal the word “JACKPOT”. A ringing bell and a shower of confetti confirmed that he had won the $50,000 top prize.

The remaining contestants received the following prizes:

• Michelle Schmidt, Omaha: $20,000
• Jeanette Brezina, Papillion: $10,000
• Steve Petersen, Gordon: $8,000
• Debby Rouse, Bellevue: $7,000
• Tamra Woodson, Chadron: $5,000

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Published on 08/28/2017