$1 including gst
HRA Registration Night ~ story on page 11
Your LOCAL Media since 1918! VOLUME 107: ISSUE 30
www.tofieldmerc.com
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Tofield 4-H holds third annual ground beef bingo
Tofield 4-H members gathered on stage to receive thanks for their contributions to the event. CASSANDRA LUNDBEK PHOTOS Cassandra Lundbek Staff Reporter
The Tofield Community Hall was filled with excited community members last Friday night, Mar. 21, as people gathered for ground beef bingo, hosted by the Tofield 4-H Beef and Multi Club. The event drew a large crowd eager for their chance to bring home 10 pounds of ground beef. “The hall is typically full of supporters from the community. It has become a recognized community event,” said Kari Cameron, poultry leader and club registrar of the 4-H Club. The idea for ground beef bingo started three years ago when two 4-H supporters were chatting after turkey bingo, another annual 4-H event held in November. They noted that not everyone cooks a turkey, but nearly everyone uses ground beef. Their idea took off, and today, the event continues to thrive thanks to community support and sponsors like Tofield Packers and Danny Hooper Edibles, who supplied the beef. Friday’s event saw families and friends eagerly marking their bingo
cards, enjoying refreshments from the concession stand, and taking part in additional raffles for prizes such as gift baskets, gift cards, and more. Tension filled the room during tie-breaking moments, with competitors engaging in one-number showdowns to determine who would be the final winner. The event also marked the first time Tofield 4-H club president took on the role of running the bingo. The games moved quickly, with the first number, N43, being called at 7:30pm and the first winner being announced just a few minutes later. Beyond the fun and friendly competition, ground beef bingo serves as an important fundraiser for the Tofield 4-H Club, with proceeds going towards learning events, activities, and supplies for members. Those looking to support the club beyond bingo night are encouraged to attend the upcoming 4-H Show and Sale on April 28 at the Tofield Arena. “Support the members by coming out to watch the show, buy lunch, sponsor an event, purchase a market animal, or donate to our club,” suggested Cameron.
Participation in 4-H has been shown to have a wide range of benefits. In 2002, the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development showed that youth who participate in the program are twice as likely to take on leadership roles and three times more likely to engage in community service compared to their peers. Members gain practical experience through handson projects, learning how to set goals, plan events, and work collaboratively, all important skills that prepare them for future success in school, careers, and personal endeavors. “4-H members are taught to be self-directed learners, excellent communicators, and to thrive in a team environment. This leads to them having self-confidence in their judgment, ability, and their power to facilitate change,” Cameron stated when asked about the many benefits. Families interested in joining 4-H are encouraged to keep an eye on social media or future issues of the Tofield Mercury for details about the parents’ meeting held each September. The Tofield 4-H Beef & Multi-Club provides project opportunities in
The Tofield Community Hall was filled with excited community members last Friday night, Mar. 21, as people gathered for ground beef bingo, hosted by the Tofield 4-H Beef and Multi Club. The event drew a large crowd eager for their chance to bring home 10 pounds of ground beef.
beef, chicken, and sheep for youth aged 9 to 21. Members are expected to attend monthly meetings and engage in a variety of individual and community-based projects emphasizing the leadership and community skills 4H members are known for. Through their involvement, members also have the chance to showcase their work at local events such as the 4-H Show and Sale.