Start your holiday festivities with a BYOB Ugly Sweater Bingo Brunch
The BYOB Bingo programs have been so much fun this year, the Forest Preserve District is scheduling one more bingo bonanza complete with brunch and an ugly sweater contest.
BYOB Ugly Sweater Bingo Brunch is set for 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Dec. 8, at Hickory Creek Preserve – Hickory Creek Junction. Bingo will take place under the Hickory Creek Junction shelter.
The free program for ages 21 or older will be entirely outdoors, so bundle up in an ugly sweater and head down to the preserve for some fun, food and prizes. Registration is not required.
“We had a great time at our BYOB Bingo events over the summer and the thought of not offering the program again until June was disappointing, so we’re trying something new and getting festive,” said Em Wilcher, the Forest Preserve’s recreation coordinator.
The program will feature free play and TaCanijo breakfast tacos provided by the District as well as prizes for best dressed, most festive, and crowd favorite. Wilcher encourages attendees to wear fun seasonal sweaters or outfits. Attendees should bring their own beverages (beer or wine only, please, for alcoholic beverages) for the brunch.
In addition to being a lot of fun, the bingo programs also promote camaraderie and community, especially among those who attended multiple programs in the summer, she added.
“And I’m looking forward to seeing our summer regulars from both Prairie Bluff and Hickory Creek preserves out for this program altogether, along with new participants,” Wilcher said. “It’ll be a fun, festive day great for a friend outing to ring in the season.”
Groups can bring other snacks and beverages, and even décor for their seating area.
“Some people even like to bring their own table and chairs,” Wilcher said.
Participants should note the program is entirely outdoors and there is a chance the weather could be very cold or wet. But that isn’t swaying Wilcher, who is hoping for one more bingo bash to close out the year.
“We’re giving December a chance, and hopefully some aspiring prize-winners will too,” she said.