James Nelson holds up the opened lock to the chest that held the key to this year's summer free ride. (paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

By Nick Nielsen

Come on and take a free ride!

Summer Free Ride 2025 comes to an end

Aug 23, 2025 | 4:37 PM

The lawn in front of the Knotty Pine Bistro out in Little Red Park saw 101 qualifiers come surround the custom painted 2014 GMC Sierra that Beach Radio announcers have been driving around throughout the summer, all hoping they would be the lucky ones to drive that truck home.

With the keys to the truck locked in a locked chest, qualifiers were randomly called up one by one to pull a numbered key out of a bag, and then try and use that key to open the lock. It wasn’t until the 25th qualifier came to the stage, and after pulling key #62, James Nelson was the lucky one to open the lock and take home the truck.

“I knew I’d get a chance at a key, but it’s just the luck of the drawing. I had no idea that I would be walking away with a new vehicle.”

Funnily enough, this isn’t the first time Nelson’s family has won a free truck. In 2014, he and his wife had bought a ticket through their local church, Sacred Heart Cathedral, and they end winning a Dodge Ram that year.

Now that vehicle is starting to get worn down, so winning the truck this year is going to be a major expense off the shoulders of Nelson and his family.

Seniors Scene

Christmas is Coming

9h ago

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

12 Best Tips to Spend Less at Christmas

Nov 18, 2025

“It gives me a little bit more freedom. My truck is starting to give me some troubles, so this is something new to drive.”

Nelson also took home a brand new Giant Mountain Bike, a Blackstone Portable Grill, a $500 Meat Package, a Studded Winter Tire Package, and more.

James Nelson sits in his new truck for the first time alongside Beach Radio Morning Show Host Lew Harrison. (paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)

This is the 15th year of the Summer Free Ride contest in Prince Albert, but it takes a lot just to put together. Retail Sales Supervisor for Beach Radio Jocelyn Zawacki shared her appreciation for the generosity of the sponsors to help put on the contest.

“We couldn’t do this contest without the support of our local sponsors. Every year we’re blown away by the support we receive from them.”

• Westview Steering & Brake
• R&W Custom Collision
• TR Spring & Align
• Ben’s Auto & House Glass
• Evergreen Nissan
• Fresh Air Experience
• TEK Auto Repair
• Wicks Detailing
• Lake Country Co-op
• PA Wand Wash
• PA Soundworks
• Sign Universe
• RONA Prince Albert
• NAPA Auto Parts
• Parkland Meats
• Affinity Insurance
• Knotty Pine Bistro
• 2^nd Ave Tire & Auto
• Truck Outfitters
• EXP Realty Rick & Brooklyn Valcourt
• Living Skies Window Tint
• Mann Northway GM
• Mini Mall Storage
• Pharmasave Downtown
  A look at the crowd gathered around to see who would win this year’s Summer Free Ride. (paNOW Staff/Nick Nielsen)