What was expected to be another weekend Bingo outing at the Ozark VFW Post 3246 in Mountain Home turned into a Saturday protest. Participants were informed by a sign on the door stating the VFW was closed to Bingo due to continued “disrespect of VFW laws.”
VFW Commander Bill Bradford says, in an off-air interview, the main rule broken was food being brought into the building. Bradford says the local post passed a rule a long time ago stating outside food is not allowed in the canteen or social room. He says food was constantly brought in for the Bingo events, and as a result, future Bingo events are being cancelled.
Bingo chairman Charles Wensel says nearly 100 potential players took part in the protest after coming to play and being turned away, although by the time KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot News showed up, he says most of the protesters had left. Wensel says he was told to police food being brought in to the VFW hall, but he doesn’t feel that should be his responsibility.
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A spokesperson for the Fraternal Order of Eagles 3183 in Midway says it doesn’t allow outside food, but they do provide snacks and drinks at a fair price.
Wensel says Bingo events at the Mountain Home VFW normally bring in approximately 100 players, and a percentage come from outside the Twin Lakes Area.
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Bradford says for the time being, the Bingo cancellation is permanent. He adds there hasn’t been an opportunity to hold any meetings to discuss the closure.
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