Bryan and Cherie Genco were the winners Thursday, when Paper Queen Madison Pope drew their ticket to win $5,000 for the Christmas in the Park raffle.

Kay Kay Varnado called the Gencos to break the news, and she said Bryan Genco was “very happy.”

However, Bogalusa is the big winner.

Col. Bobby Miller, the chairman of the Christmas in the Park Committee said all of the 150 tickets were sold, meaning the group raised $15,000 ($10,000, minus the award money) to buy new ornaments for the annual holiday tradition.

“It was a good drive and the members of the Christmas in the Park committee helped us sell all the tickets and we appreciate their efforts,” Miller said.

Only a day earlier, on Wednesday, the committee had seven tickets left when Bryan Genco called and offered to buy up all the remaining tickets.

Miller had more good news as he reported that the city should have Cassidy Park open and ready for the December celebration.

“They assured us it will be ready,” Miller said.

Earlier in the year, following the March 11 flooding, Miller had settled on moving the event to the smaller Goodyear Park. The Christmas display will open for the 23rd year on Thanksgiving night.

Visitors can either drive through the park, or walk to view the decorations.