Back for a limited time

Costa Mesans who long to hear the sound of an 11-pound ball rumbling

down a hardwood lane and those who yearn for the clatter of pins

falling over each other need look no farther than their own city.

Bowling is back.

No, not at Kona Lanes, but at the Orange County Fair, where the

Orange County Bowling Assn. is offering one free turn on a mobile

lane.

OK, so one lane of free bowling next to the kiddie swing ride is

not exactly the same but for a brief moment bowling enthusiasts can

relive the glory that comes with multicolored shoes and Velcro wrist

guards.

Cheryl Huntington, the secretary for the Orange County Women’s

Bowling Assn. and partial owner of the traveling lane, said they’ve

parked their trailer at the fair to promote bowling among attendees.

Anyone at the fair, from 1 to 92, can climb up the steps, pick out a

ball and take a turn. Those who strike a pose will receive a gift

certificate good for one free game at area bowling centers.

“We hope that with the free coupons, they take advantage and

support the bowling centers,” Huntington said. They won’t just play

one game. It’ll be two games, something to drink, something to eat,

and one thing leads to another.”

Not like that. Get your mind out of the gutter.

Despite the rally for recreation in Costa Mesa, Huntington said,

bowling is “going down hill, and we don’t know the reason for it.”

“I guess people have too many other things to do,” she said.

Like shop at a semi-big-name department store?

That’s what C.J. Segerstrom & Sons were betting on when they

decided to replace the vacant ice-skating rink, movie theater and

Kona Lanes bowling alley with Kohl’s. Thanks to the loud squawking of

the community to preserve Kona Lanes (which is now long gone) and

opposition to yet another retail outlet in the city, the City Council

denied the project. For now.

Huntington, who is an avid league bowler, said membership in the

Women’s International Bowling Club was down another 5%.

Keep in mind, these are league bowlers, not your just-for-fun

bowling enthusiasts. We’re talking people who can nail a 7-10 split

with no sweat off their brow.

Part of the reason leagues are in trouble is because bowling

centers can make more money from programs such as Rock ‘N Bowl

(bowling with neon lights and a DJ) or private parties than they can

hosting leagues.

“In comparison, we’re talking beaucoup bucks,” Huntington said.

So, bowling is alive in Costa Mesa, albeit for another 10 days.

After that, bowlers will have to travel to Irvine, Garden Grove or

Fountain Valley to get their kicks. Huntington said she’s excited to

see all the avid Costa Mesa bowlers patronize the remaining bowling

centers in Orange County. Perhaps a future all-league champion will

emerge.

Those who loved Kona Lanes for more than its balls and pins will

also be pleased to hear that a mini-Karaoke machine is stationed

about 2-feet from the free bowling lane. Sure, it’s in the kids camp

area, and you may have to chose from a varied selection of Hansen

hits, but it’s your chance to shine.

Add a little Tiki motif, funky shoes and some beer, and it’ll be

just like old times.

* LOLITA HARPER writes columns Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and

covers culture and the arts. She may be reached at (949) 574-4275 or

by e-mail at [email protected].