“BINGO!” exclaimed a young girl last Friday at Woodridge Park. I-21 had been called. This allowed Hailey to achieve the first BINGO of the morning and claim a box of Sour Patch Kids. Shortly after her victory, two additional children attained what Recreation and Arena Supervisor, Brad Muckenhirn termed, “good BINGOs.” Next, following a seemingly infinite third round, one boy secured the win. This pattern proceeded for one hour. Grandparents, parents, babysitters, other guardians, and kids were situated under a pavilion, playing together.

What occurred at Woodridge Park on June 11 was the first in a series of summertime events entitled, “FAB FRIDAYS.” FAB FRIDAYS are sixty-minute gatherings hosted by The City of Cottage Grove’s recreation staff. The locations of these events rotate between Woodridge and Highlands Park. During each session, a scheduled game or craft unfolds. FAB FRIDAYS are free of charge, do not require registration, and are inclusive of all ages. Molly Pietruszewski is the Recreation Services Manager for The City of Cottage Grove. She sat down with The Journal to discuss the essence of FAB FRIDAYS. “So, it’s just a Friday [that is] kind of a way to celebrate the end of the week: get out, enjoy some outside time, have a good time with friends, neighbors, meeting new people at the park, just kind of a way to regroup and end the week.”

Nearly five years ago, The City of Cottage Grove’s Parks and Recreation Department desired to “engage more with the community” in an “inexpensive” manner. Ever since, FAB FRIDAYS have stayed a summer tradition in Cottage Grove.

Months of preparation are invested into FAB FRIDAYS. Pietruszewski demonstrated, “We start planning all of our summer stuff in February and then… hope for the best weather those Fridays that…[we offer activities].”

One thing that the City of Cottage Grove Parks and Recreation Department accounted for while planning FAB FRIDAYS was safety. For instance, during the summer of 2020, they hosted a cautious BINGO game. The players illustrated their own boards with a personal crayon. Then, the tools were disposed of in an attempt to prevent the spread of germs between people. This “COVID-friendly” navigation of BINGO reappeared on Friday. The Parks and Recreation Department reintroduced their typical boards as well.

For those who are considering attending a FAB FRIDAY event, Pietruszewski would direct them to follow her team on social media. The City of Cottage Grove Parks and Recreation Department is known as @CGParksandRec on Facebook. It is on this platform where they notify the public about upcoming events, cancellations due to unruly weather, and the supplies needed for certain FAB FRIDAYS.

Pietruszewski would “encourage” those intrigued by FAB FRIDAYS to check one out. She told The Journal, “We just really encourage people to come out, do something different; try something!”

The Cretzmeyer boys expressed excitement to start Round 1! Photo by Sadie Jones