Virtual bingo, drive-by tour cap off Pride Month in Bolingbrook
How do you celebrate Pride Month in a pandemic? Bolingbrook Pride has gotten creative, capping off Pride Month with a virtual bingo fundraiser and a drive-by tour and decorating contest.
Kicking off the celebration is an all-ages Pride Bingo Fundraiser at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 25. Because the game is virtual, long-distance friends and family are invited to join in to show their support for the LGBTQ community.
"Instead of calling out bingo numbers, players will match names of LGBTQ activists, books, movies, and more," explains bingo organizer Josh King-Slowinski. "Virtual bingo was born of a desire to raise awareness and bring the community together for a fun activity while maintaining social distancing and safety around COVID-19."
Next up is "Show Your Pride: Home Edition," from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 28. All Bolingbrook/Romeoville residents are eligible to compete in this home décor contest as they cover their homes in rainbows and love. There will be music, rainbow treats, and more. Passersby can wave to people outside their homes or drive around to check out all the décor.
"We'll offer all the fun of a Pride parade, from the convenience of your own vehicle," says Allaina Humphreys, planning committee co-chair.
To buy bingo boards, message Bolingbrook Pride on Facebook, email josh@bolingbrookpride.org or call 478-BBPRIDE (227-7433).
The first pack of boards is $6, with added packs just $2 for other members of your household. Organizers can still email PDF bingo card packs to players through June 24. Bingo is expected to last between 75 and 90 minutes, and the web link will be emailed to players the morning of June 25.
Bingo prizes include gift cards from Starbucks, McDonald's, Target, and other popular brands. Prizes will be delivered by U.S. Mail.
The June 28 home decorating contest will be judged in three categories:
1. Use of color to show your pride
2. Use of materials: balloons, flags, lights, ribbon, music-the sky's the limit
3. Level of energy and engagement, such as whooping it up and encouraging donations
Judges will award up to 20 points per category, and 1 point for each item picked up for the food drive. (Participants will accept non-perishable food items to be donated to a local food pantry and agree to provide their address so everyone can admire their creations.)
The winner will receive a plaque and two free tickets to the Over the Rainbow Gayla to be held on Sept. 19, a $110 value.
Watch www.bolingbrookpride.org or www.facebook.com/events/301806710858424/# on June 27 for the map listing the locations of decorated homes.