A Groovy New Year happening: Rucker Lanes hosts Pin Down Countdown

By Jay Mann, Fort Rucker Public AffairsDecember 18, 2014

A Groovy New Year happening: Rucker Lanes hosts Pin Down Countdown
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala. (December 18, 2014) -- The Fort Rucker Bowling Center promises a groovy happening for people of all ages this New Year 's Eve.

"This year's theme is the 1960s -- the groovy era," said Ron Cook, bowling center business manager. "We are definitely going to push this facility to a whole new level. Expect to come out for something groovy, psychedelic and fun. I know we have a lot of folks who are familiar with The Extreme Bowl. The Groovy Pin Down Countdown will be that to the next level.

"There will be costume contests," he added, "so everyone is encouraged to come dressed in their best groovy attire. Previous year's themes were The Great Gatsby and the roaring 20s. The more into the costumes and the New Year's spirit you get, the more fun the event becomes."

The event will feature two sessions, Cook said, with one running from 6-9 p.m. and the other from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

"The earlier one is so some of our younger family members can come out and enjoy the night," he said. "There is no open bowling starting that day, so we can give 110 percent to getting ready for the event -- this event is reservation only," he said. "The cost is $20 for the first session and $25 for the second session. Folks can make reservations by calling 255-9503. If you have a special lane request or a large group we recommend stopping by the bowling center to talk with us.

"The 6-9 event is young-child friendly, with party-style music and a mock countdown at 9 p.m.," Cook said. "This way the little ones can still celebrate with us. It will be a fun, silly time -- you can definitely expect to see a chicken dance."

"The second session will have proper New Year's eve countdowns, the New York countdown and our central time countdown, dinner and desert, and a toast at midnight," he said. "The late-night one is a little more geared towards adults than the earlier session. We are always a family-friendly establishment, but the music will be suited more for an older crowd during the second session.

"It will be black light bowl all night long with all of the DJ lighting," the business manager said. "We actually just revamped a lot of our speakers and lighting, so it's going to be something people have not been able to see yet. It will be an awesome time."

Last year's event received rave reviews from attendees, but Cook hopes to continue exceeding expectations at Rucker Lanes.

"Each year that we celebrate New Year's, we try to push it that much further," he said. "Last year, we had a great turn out with lots of people and everyone had a good time. This year, we are trying to raise the bar higher.

"We are having a full meal with dessert, unlimited bowling and shoe rental," he said. "They can rent lanes for as many people as they need. There will be live coast-to-coast music connecting us with bowling centers around the globe. So, we will do countdowns with other areas when they reach midnight, along with our own countdown."

For more information or to make reservations, call 255-9503.