Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey wrote the event report and took the photos. Captions were supplied by Karla Burn.
The Whiteside County Fairgrounds, in Morrison, IL, was the site on Saturday, September 9, 2022, for a second “Boogie Woogie Bingo” event this year. If you are like this author, you are asking questions to seek clarification.
”What is Boogie Woogie Bingo? Why are people gathering at the fairgrounds to play it?”
Allow me a chance to add some clarification to this writing. Boogie Woogie Bingo is an organized event designed for adult entertainment and socializing. The public is invited to invest in sharing a delicious menu of pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans, chips, and a Thicksen’s Popcorn Bucket, prior to turning their attention to the Yaklich Brothers (Brian and Brad) for the evening’s attraction.
Attendees gather as table groups of any size and listen, as Brian emcees the playing of continuous 45 rpm records and tapes. Upon recognition of the song, a dog treat is placed by each player on their Bingo card. It carries the many song titles anticipated for each game. Brad continues to play musical selections until a shout of “BINGO!” is heard. Their board is verified as accurate, and a winner is declared. A prize is chosen, and another game commences.
Rounds take place among the sounds of laughter and socializing that usually
accompanies such a group of fun-loving friends and community-interested individuals. The evening continues with intermittent breaks between games. They feature 50/50 raffles and dessert auctions of “sweet tooth cravings” donated by Morrison bakers.
Now, you must be asking, “who is organizing the evening of fun?” and “how are the funds being used?” The planning of Boogie Woogie Bingo is through members of a community group of volunteers known as “On The Move with Parks and Rec.” Their rewards for the effort and volunteer hours are used to improve the attractiveness of Morrison. They recently introduced the opening of a new Bark Park that is greatly appreciated by animal owners of the community.
Upon finalizing details of this major project, their funding needs and actions will focus on improving the children’s play equipment located in various City parks.
The needs of a community are ever-growing. To have a group of volunteers that love their town and wish to generate funds and extend efforts to maintain and improve its attractiveness is very special. The “On The Move with Parks and Rec” committee welcomes donations to assist their projects. They also invite citizens to monitor their progress and join in the building of tomorrow’s Morrison.
Boogie Woogie Bingo players.
DJ Brian Yaklich on the microphone.
“YMCA” dancers.
Trevan Burn and Charla Olson from On the Move with Parks and Rec, singing their hearts out!
Group line dancing.
