The Hub March 2016 | Page 10

French Fries, Floor Wax and Fun Our love affair with bowling With ivory pins arranged in nearly-perfect triangles, the challenge seems clear. But knocking over all of those pins at once is tougher than you might think. That challenge repeats itself countless times in bowling alleys throughout Windsor-Essex where there are roughly 120 bowling lanes in various alleys currently available for public bowling. While the number is lower than it was, say, 30 years ago, bowling remains a popular area pastime. The alleys are there for everyone, from those that bowl in multiple leagues to the novice using bumpers in the lane to learn the ropes. Inside, the unmistakable scent of a bowling alley overwhelms. It’s an odd mix of French fries, floor wax and feet, but it’s not completely off-putting. The wooden lanes gleam. Bowlers in Windsor-Essex have the option of trying five-pin as well as ten-pin bowling, in alleys that range from bare-boned and old-school, to giant state-of-the-art bowling centres complete with full restaurants and additional entertainment options. Story and photos by Mark Brown