Organizers behind a fundraiser for the House of Flags Museum had hoped to give away an American-made Harley-Davidson Fat Boy motorcycle somewhat fittingly today Flag Day but ticket sales fell short for the fundraiser.

Even so, the raffle, which was changed to a 50/50-prize structure, continued over the weekend and winners will be recognized at the todays drawing at noon at Veterans Memorial Park in Columbus.

We just didnt reach the plateau we needed to get to to give away a Harley, which is really what we wanted to do, said House of Flags Publicity Chairman Otis Livingston. But we havent lost out completely and neither have the people who purchased the tickets. Theres still a nice cash prize that will be awarded to someone.

The first-place winner will receive 96 percent of the prize money, second place will receive 3 percent and third place will get 1 percent.

Livingston estimated that first prize will be around $5,000 or more.

The remaining proceeds will go toward the House of Flags building renovation project. Operators plan to move the museum into the former Columbus Fire Department building from its current location on Green Creek Drive in Columbus.

Livingston said about 80 percent of the funds necessary for the renovation has been raised and construction is expected to begin later this year. The total cost of the project is around $100,000, he said.

Were continuing to seek contributions and seek grants, said Livingston. And we have gotten a lot of support weve got a lot of local plumbers, carpenters, electricians and the like who have already volunteered their time and labor to complete the project. Thats a very big plus for us because were getting a great deal of help at a very low cost.

Livingston also said the group is disappointed that it wont be giving away a motorcycle today, but it wasnt because of a lack of effort in selling the $20 tickets.

We wanted to give away a Harley, and we advertised it extensively on the Internet and there are all kinds of raffles for motorcycles and just for Harleys on the Internet but the response was very, very low, he said.

According to Livingston, a few ticket buyers were disappointed as well, but none have asked for refunds, which are available under certain rules and conditions.

He also believes the struggling economy played the largest role in the groups inability to reach its original goal.

I think the raffle exemplifies the economy, in a sense, Livingston said. A lot of people just didnt have an extra $20 in their pocket for a raffle ticket.

The public is invited to attend the drawing at noon today at Veterans Memorial Park.