The annual Big Valley Elks Turkey bingo brought in some of its biggest numbers in the way of attendance when it was held this past Wednesday, Dec. 14 at the Jubilee Hall.
According to Elks member Lorne Parkin, approximately 100 people came to the hall, not all from the Big Valley area, to try their hand at winning a turkey door prize or a grocery gift card from Sean's No Frills in Stettler.
"It went really, really well," Parkin said. He helped organize both the bingo in Big Valley as well as the one in neighbouring Rumsey.
"It's an annual Elks tradition," he continued. "This year, we inaugurated a new caller, Chris Rowland."
Parkin previously did the calling for several years, but said that it was time for him to put down the Bingo balls and let someone else take over.
"I'm getting too blind to do it," he said with a laugh. "(Rowland) did really well with only a few gaffes and a bit of minor heckling from the crowd."
The event is held as a community evening rather than as a fundraiser, and Parkin said the Elks usually break about even.
"This year, though, I think we'll have a small surplus," he said, noting the money will go back into the community through donations.
This year, the Bingo handed out gift cards as prizes, with hams offered up when there were draws. Several turkeys were awarded as door prizes.
"We had people coming from all over," Parkin said. "Some from Sherwood Park, Morrin, Red Willow, just all over. And of course, our regulars. It was great to see everyone."