A Julian store sold a MegaMillions ticket worth nearly $1.3 million, according to California Lottery officials.
While the old mining town of Julian is most known for apple pies and fresh mountain air, locals are now buzzing with the news that someone in their area struck it rich in Friday's lottery.
"I know who won," said Katherine Thompson, a cashier at Mom's Pie. But she would not reveal any names, stating the winners are keeping it quiet for now.
"They looked like deer in headlights cause they were so surprised," said Thompson. She said a local man purchased the ticket, but with another woman's money, so they are sharing the winnings.
The ticket sold at Julian Market and Deli ahead of Friday's drawing matched five of the six lottery numbers.
The winning numbers were 1, 20, 30, 33, 42 and the Mega number 16.
MegaMillions costs $2 to play. The player selects five different numbers from 1 to 70 and one number from 1 to 25. A jackpot is won by matching all six numbers, however, prizes are awarded if a player matches the Mega number or more.
Local
While the two unknown winners lay low, residents of the town are trying to figure out who it could be, and hoping some of the money will be put into the community.
"Wouldn't that be great ... nice to put back to the community," said one local who was happy to hear that a resident had won.
But the mystery couple will not be the only winner. Keith Soria's family, which has owned Julian Market and Deli for 25 years, will take home just over $6,000 for selling the ticket.
Julian is a small community made up of approximately 1,500 residents.
The town is about an hour's drive east of downtown San Diego and draws tourists from all over Southern California during its apple harvest.
The Julian ticket is the only one matching five numbers in Friday’s draw.
Winners of the California Lottery have 180 days to submit their ticket. Unclaimed money goes to the California Department of Education.
