Census game winner announced.

Ferrall Sumrell closest to Milton's 32,661 total
Milton resident Ferrall Sumrell, pictured with planner Michele McIntosh-Ross, won the city's "Guess Milton's Population Game," which sought to raise Census awareness.

By Accessmilton.com

MILTON, Ga., April 8, 2011 - With more than 150 entries and guesses ranging from 929 to 219,000 people, the "Guess Milton's Population" game came to a close last week. And the winner is (drum roll please) ... Ferrall Sumrell.

The longtime Nix Road resident got closest to the 2010 Census population number for the City of Milton without going over. Sumrell guessed 32,247; the Census reported 32,661.

Click here for more information from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Sumrell said his guess was "pure luck."

"There was no logic to it," he said. I just chose the number."
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 unfortunately 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."
Incorporated on Dec. 1, 2006, the City of Milton is a distinctive community that embraces small-town life and heritage while preserving and enhancing the city's rural character. The City of Milton is committed to maintaining the unique quality of life for its constituents while efficiently delivering essential services to residents and businesses in an interactive community environment. For more information, visit www.cityofmiltonga.us, or call 678-242-2500.