Lion's Club Refurbishes Pumpkin Bowling Alley in Preparation for Halloween

Beautifully refinished, the Pumpkin Bowling Alley is ready for its change of location to near the Gazebo this Halloween. Photo courtesy of Manchester Lions Club.

The Manchester Lions Club is ready for another season of Pumpkin Bowling, this year with a freshly painted "bowling alley," new pins and as always, a HUGE stuffed animal to give away.

Pumpkin Bowling originated five years ago, when after years of volunteering to make caramel apples on the Mill Porch, the Manchester Lions decided there must be more they could contribute to this annual Halloween event. So, they created Pumpkin Bowling.

The first year was a learning experience. the Lions used a bare 16' trailer decorated with Christmas lights. The plastic bowling pins were difficult to set up on the uneven trailer deck, so the following year they laid down two sheets of 8' long press board, with the pin settings painted on them. Soon they revised their set up with numbers every foot corresponding to age, so for example, a four year old would stand at the four foot mark. The Pumpkin Bowling idea became so popular, they now loan the trailer to the Dexter Lions, to the Clinton Lions for the Fall Festival, and others are asking to join in.

Over the years, exposure to the elements had faded and warped the bowling alley, so this year the Manchester Lions Club did a complete makeover using exterior grade plywood, enamel paint, and spar varnish. In addition they've added new pins, repainted the trailer, and have added strip lighting to enhance the experience.

While Pumpkin Bowling trailer is usually located on Adrian Street right next to the Mill porch where caramel apples are handed out, because of the bridge construction detour, this Halloween night, from 5 to 7 pm, Pumpkin Bowling will be located in Wurster Park on Main Street. In addition, the caramel apple treats will be given out at the gazebo. Every Pumpkin Bowling participant will receive a prize, but those who knock down all the pins on one or two tries (a "strike" or a "spare") will be entered into the drawing for the HUGE stuffed animal. This event is FREE to all participants, compliments of the Manchester Lions Club, as a community service project.

The Manchester Lions Club is still looking for a few volunteers to help in this effort. If you are not already going to be escorting trick or treaters or handing out candy and would like to help, please contact Barry Allen at 734-428-7034 or BarryRAllen@aol.com.

Happy bowler tries to knock down all of the pins to be entered in drawing for the large stuffed animal before the update to the alley and trailer. Photo courtesy of Manchester Lions Club.

Photo courtesy of the Manchester Lions Club.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.