Nix Road Resident Wins Prizes for Best Guess of Milton's Population

Nix Road resident Ferrall Sumrell's guess on Milton's population was barely more than 400 people fewer than the official number from the 2010 Census, which earned him a prize package from local businesses.

Sumrell put in one of the more than 150 entries in the "Guess Milton's Population" game, according to Jason Wright, Milton's Communications manager. His guess was 32,247. The official population was reported as 32,661.

Sumrell said his guess was "pure luck.

"There was no logic to it. I just chose the number," he said.

As winner, Sumrell received a prize package full of goodies from local businesses, including: a gift card from the Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub; a free night at Springhill Suites by Marriott; a gift certificate for Strawberry Fields, A Dana Gallery; a gift certificate for Studio One to One Training; a gift certificate for Atlanta Dog Trainer; a gift certificate for Artfully Blessed; a gift card from Katy's Car Wash; and a gift card from Jon Jones State Farm Insurance.

"My thanks to all of the vendors who supplied the gift cards and discount coupons that were in my gift pack," said Sumrell. "We will make good use of them and will continue to support these vendors."

In second place was Alfred Soldavini with a guess of 32,196. A consolation prize went to Kim Steils, who guessed 32,819 but went over. Both received prize packs from these local businesses, as well.

"We had a great response partly, in my mind, because of this game," said Michele McIntosh-Ross, city planner and Census liaison. "Our aim was to raise awareness of the Census and make sure Milton got an accurate count. Our response rate was above the national average–77 percent versus 74 percent nationally and 70 percent in Fulton County–so we accomplished that mission."