LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Beach Bum |
by Eric Morrison |
It's Bingo Time!
I have volunteered at Delaware's Bingo-a-Go-Go events for several years now, and my feminine alter ego Anita Mann took over as hostess a few months ago. Our most recent bingo event was so much fun that I just had to write about it. In case you are unfamiliar with the very popular Bingo-a-Go-Go, it is a fundraiser that jointly benefits Delaware Pride, The Rainbow Chorale of Delaware, and AIDS Delaware, three GLBT non-profit organizations. Currently, bingo events are held seven times per yearfive in Wilmington at Cranston Heights Fire Hall on Kirkwood Highway, and twice in Rehoboth Beach at the Convention Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the first game is called promptly at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advancehighly recommended, since the events often sell-out. Advance tickets are available at CAMP Rehoboth and through the websites of Delaware Pride or AIDS Delaware. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Each event includes a total of 15 bingo games: 10 "regular" games and 5 "special" games. Prizes for regular games are usually $50 in cash or gift certificates. Four of the five special games have prizes of $75 in cash or gift certificates. During these special games, players must make special shapes on their card such as an "X" or "postage stamps." The final game, a "cover all" game during which players must cover every space on their card, boasts a prize of about $200 in cash and gift certificates. Game prizes are generously donated by local GLBT-friendly businesses and organizations. Attending Bingo-a-Go-Go is a great way to find out about local companies who welcome GLBT patrons. Sponsoring businesses and organizations are encouraged to set up tables at bingo events and distribute information about their services, and many of them offer free product samples, drawings, and discount coupons. The game of bingo itself can be a lot of fun, but Bingo-a-Go-Go offers much more than your average bingo night. Forget that old stereotype about the game being for little old ladies. Each event is attended by GLBT persons and heterosexuals of all ages. Each event also features a theme. Volunteers come dressed for the theme, and players are encouraged to do the same. Some of the outfits are truly a sight to behold! Popular Bingo-a-Go-Go themes include hoe-down, pajama party, beach blanket, 70s night, and holiday themes including Big Bang Bingo for Independence Day, and the wildly popular Halloween bingo. A 50/50 cash drawing is held at each event, and the jackpot really climbs. Last night's winner took home $525, and past 50/50 winners have gone home as much as $1,000 richer. Fun theme prizes are often given for best-dressed players, or just for the heck of it. Bingo events also include hilarious banter between the host and hostess. One woman leaving last night's event commented that she "hadn't laughed that hard in years." Players often bring their own snacks to bingo, and there is also a kitchen selling hot dogs, pretzels, soda, water, and homemade sweet treats. Also, each bingo opens with a special performance by local female impersonators. As hostess, I find Bingo-a-Go-Go events to be quite inspiring. First, it is truly wonderful to attend an event where you don't have to worry if people are going to gawk or comment if you hold your partner's hand. Everyone who comes to bingo supports the GLBT community. Campy humor is in the air, and it's nice to be in a place where you know your jokes and sense of humor will be appreciated. Second, I'm always amazed at the wide diversity of the audiencestraight and gay, young and old, black and whitelooking out on Bingo-a-Go-Go audiences is like looking out on a microcosm of our diverse world. There is a palpable feeling of camaraderie and good will, since everyone is there to have a good time, support three great non-profit organizations, and learn more about local GLBT-friendly businesses and groups. Whether or not you get to victoriously yell "bingo" during the course of the night, you're sure to walk away a winner. Just make sure you don't call a "falsie!" Shout out "bingo" when you don't really have it, and for the rest of the game, you must wear a ratty wig, a crazy hat, a gaudy feather boa, or some other tacky accoutrement you wouldn't want to be caught dead in. I'm often surprised at how the heterosexual audience has grown over the years. Maybe it's a sign of the times and more acceptance of GLBT people, or maybe the word has spread about how fun Bingo-a-Go-Go is. Either way, I cannot help but think that these bingo events have served to open eyes, minds, and hearts. One of my co-workers came to a recent bingo event, and she commented afterwards, "I sat across from a gay couple all night, and they were so nice. I really enjoyed talking to them." My co-worker had never been to a GLBT event in her life, and aside from me, she's had very little exposure to gay people. She also commented that she couldn't get over how comfortable she felt at a "gay event," despite her initial nervousness. She even remarked that she feels more than ever that gay and straight people are basically the same. The more often heterosexual people socialize with us in relaxed situations, the more they realize we have many more commonalities than differences. Who knew that bingo cards and daubers could open eyes, build bridges, and change the world? If you haven't attended a Bingo-a-Go-Go event, or haven't been to one in a while, please check one out! They are truly more exciting than ever. The next event will be held at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center on Saturday, May 24. The theme is "hoe-down," so wear your country best (or worst)! The next Wilmington event will be held on Sunday, July 27, and the theme is "Big Bang Bingo," in honor of the July 4 holiday. Additional 2008 Wilmington bingo events include August 17 ("Back to School Bingo"), and October 26 (Halloween Bingo). To view pictures from past bingo events, visit www. delawarepride.org. To learn more about Bingo-a-Go-Go, feel free to contact me. "Let's play Bingo!" Eric can be reached at anitamann@comcast.net. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 18, No. 04 May 02, 2008 |