Tribune photo by Ryan Horne
Both McCrae House and Riverside Park were overflowing with Canadian pride on Sunday. Members of the Royal City Academy of Irish Dance perform at McCrae House. Other performers included the Mary Ellen Cann School of Highland Dance and James Gordon and Sons. Riverside Park. was also a busy place with rides, carnival games, a petting zoo and appearances by members of the Guelph Storm keeping people entertained.
Guelph native Peter Vair was the last one to know that he was a quarter of a million dollars richer.
The 69-year-old Vair won the $250,000 Dream Lottery on Canada Day.
Vair was absent for the draw at Riverside Park, but had family there that was shocked by the announcement.
“The announcer said does anybody know anyone who lives on Carter Drive?” said Vair. “My niece and nephew were like, that’s where Peter lives!”
Vair’s son was at a cottage for the long weekend and found out about the big victory through a friend who was at Riverside.
Vair wasn’t sure to believe the shocking news his family was telling him until the Rotary Club of Guelph called his home and confirmed the lucky win.
Vair retired from National Standards as a millwright when it folded in 1999.
He and his wife, Brenda, are not sure what they will spend the money on, but thinks it won’t be anything too extravagant.
Vair said he doesn’t buy lottery tickets often, but likes to support the Rotary Club of Guelph whenever he has the chance.
“We buy the tickets every year just to support the Rotary since they do such a good job,” he said.
