Tavistock resident wins Shakespeare Field Day 50/50 jackpot

Shakespeare Field Day chair Deb Bell, left, presents a cheque for $2,365 to 50/50 draw winner Lindsay Weicker during a presentation at the Shakespeare ballpark on Monday evening. Joining them is Shakespeare Community Athletic Association president Paul Bender. In the background is Weicker's daughter, Leah, a member of the U15 Shakespeare Falcons, who helped sell tickets for the fundraiser. The Falcons went on to win their game by a wide margin. Gary West photo

By Gary West

A Tavistock resident is heading into summer with some extra spending money after winning the Shakespeare Community Athletic Association's (SCAA) Field Day 50/50 draw.

Lindsay Weicker was presented with a cheque for $2,365 Monday evening at the Shakespeare ballpark after her ticket was selected as the winning entry.

The 2026 edition of Shakespeare Field Day attracted one of its largest crowds in recent years, helping boost ticket sales for the annual fundraiser.

Weicker's daughter, Leah, plays for the U15 Shakespeare Falcons softball team. Like many of the association's young athletes, Leah helped sell 50/50 tickets as part of a fundraising effort to support the purchase of equipment for local ball programs.

A smiling Weicker said she had never won a prize of this size before.

The timing couldn't have been better for the family, which is planning a trip to Canada's East Coast this summer to visit relatives in Newfoundland.

Weicker, a Grade 1 teacher at Forest Glen Public School in New Hamburg, said the winnings will help make the family vacation even more enjoyable.

Her husband, Adam, and the couple's two children were also excited about the unexpected bonus as they prepare for their summer travels.

Funds raised through the 50/50 draw help support the Shakespeare Community Athletic Association and its ongoing efforts to provide equipment and opportunities for local athletes.