Where B14 isn't just a vitamin
October 26, 2025 1:45 PM
A group of friends, a bag of chips and one bingo dauber makes for entertainment even the armed forces approve of.
This deviates to the leisure aspect of sport with bingo, a game that can be traced back to Italy as early as 1530, and takes place twice a week, right here in Antigonish.
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. is where you can find a good percentage of the Antigonish community enjoying a social event, which brings together the elderly, families, couples, youth and even the odd StFX student.
Mary Lowe, a Bingo regular expressed, “I take my mother out every week, and she loves it. I get to see my friends there and even some relatives.”
That being said, the local community enjoys when StFX students, or even youth in general, get involved in their programs. Be it a Ceilidh, recreational sports, or a thrilling game of bingo.
Mary continues to say that in regards to StFX students attending, “I don’t mind at all, the more the merrier!”
The prices are as student friendly as catching a movie or ordering in. The only difference is that you have the chance to win back what you spend, and then some.
A single game costs $2.50, and a four game block costs $10. There are also special games, $1 each, that you can chip in on to have more chances of winning.
Last but definitely not least is the ever elusive, cookie number. This is the highlight of the night and the subject of most of the whispers and mumbles in the bingo hall.
It is $1 to play, and if you happen to get bingo on the cookie number, you win the jackpot.
Just last week a lucky participant won with the cookie number and brought home $9, 500.
The prize for a regular game is $100, and two full card games have prizes of $500.
When asked what keeps her coming back to bingo, Mary said, “It’s relaxing, all that you have on your mind are the numbers. Some people there are uptight about winning, but I’m there for the fun, but winning is a bonus of course!”