LD18’s First Bowling for Democracy Event Knocks Down Pins for Fun
Larry Bodine, LD18
LD18’s first Bowling For Democracy event was a smashing success, as amateur pinmasters gathered at the Lucky Strike Bowl to enjoy politics, pizza and pin-crashing on August 29.
The in-person event gathered kegelers who shared stories about their last game, with some recalling events from middle school. Taking up three lanes at the boisterous and colorful bowling alley, Democrats made new friends and hugged longtime BFFs. Whenever one threw a floor-clearing strike, the bowlers high-fived each other and jumped in the air for joy. Master of Ceremonies Andrew Sheesley and LD18 Social Committee leader arranged for bowlers to take up three lanes, after they rented shoes for only $5 and found free bowling balls that fit their hands almost perfectly.
LD18 Treasurer Kim Fitch advised that “the ball will go where your thumb points,” leading bowlers to clear the bowling pins off the floor in a swingle throw.
And the beauty of it all was a computer display that kept score for everybody and showed visual replays of the last ball thrown. The crashing of the pins and ambient crowd noise created a lively atmosphere.
There was no trouble chatting with newcomers over pizza and nachos provided by LD18. Others availed themselves of the big, juicy hamburgers from the kitchen right inside the bowling alley.
Some bowlers compared the merits of Martindale vs. Taylor acoustic guitars, recent out-of-town vacations, and, of course, which Democrat would make the winningest next President of the United States.
Others who said they discovered the event online joined in for the fun and offered to volunteer for LD18.