By ADIA REYNOLDS
Tiger Media Network
Bingo is more than a nursery rhyme or an activity for the elderly in Hays. Here, it is a widely enjoyed game that incites equal reactions of excitement and competitiveness. In Hays, that five-letter word can be heard shouted across the town.
Heritage Eatery is the most consistent and popular of the many bingo matches around town. They host weekly bingo matches on Wednesdays. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. with snacks, and the games launch into full swing by 6:30 p.m.
FHSU’s Student Government Association (SGA) also hosts Bingo matches frequently; and often at high stakes. Students compete for items of value up to and including the latest PlayStation. In the last year the SGA has hosted three major games of note: two grocery bingos and a Christmas bingo just before winter break.
Grocery bingo is an event designed to feed many of the hungry college students on campus. Winners claimed prizes of ramen, fresh produce, and other grocery items. This month’s grocery bingo doubled in turnout as compared to last year’s, according to Ainsley Green, a participant of both.
“I couldn’t believe how many people turned out,” Green said. “Though I miss how last year they gave out prize tickets just for bringing energy to the game.”
Black Student Union President Genisis Wilson describes her experiences with the game.
“Bingo has always been a good memory for me, from playing it to review for class or playing it to win prizes with my family and community,” she says. “One other reason I chose this game is because you can make it as small or large as you need. It is a very versatile game.”
BSU had planned a Black History Month Bingo for earlier this month, but severe weather forced them to cancel.
The International Business Club will be hosting monthly Sing-o events at Defiance Downtown, in which participants listen to musical clips and identify the title on their bingo board. February was a Valentine’s Day theme, March is “groovy” themed, and April brings the rock ‘n’ roll. These events run from 5-8:00 p.m. More information on these events can be found at Tigerlink.
Jessalyn Kirchhoff, president of the International Business Club (IBC), explains that Sing-o began as a fundraising idea for the IBC.
“I happen to work at Defiance and my boss mentioned that she wanted to start hosting Sing-o here, and I offered to collaborate through the International Business Club,” Kirchhoff said. “I also participated in the Your Voice Through Cancer Bingo in 2022.”
This is an event that is enjoyed across the (bingo) board. Hays residents have single-handedly revived an antique hobby, giving it new life and creating fond memories for all ages.