Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Get those daubers ready, Wednesday Night Bingo is back at the Napanee Lion’s Club.
The popular game returned earlier this month after a hiatus due to the pandemic. It’s now back with all safety protocols in place.
“It has always been a staple of the community,” said Cynthia Surette of the Napanee Rotary Club. “A time for people come and be social and have a little fun and fellowship and get out of the house. So many of the Bingo players are long-standing attendees who really look forward to Bingo night and we have a lot of fun.”
Bingo is held weekly at the Lion’s Club, though the hosts alternate between the Lion’s Club and the Rotary Club. The games serve as fundraisers for both community charity organizations.
“The Lions and the Rotarians are completely volunteer run organizations,” said Surette. “We give up our time, all the net proceeds go back to the community. The Lions have a great track record when it comes to giving back the community for local initiatives and so does the Rotary Club.”
The weekly grand prize can climb as high as $1,000, provided there are at least 71 participants that week. If there are 70 players or fewer, the grand prize is $500. That measure is in place to ensure the charities can still cover their expenses for the night and bring in some money for their club.
To claim the grand prize, participants must fill up their 24-space Bingo card within 50 numbers called. Each week the grand prize goes unclaimed, the number of calls increases by one to make it a little more likely to happen. The number of calls needed to win the grand prize is indicated on the sign outside the Lion’s Hall with two numbers in the left-hand corner.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the games get underway at 7 p.m. Participants must be double vaccinated, masks must be worn and no outside food or drink is permitted, though the Lion’s canteen is open.
The Lion’s Hall is located at 57 County Rd. 8 in Napanee.