Every Thursday night, rain or shine, a party mob of friends and strangers gather at Hammaknockers Oasis under the pretense of playing Bingo. We started this custom last fall as a benefit to the FWMA (Florida Wild Mammal Association) and although it enjoyed a rather tenuous existence at first, we have evolved into a Thursday night throwdown.
Several months ago I started doing a large part of the calling and, in so doing, bore the brunt of the heckles and other nonsense that a drinking crowd inflicts upon it’s friends. Rather than taking a grin and bear it approach, I just encouraged it. The atmosphere has evolved into a big party every week with Bingo being the excuse to gather.
When most people hear someone say something about playing Bingo they immediately conjure up an image of 30 seniors quietly staring at their cards searching for the appropriate numbers. I get that look all the time but when I talk someone into joining us on Thursday, they nearly always thank me before they go home and bring a friend back the next week.
The banter gets a little rough around the edges at times but only naughty – never nasty. Our crowd is truly all age. Folks bring kids (I wish they wouldn’t as you must be 18 to play) and we have some in their seventies. Everything in between. The only requirement is to enjoy yourself and spend a few bucks on the cause. If you care to join us you will have a good time, I will see to it. If you can’t come, don’t say I didn’t invite you.
1 response so far ↓
Linda // July 27, 2009 at 3:51 pm |
Sounds like lots of fun……Wish i were close enough to join in…..Who knows, maybe someday.