Turkey Bingo back in Davenport, Harrington

DAVENPORT—What do you get when you pack hundreds of turkeys, oodles of bags of potatoes, dozens of (L)ions and most locals into one room? No, this isn’t a biology experiment gone horribly wrong. It’s the return of Turkey Bingo, which is this Saturday, Nov. 5 at the local middle school from 2 p.m.-10 p.m.

The event, which is being held for the first time since 2019, is hosted by the Lions Club and features the opportunity to win a good chunk of one’s Thanksgiving dinner.

“This year we’ve got 248 turkeys, 150 hams, 130 pies and 200 bags of potatoes,” organizer Scott Hopkins said.

These delectable delicacies are won through a simple game of bingo, which will run all eight hours of the event. A winning hand means more food in the fridge or pantry.

Bingo cards are sold in bundles of three for $2.

“We’re expecting a big crowd,” Hopkins said.

The unlucky players whose hunger isn’t satisfied through a bingo victory can purchase concession foods such as burgers, hot dogs and pizza.

Concurrently to Turkey Bingo is the raffle, where 70 local businesses have donated a total of 192 prizes to win. Raffle tickets are $1 each and could lead to prizes such as a flatscreen TV, cash, local gift cards and much more.

The raffle drawing begins at 6:30 p.m.

One mustn’t be present for the raffle drawing to win a prize. Winners will be contacted by phone and can pick up their prize near the end of next week from R&H Financial, Hopkins said.

There will be an eyeglasses drop bin for recycling at the event, he added.

Hopkins said profits from the event will go to the Lions Club for community service projects.

Meanwhile in Harrington, The high school FBLA will host a Turkey Bingo night on Sunday, Nov. 6, starting at noon in the Harrington School cafeteria.

Turkey Bingo has been an annual occurrence for over 10 years, minus the pandemic.

"I've been here for ten years and Turkey Bingo has been going on since before that," Kruger said.

Local businesses have donated gift cards for prizes, including Harrington Haus, Post & Office and Carolyn's Bakery, to name a few.

Harrington Homemakers will provide chili with sides such as baked potato and cinnamon rolls.

"We have ten turkeys and six hams," FBLA Adviser Sharon Kruger said.

Kruger said various desserts will be included in the prizes as well.

"We also have various pies and cinnamon rolls," Kruger said.

Bingo starts at 12:30 p.m. A wheel will be provided with prizes on it that participants spin for different options.