By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
Chairs filled quickly at Tulalip Bingo, and the steady rhythm of bingo calls echoed across the room as Tulalip families gathered for the 23rd Annual Tulalip Tribal Bingo Day. Spanning three bingo sessions, the event drew 1,145 tribal members who came out to try their luck at thousands of dollars in cash prizes. From the opening rounds to the final calls, the atmosphere remained lively and welcoming, bringing together generations for friendly competition.
Across all three sessions, excitement built with each number called, as players leaned in, checked their cards, and reacted to near wins and big hits. Cheers and laughter rippled through the crowd as winners claimed their prizes, while others stayed locked in, hopeful their moment was just one number away.
Timothy Madrigal, who attends Tribal Bingo Day each year, was among those celebrating a win. “I’ve never won before,” he said. “When I showed up, I was thinking, this is my year.” He went on to take home $390, but emphasized that the event means more than the prizes. “My favorite part is hanging out with family and friends,” he said. “We go around talking with everyone. We all come out as a group every year.”
For many, the event’s lasting appeal lies in its sense of tradition and togetherness. Dennis Proo, who said he only plays bingo during Tribal Bingo Day, described the gathering as a highlight of the year. “I’m not a big bingo player, but tribal night is awesome,” he said. “You get to see all these tribal members, your family, your friends, it’s just good times,” Proo added that he has attended nearly the entire 23-year run of the event, missing only one year due to travel. He also noted that the occasion draws people back home, sharing that a relative traveled from California to take part in the celebration.
As the final numbers were called and the last prizes were claimed, the energy in the room lingered, carried by smiles, laughter, and conversations that stretched beyond each game. With another successful year in the books, Tulalip Tribal Bingo Day once again brought hundreds together for a day defined by excitement and plenty of winning moments.