The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON - Come early, is the advice for those planning to attend the 28th annual Dayton Kiwanis Turkey Bingo on Saturday. Doors to the Dayton Elementary School Multi-Purpose Room open at 3 p.m., but people begin lining up by 9 a.m., according to event chair Ted Paterson.

The first person in line receives a free turkey, but don't worry if you can't get there before the 4 p.m. game start time, because Kiwanis plans to give away at least 130 turkeys to Bingo winners this year before the event ends at 9 p.m.

"This is our biggest fundraiser of the year," Patterson said. Kiwanis raises about $4,000 with their annual Turkey Bingo event, which draws at least 400 players annually and collects 700 to 800 pounds of food product to donate to the local food bank.

Bingo cards are $1 each; 50 games are played. Blackout cards are 50 cents each, but those who bring cans for the food drive receive a free throw-away card.

All prizes are donated by local businesses and residents. Blackout prizes are the most coveted and range, this year, from a $400 gift certificate to the Davenport Hotel in Spokane, to a season pass at Ski Bluewood and an overnight stay at the Dayton Best Western Hotel, to gift certificates redeemable at the Dayton Mercantile, Country Cupboard Bakery and others.

Hamburgers, hot dogs, beverages and baked goods will be available for purchase through the night; and parents can enjoy the free babysitting, provided by the Dayton Middle School Associated Student Body.

Money raised by Kiwanis at this event goes to support local youth, Paterson said. Kiwanis sponsors the Missoula Children's Theater in the summer and the local summer recreation program, helps send students to FBLA competitions, supports local sports and school activities and more to the tune of $12,000 to $14,000 annually, Patterson said.