If you're looking for a unique and fun way to spend your Friday night, why not head to your local meat raffle? Meat raffles are a long-time tradition in Minnesota, providing an excellent opportunity for charitable gambling while potentially winning some delicious raw meat.
If you've never attended a meat raffle before, we've compiled a guide to help you get started.
Where to Go?
First and foremost, you need to find your local meat raffle. We've compiled a list of local meat raffles held on Fridays in the Nisswa and Brainerd Lakes Area. However, locations and times are subject to change, so be sure to check ahead of time.
Updated:5/10/2024
Time – 4:30pm
Location: 25807 Main St., Nisswa, MN 56468
Time – 5:00pm
Location: 31094 Front Street, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
Time - 5:00pm
400 Front St S, Pine River, MN 56474
Time – 5:00 PM
Location: 3341 Veterans St , Jenkins, MN
Time – 5:30pm
Location: 30279 Airport Road, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
Time – 5:30pm
Location: 708 Front St., Brainerd, MN 56401
Time – 6:30pm
Location: 35112 Co Rd 3, Crosslake, MN 56442
Time – 6:30pm
Location: 21427 Co Rd 36, Emily, MN 56447
Once you've found your local meat raffle, be sure to arrive early to grab a seat, as these events can get busy quickly.
How to Play?
Typically, a staff member will be walking around the tables selling meat raffle tickets. You can also find a line of people waiting to purchase tickets. Tickets typically cost one dollar, and the last game often features a larger prize, with tickets costing between two and five dollars and limited to one per person.
Our pro tip is for everyone in your group to throw in two dollars per person per round. If you have a large group, space out your chances of winning to avoid being labeled a "meat hog" by the locals.
Once all the raffle tickets have been sold, the "meat raffler" will announce the winning numbers. We've seen numbers drawn from a bucket or a spinning wheel that is spun for the winning numbers.
What Do You Win?
As you might expect, the prizes at a meat raffle are a variety of meats. We've seen breakfast packages, bacon-wrapped sirloins, filet mignons, chicken, pork chops, brats, bacon, and more. Typically, the meat is donated or sourced from local butcher shops or grocery stores in the area.
In addition to meat, some meat raffles also give out drink tokens to non-ticket winners, so you still have a chance to win something.
Pro Tips:
Arrive early to get a good spot.
Grab some dinner and drinks as the raffles typically last an hour or two.
Be courteous to the staff as they are working hard to serve you.
Space out your raffle ticket purchases.
Have fun and bring a group of friends.
Always ensure you have a safe ride home.
In conclusion, attending a meat raffle is a great way to have fun while potentially winning some tasty meats. So why not gather your friends and head down to your local meat raffle this Friday?