Wanna play?
Ron Larson, owner of FreeN’Fun BarBingo, runs free bingo games at various places across the Chicago area.
Among them: Demma’s Bar, 5805 W. 87th St., Oak Lawn (708-636-1240); Dunagain’s Pub, 90 S. Orchard, Park Forest (708-747-0999); Smokey Barque, 20 Kansas St., Frankfort (815-277-2502) and Sam Buca’s, 12231 S. Harlem Ave, Palos Heights (708-361-1226).
“We’ve built a community around bingo,” Larson said.
His company organizes free games at different locations seven days a week, he said.
“Last year, we gave away $63,000 (in cash and prizes),” he said.
Prizes, which can include gas grills, sky diving sessions and snow blowers, change with the season, he said.
Games are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at Oak Forest Bowl, 15240 S Cicero Ave, Oak Forest (708-687-2000) and Aunt D’s, 8703 95th St., Hickory Hills (708-529-3014).
For a list of all locations and times, go to www.fnfbargame.net.
In addition, several Southland churches, VFWs and schools offer bingo. Here’s help finding one near you:
*Johnson-Phelps VFW Post #5220, 9514 S 52nd Ave., Oak Lawn, 708-423-5220; www.oaklawnvfw.com/bingo.html
Doors open at 4:30 p.m., kitchen opens at 5:30 p.m., serving sloppy joes, egg salad sandwiches, hot dogs and desserts. First game is at 6:30 p.m.
*Park Lawn, 10833 S. LaPorte, Oak Lawn; 708-425-3344; www.parklawn.presencehost.net/events/bingo.html
Games are held in four rooms. Selling begins at 4:30 p.m. and games at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays; selling at 4 p.m. and games at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays; and selling at 10 a.m. and games at 12:15 p.m. on Sundays. Proceeds benefit individuals with developmental disabilities at Park Lawn.
*Queen of Martyrs, Vitha Hall, 10233 S. Central Park, Evergreen Park; 708-423-8110; www.queenofmartyrschurch.com/bingo/
Games begin at 7 p.m. Thursdays. Food is available for purchase.
*Chicago South Elks Lodge, 4428 Midlothian Turnpike, Crestwood; 708-597-7465; www.elks.org/lodges/contactus.cfm?LodgeNumber=1596
Games every Thursday. Early bird starts at 6:30 p.m., regular at 7 p.m. Progressives, food, pulltabs, minimum payout of $2,250 in prizes.
*St. George School, 6700 176th St., Tinley Park; 708-532-2626; www.stgeorgeschool.org/
Bingo is held every Friday. Doors open at 5 p.m., games begin at 7 p.m. Food is available for purchase.
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