By Rhonda Brown |


Galway Bay Irish Pub is now the home of the beloved Ocean Shores Gay Bingo that has been a monthly event in this past year. Organizer of Out and Older in Ocean Shores group, Gina McCauley, has spent years since moving here doing all she can to bring together the LGBTQ+ community – specifically those “of a certain age” that are a growing population in the area. She originally created the group on meetup.com to “foster community and get to know each other, which can be difficult for LGBTQ folks as we get older and retire to smaller, remote locations.” The main communication for members and events has since moved entirely to their Facebook page and has grown to 132 members, of which many are very active.

Approximately 20 people attended the September 24th Ocean Shores Gay Bingo at Galway Bay Irish Pub in Ocean Shores. Photo by Gina McCauley

With the growing popularity of drag queen bingo in many places, and fond memories of gay bars in seattle having bingo nights, Gina was compelled to organize the monthly bingo game at the Lions Club to continue to bring people together. According to her, “other events we held were intimidating to some individuals who might not know many people here, but this was something we could all attend.” The Lions Club was a great initial location as they were very open and accepting of the event and attendees and had plenty of space. But, as many new ventures sometimes do, there ended up being a few minor issues that needed improvement: some attendees felt it was too chilly, as it is a very large space and takes a lot to heat, and the setup, tear down, food, and drinks had to be entirely handled by organizers and volunteers. With her busy art business and creator of Snooter Doots, other events through Out and Older in Ocean Shores, and other social engagements, it was a lot for Gina to handle at times.

To her, the move to Galway Bay made so much sense: “I wanted to support a gay-owned business as well”. Chris Doyle is the owner, but Christine Turcotte organized this change with Gina and welcomed this new monthly event to their banquet room. Attendance for this last month’s debut was estimated at close to 20 people, with space to accommodate at least 40. Admission will continue to stay at $5 per person, but a lot of great changes come along with the shift in venue. A small bites menu is being developed specially for this event, in addition to their full food and drink menu, to ensure those that might want to save on money are still able to enjoy while they are playing. This also brings the added benefit of being able to have an adult beverage, if you so choose. Because of Washington State Law, no outside food or drinks are allowed.

Galway Bay Irish Pub, www.galwaybayirishpub.com, is located at 880 Point Brown Ave NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569. Photo by Skip Radcliffe

The response has been largely positive. Stephen Gavorcik commented on the Out and Older in Ocean Shores Facebook group page, “Thanks for supporting gay owned businesses. It’s very needed not only everywhere, but our home area of Grays harbor county and Ocean Shores” and plans to attend in the future. “I have attended quite a few bingo parties. I enjoyed this one the best . A much more inviting atmosphere. The option to order food and drink during, I feel was a great addition for those who want to have a snack. It was a great turn out. Looking forward to the next one,” Rick Winningham told our publisher, Mike Schultz.

No matter what, one this is very apparent: Gay Bingo is a great time to be had by all and is not going away any time soon, if ever. It also has wonderful community support from local businesses. Last month’s grand prize (won by Dana Clark) was a $50 gift certificate to Too Cool Sportswear by local realtor Dan Darr, who loves supporting the event because, “it brings all the age groups together in a fun, safe, friendly activity.”

This month is going to be extra special, as it’s Halloween themed and not only will there be bingo, and prizes for winners, but there will also be a prize for best costume donated by a local business. Attendees are asked to bring your own dauber, $5 admission cost, a wrapped <$20 gift that winners will get to choose from, and a love of fun! Games will be at Galway Bay Irish Pub at 880 Point Brown Ave NE, Ocean Shores on Sunday, October 29th , from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.


Rhonda Brown is a contributor to local LGBTQ+ publications in Washington State. She currently resides in Shoreline, WA and continues to work in art restoration and international finance. Her hobbies include kayaking and caring for elderly and disabled pets.
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