Bowling Can Be Addictive

Bowling Can Be Addictive

By Marla Ballard

Reporter

Rainsville - Those looking for something fun to do during these colder months should consider bowling. Winter is one of the busiest times of the year for bowling alleys, however beware - it can become addictive.

According to the Bowling Foundation, more than 25 percent of Americans bowl each year, making it the nation’s largest participation sport. There are nearly 3,000 bowling centers nationwide.

While it may not be the most strenuous of sports, according to MayoClinic.org an adult can burn anywhere from 170 to 300 calorie per game. Another interesting fact is traces of bowling have been found dating back as far as ancient Egypt. Other facts about bowling include: King Henry VIII of England loved to bowl and banned bowling from lower class citizens of England. The largest bowling center in the world is located in Inazawa, Japan and has 116 lanes. In 1948, two bowling lanes were built in the West Wing of the White House as a birthday present to Harry S. Truman.

Approximately two million bowlers socialize each week in leagues throughout the U.S. Bowling is one of the few sports that allows persons of basically every age to participate, from preschoolers to senior citizens. Many bowling alleys accommodate those in wheelchairs and the risk of injury in this sport is low.

Mountain Lanes in Rainsville is owned by Butch and Teresa Pippin and Johnny and Kim Harper. It is a smoke-free, handicap accessible, 18-lane bowling alley along with an arcade.  The snack bar is operated by Teresa and Kim and offers some of the best hamburgers, pizza, fried pickles, French fries, chicken fingers, and onion rings around.

The Pro Shop in the front of the building offers shoes and bowling balls for sale, and drilling of holes and polishing of bowling balls. Interestingly, it wasn’t until the late 18th century that bowlers began drilling holes into bowling balls. These days some bowlers have begun having just two-holes drilled, many say this gives the ball a better spin and they have more control over the ball.

High-scoring players at Mountain Lanes have their names on plaques on the Hall of Fame wall just inside the front doors. Games at Mountain Lanes are $3.75 per game and shoe rental is $2.75. When the bowling alley is closed to the public the space may be rented for $250 per hour, shoes included. When the space is rented for a private group the concession stand may be utilized or food may be brought in.

“We appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you again,” said Butch Pippin. “We invite schools to form leagues and come join us.” Mountain Lanes is located at 240 McCurdy Ave. N in Rainsville. Phone - 256-638-1710. Open Friday - Tuesday, check online for hours of operation. Visit mountainlanesand arcadegames.weebly.com. for specials and league information. Follow on Facebook.

Leave a comment