MARIE ANDERSON uses fluorescent paint to create the neon artwork on interior walls of Trojan Family Bowl. In the photo (inset) "Bowl," in neon letters, is an exterior sign at Trojan Family Bowl that was added as part of a recent renovation.

Bowling ‘em over

On Friday and Saturday nights at Trojan Family Bowl in Sparta, the walls come alive with neon graphics illuminated by black lights.

There is a swirling image of colored lights as the music tempo picks up, clouds created by a fog machine appear on the ceiling, providing a mysterious atmosphere.

It's time for "Moonlight Bowl," a colorful new concept in bowling that is part of a recent major renovation at Trojan Family Bowl.

Multi-talented artist and ventriloquist Ann Marie Anderson, who moved to Sparta from Los Angeles, designed and painted the neon graphics with florescent paint. Ethel and Ralph Halsey of Halsey Painting also did part of the painting.

Anderson asked D.W. and Barbara Miles, co-owners of Trojan Family Bowl, about what they wanted before starting. "They said they wanted to provide an atmosphere to bring the generations together. Therefore, I used the images of musical notes mixed with bowling balls," she said.

"I like what they did with the remodeling. It's light and bright... clear and pretty," said Annette Evans of Sparta, who was with a group of friends and kin bowling at Trojan Family Bowl on a recent Saturday night.

"This and the roller rink (in nearby Trojan Village Shopping Center) are the only things in town for kids. It's a good safe place for kids," said Evans. Gutter guards are available to enhance the experience for children. Ramps and ball assists are available for physically-impaired bowlers.

"I'm here because I need the exercise," added Stacy Caudill, of Sparta. On the same night Evans and Caudill were bowling, members of the Lynch family from as far away as Chicago and Philadelphia were there as part of a weekend of family reunion activities.

"When I came to the family reunion last year, I was surprised and pleased to see this (Trojan Family Bowl) in Sparta," said Corina Thomas of Chicago. "We make a Saturday night of bowling here a part of every family reunion."

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