Here at the Office of Community & Fun, we felt it was important to write a post that would make people want to come to Drag Queen Bingo. So we tried, but then we realized that’s like trying to write a post to encourage people to eat candy. EAT CANDY! DRAG BINGO! What more is there to say?

So here’s a video that incorporates candy and queens:

And here are some relevant details: Drag Bingo is coming to Fullsteam this Wednesday at 9 p.m, which makes it the unofficial kick-off to the Month of Awesome aka February here at the tavern. What does that mean for you? It means you should come, if only to bask in the presence of Mary K Mart, Drag Bingo hostess and lady of the hour. As for the bingo, it’s not your grandma’s scene (no disrespect to your grandma… you should bring her too). It’s eight quick rounds of bingo with a break in the middle. No word yet on whether there’s a halftime show. There are definitely prizes involved. The winner of every round gets a $25 gift certificate to Fullsteam. That means free beer!

So, in conclusion, EAT CANDY! DRAG BINGO! FREE BEER (for winners)!

And the fun keeps rolling on…

Oh, February, arguably the most hated month of them all. It’s winter…still. New Years resolutions are crumbling. Valentine’s Day is somewhere between mildly annoying and full-blown stressful, depending on your situation. People say that the best thing about it is that it’s over sooner. Well we thought we’d reclaim poor February and make it the Month of Awesome. Remember when we made 2010 the Year of Awesome? This is like that, but with February.

So what are we going to do?

First, we’re expanding our hours starting February 1st.

Second, we’re revitalizing regular events like Drinks With Fullsteam and Celebrity Trivia (oh yes, stay tuned).

Third, we’re kicking off some brand new monthly fun stuff. Belly Dancing! Drag Bingo!

Did someone say Mardi Gras?

We told February about our plan and it was so excited that it’s giving us an extra day. That’s 29 days of awesome. Wow, February, you never looked so good. Did you do something with your hair? You said you’re just feeling awesome? Awesome! Glad we could help. More Month of Awesome updates are on the way.

Anyone for a game of cards? C.A.R.E. NC is hosting a poker tournament this Saturday at the tavern to benefit the awesome work they do. In case you’re unfamiliar, C.A.R.E. NC started last year with a pretty brilliant idea. They take shelter dogs and train them to be therapeutic companions for senior citizens. Then the dogs visit assisted living facilities and hang out with residents until they’re adopted. Seniors get the amazing benefits of animal companionship, and the dogs’ training makes them better pets. Everyone wins!

You can win too! One of the tournament prizes is a Myrtle Beach vacation! Another is a DPAC VIP package! If you’re not a card shark, there are great raffles to enter too. Local businesses have been donating left and right. Burt’s Bees! Massages! Sports memorabilia! AND word on the street is that Ted from Bottle Revolution is giving a $50 gift card to the person who knocks him out! (No, not literally).

Details: The $50 entry fee gets you 10,000 in chips, a Fullsteam beer, and a t-shirt. Official tournament start time is 1 p.m. Don’t want to play? You can cheer from the sidelines and still make a donation to C.A.R.E. And does it even need to be said that this is a dog-friendly event?* Register at carencinc.org or by calling 919 818 5529.

*Disclaimer: Dogs cannot actually enter the tournament

The Hog Slop String band is seven unkempt (their word!) dudes, two fiddles, a banjo, a guitar, a mandolin, a washboard, and a washtub bass. I was not familiar with the washtub bass, so I looked for a picture:

Not a member of The Hog Slop String Band

And in case you haven’t square danced in a little while or, um, ever, here are some tips I’ve compiled:

1. Old-timey apparel is always encouraged
2. Eye contact with your partner will add to your dancing pleasure.
3. Avoid the grip of death. A gentle handhold is all that’s required. Don’t hold onto someone’s hand if they’re trying to get away, even if you’re sure that they’re not supposed to.
4. Personal cleanliness is important. If possible always shower or bathe.  Avoid eating garlic or other offenders before attending a dance.
5. No durian fruit either.
6. Be a proud dancer. Keep a loose relaxed feeling and enjoy the music and calls.

So grab your partner, or bring a few! The fun starts at 8 p.m., and the show is free. Of course we hope you’ll tip the band.

Check out the delicious-looking menu for this Tuesday’s beer dinner at Weathervane in Chapel Hill! This time last year, we had a fantastic beer dinner at the restaurant, which is affiliated with the great Southern emporium A Southern Season. We’re pleased to introduce a few additional beers to the mix this year, and excited to play host to a large crowd.

Unfortunately, the crowd is so large that the dinner is sold out. So unless you have a reservation or just enjoy reading menus, you may not want to read further. Stay tuned for more events like this…