Floyd Wogan of Edison says he hasn’t missed a ‘Bingo Night’ at McDonald’s in Mount Gilead since they started last year.

He’s here at every one and even came in the same day he had surgery. Wogan said game winners get a free sandwich, but he’s really here for the fun of it.

Bonnie Belden sat next to Wogan’s table and she added that you can get a free ice cream at half time and it’s free to play Bingo. She too said it’s the fun and fellowship that brings her to McDonald’s every Thursday evening from 5-8 p.m.

Four friends claim a corner table every Thursday at Bingo Night. They met at Bingo Night and said the round corner table is the most comfortable one. Rosie Dye worked as hostess for nine years at McDonald’s and came to Bingo Night where she met Mary Jo Richardson, Lou Ann Wendel and Pam Frysinger. Wendel and Frysinger are Mother and daughter and Frysinger is a Cardington teacher who also enjoys McTeachers’ Night at the restaurant.

“We always have lots of laughs here,” commented Wendel. “We all went to Pigeon Forge together this year too.”

McDonald’s General Manager, Deidre McCotter got the idea for Bingo Night last year and started with just 10 or 12 customers.

The evening has grown to a group of 40 to 50 regular, who win free food items with their cards. They haven’t advertised for the event at all – news about it has spread by word of mouth.

McCotter said that 79 percent of the Mount Gilead McDonald business is through the drive through.

The staff was looking for ways to increase their inside restaurant business and she’s glad that the community has supported the bingo.

There is also a loyal group of senior men who come in for breakfast and coffee every morning.

“We want our McDonald’s to be a place where the community can come together for good food and fun,” McCotter said.

Alberta Stojkovic | The Sentinel In the foreground Joyce Whitt and Charles E. Ditty, Sr. concentrate on their card at McDonald’s Bingo Night. Brittany Schuller calls the numbers.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2016/05/web1_DSCN9046.jpgAlberta Stojkovic | The Sentinel In the foreground Joyce Whitt and Charles E. Ditty, Sr. concentrate on their card at McDonald’s Bingo Night. Brittany Schuller calls the numbers.

Alberta Stojkovic | The Sentinel Four friends enjoy laughs at Bingo Night. From left: Mary Jo Richardson, Rosie Dye, Pam Frysinger and Lou Ann Wendel.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2016/05/web1_DSCN9041.jpgAlberta Stojkovic | The Sentinel Four friends enjoy laughs at Bingo Night. From left: Mary Jo Richardson, Rosie Dye, Pam Frysinger and Lou Ann Wendel.
As event spreads by word of mouth

By Alberta Stojkovic

The Sentinel

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