In the spirit of Thanksgiving this year, we want to give our Mid County Lanes family some suggestions for giving back to our neighbors in need. Giving back comes in so many different ways and we wanted to make sure you have lots of options in Middletown this year.

Volunteer Your Time

Giving back doesn’t necessarily mean emptying your wallet or cleaning out your cupboard. Volunteering your time is one of the best ways to give back. Not only do you know exactly where your donation goes, you’ll be able to see the difference you’re making. There are some great volunteer opportunities throughout the New Castle, DE, area that are available all year long. If you’re interested, check out more here!

Food Drives to Feed the Needy

Giving money or food to a reputable food bank is another great way to help you neighbor this November. This month is all about giving and while we appreciate all that we are grateful for, it’s important to also realize there are many in our community who don’t have those luxuries.

Giving food or monetary donations can make a huge difference, but make sure to give to a local charity so you know where your donation is going and who it’s helping. Our Daily Bread is a great charity located right here in Middletown and helps support children and adults in our own community.

Give Yourself a Little Credit

After you’ve given back, make sure you take a little time to pat yourself on the back. Bring the whole family over to Mid County Lanes for a few games of bowling, food and fun!

What’s the first thing you notice when you come to Mid County Lanes in Middletown? For us it’s the sounds. A ball rolling down the hardwood lane and the unmistakable clang of pins being knocked down. We all know how the game works, but have you ever wondered what’s going on behind the pins?

In honor of National STEM day, we thought we’d give you a quick glimpse into the engineering and mechanics behind a bowling alley.

The Magic Happens Behind the Scenes

There are two components in every bowling alley that make it all come together. The pinsetter and ball return machines are at the heart of all those strikes, spares, and gutter balls. But how on earth do they do what they do?

STEM in Action

It all comes down to some basic STEM principles: pulleys, levers, and slopes. After your ball sends those pins flying, three things happen simultaneously:

• The sweeper arm comes out and pushes all those knocked down pins into the ball pit.
• The pins and ball are sorted and each goes to their designated areas. Your ball is sent to the ball return and the pins are sent up the pin elevator where they are dropped into the pin distributor.
• While the pin distributor gathers up the pins and puts them back into their triangular stack, your ball is sent on a conveyor back to the front of the lane so you can do it all over again!

The best way to see it all in action is to come down to Mid County Lanes with your school and have a STEM field trip. We’ll show you how it all works and let you bowl a few games to see it in action! Give us a call today to find out more about booking you school trip.

The sound is the first thing that hits you when you walk into a bowling alley. It doesn’t matter if you’re at Mid County Lanes in Middletown, DE, or an alley across the country, the sound of a bowling alley is one of a kind.

But what comes to mind when you hear the clash of bowling balls into pins? For us, we think back to the origins and the evolution of bowling.

Where Did Bowling Start?

A lot of people attribute the beginning of modern bowling going back to the Germans in the 4th century. Others say it was actually the English around the same time. However, anthropologists have found crude bowling balls and pins in the tombs of Egyptian children, meaning bowling could be as much as 5,000 years old. And yet, bowling is such a perfect game that after all this time, the general principles have changed very little! Pretty cool, huh?

The invention of the Bowling League

It wasn’t until the late 19th century that we started to see a standardized set of rules develop across the United States. But once the rules were set, the way was paved for the start of league bowling! Bowling clubs started popping up across the country and by the turn of the century, we started to see women’s leagues pop up, too.

We’re Still Making History

Bowling has continued to grow decade after decade. In 1988, more than 20 countries competed against each other as bowling was presented on the world stage at the Olympics as a demonstration. Now looking forward to 2020, bowling may get another crack at becoming a summer Olympic sport.

No matter how competitive it gets, though, the essence of bowling is pure and simple fun. At Mid County Lanes, we always have a lane or two for you and your friends and family. Stop by and roll a few frames today and soak up the history and fun that comes with every game of bowling.

At Mid County Lanes in Middletown, DE, we think having the right bowling ball can make all the difference. Check out some of our tips and stop by our pro shop to step up your game today!

Customized for a Perfect Fit

The biggest difference between owning a bowling ball and using a house ball is the way a custom ball fits your hand. In fact, with custom finger holes drilled to specifically fit your hand, you might even want to add a pound or two to your usual house ball weight. House balls never fit perfectly and therefore, they are harder to grip. When you have a ball drilled for your hand, you’ll never even notice that extra weight.

Choosing the Right Material

There are a couple of materials you can choose from for your own bowling ball. Polyester is great for entry-level bowlers who aren’t throwing a huge hook. These balls are usually priced under $100. Or you can step up to a performance ball which is made out of reactive resin. These balls will allow you to put some wild spin on your roll without losing any control.

Get a Grip!

Now that you’ve picked out the material and weight of your ball, it’s time to get your finger holes drilled to fit your hand just right. Our pro shop will get you measured and discuss the most comfortable grip for your bowling ability and style. Add finger grips will allow you to add a little extra spin too. Talk to our pros about your options today!

Bowling is a ton of fun. It’s competitive, it pushes us as individuals and as teammates to do better and reach further. And it’s great for the entire family to enjoy. If you’re like us here at Mid County Lanes in Middletown, DE, you probably can’t get enough time at the lanes either!

Well, you’re in luck because our fall bowling leagues are open for sign-ups! Bring your whole team down and get ready to find an open spot on an existing team. Either way, you’ll have a chance to step up your game this fall in a fun league for all skill levels.

A League For Everyone!

At Mid County, we’re proud to offer a bunch of different leagues to fit anyone’s preference or ability level.  Check out the quick snapshot of our fall schedule below then give us a call to find out what to do next!

• Senior League
• Pure Wellness League
• Wednesday Night Mixed League
• Thursday Night Fun League
• Friday Night Mixed League
• Mid County Lanes Junior Leagues

Get Warmed Up Before Summer’s Over

Maybe it’s been a while or maybe you’ve always liked bowling but haven’t spent that much time doing it. Our leagues don’t start for another month and we always have an open lane for you. Swing by and check us out, get some practice frames in, and start gearing up for your league play at our pro shop!

We’re happy to give you some tips to get you to the next level too. And we know that leagues can get a little competitive, but most of all, we want to make sure that everyone has a great time! That means we’re always here to help maximize your experience at Mid County Lanes any way we can. Swing by today and sign up for your four-person team!