Bingo nights are back at the New Horizons Senior Centre in Martensville! After a summer break in July and August, when the building is used full-time by a daycare, the popular bi-monthly event is ready to welcome players once again this fall.
The first bingo of the season kicks off this Thursday, September 25th, with games continuing the second and fourth Thursday of each month. While there was discussion about moving to weekly games, New Horizons Senior Centre President Edward Nowakowski noted that additional volunteers would be needed to make that possible.
Attendance has climbed steadily over the past four years. What began with only 20 to 25 players per night now regularly fills the hall with up to 70 participants. Special holiday events, such as the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter “ham or turkey bingos,” are especially popular.
“We’ve had so much support from the community,” Nowakowski. “It’s gotten to the point where we’ve had to turn people away because we simply don’t have enough space. That’s why we always encourage people to come early to get a seat.”
This season brings some fresh additions, including new game variations. One of them, “Line ’Em Up,” is a vertical bingo concept created by Nowakowski himself. Another, Lucky 7, has been updated to include bonus cash prizes. The popular bonanza game will also see a larger payout this year.
In addition to bingo, evenings feature a 50/50 draw, light concessions, and free coffee and tea. Nowakowski noted that although the cash prizes are modest, roughly 50% of the money collected goes back to players, with the remainder covering expenses, and supporting the club and its activities.
Nowakowski stressed that bingo is open to the public, not just members, and that school-aged children accompanied by an adult are welcome.
“We’re not just running bingo, we’re building community,” he said. “It’s a chance for people to come together, laugh, and enjoy themselves. That’s what makes it worthwhile.”
The next special Thanksgiving Ham Bingo is set for October 9th, with another strong turnout expected. Bingo begins at 7:00pm and runs for approximately two hours and costs $15 to participate in all of the games, with an option to purchase additional cards.
The New Horizons Seniors Centre is located at 106 4th Avenue North in Martensville.
