By Andrew Gobin
An event to just have fun, make a little extra cash, and remember how far the Tulalip Tribes has come, the annual tribal member bingo celebration is always a crowded event. This year marks 13 years since the new bingo hall opened, though it is only the second year that the celebration was held in two separate sessions, so that twice as many people could attend. Both sessions were packed with eager players enjoying free bingo and entering into a drawing for a variety of prizes. Some players even brought lucky bingo daubers and had lined them on the table in front of them, waiting to blot out a win.
Tulalip elder Norma Comenote said, “I’ve never won here, but I come every year. It’s good to visit with everyone, my friends and family, and all my relatives. It’s all about having fun.”
You can’t really go wrong with free bingo, a free raffle, and good company, but some players still had their eyes on the prize.
“I’m just waiting for that $2000 cash raffle win,” said Breland Joseph.
Players could win a Pendelton blanket with a card underneath in the raffle. The card had another prize written on it. Winners chose a blanket with the hopes of scoring the big cash payouts or a big screen TV. Unfortunately for Breland, no sooner had he said he was going to win the $2000 prize, when the next raffle winner swooped it out from under a blanket.
The evening was full of laughter and fun. Bingo Manager Tammy Taylor had the honor of hosting the celebration this year, though she had some pretty big shoes to fill.
“I just want to say I’m honored to be here, but I think we all miss Mel Sheldon. He hosted tribal bingo night every year, and always kept us laughing with his antics at the mic. I invited him again this year but he was unable to attend,” she said.
The Tulalip Bingo Night brings people together to enjoy time with friends and family, sharing a meal and an evening of frivolity.
Andrew Gobin is a reporter with the See-Yaht-Sub, a publication of the Tulalip Tribes Communications Department.
Email: agobin@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
Phone: (360) 716.4188