Denise Burnette, 50/50 co-chairperson, left; Jesse Arellano, Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce executive director; and Melanie Saso, 50/50 co-chairperson, kick off the Mendota Sweet Corn Festival 50/50 ticket sales, Feb. 21. (Reporter photo by Jennifer Sommer)

MENDOTA – The Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce is getting an early start on selling Sweet Corn Festival 50/50 tickets in hopes of making this year’s “pot” even bigger. Last year’s winner received a check for $8,003, an increase of $3,866 from the previous year.

For years, the chamber’s main goal has been to sell $10,000 in tickets and were proud to have well surpassed that amount in 2017.

Anytime from now until Aug. 12, you can purchase 30 tickets for $20. Other ticket prices are 1 ticket for $1, 6 for $5, 12 for $10, and 18 for $15.

A special double ticket promotion is being held for the month of March, as well. Buy one ticket, get one free. For $20, instead of 30 tickets, you will have 60 chances to win.

To purchase tickets, stop by the Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce office located within the Mendota City Clerk’s office at 800 Washington St., Mendota; visit www.mendotachamber.com/scf5050 or simply mail a check for the amount you wish to purchase to the chamber office at P.O. Box 620, Mendota IL 61342. Any tickets purchased online or by mailing a check will be filled out by a representative from the chamber and you will be notified that your order has been received and that your tickets are being filled out for you.

In the near future, be on the lookout for the four “Welcome to Mendota” signs to be replaced at the entrances of town from the portion of the 50/50 drawing that the chamber keeps.