Bowl Your Way to Hawaii in Joliet

What is going on at the in , started with a brainstorming session. The staff wanted to find a way to make bowling more alluring to younger bowlers. They wanted to attract the people who make it out only once or twice a year. And, they wanted to introduce new leagues.

So, over the summer, they introduced a bowling league where all bowlers earn a trip to Las Vegas.

The league was a success.

"It's not a lot of young people that bowl," Gary Sula, Town and Country Lanes League and Tournament Coordinator said. "That's the audience we're trying to reach with this."

By that standard, the Las Vegas league that bowled over the summer was a success. The young people, the 20-somethings, joined that league. And since it was a success, they have added a second trip league for the fall - Hawaii.

Sula said a number of families are signing up for the Hawaii league - which works in a similar way to the Vegas league. Basically, each bowler commits to the league for 20 weeks for Vegas and 26 weeks for Hawaii. They agree to pay $16 per week to bowl. At the end of the 20 or 26 weeks, every bowler gets a 3 day, 2 night trip to Vegas or an 8 day, 7 night trip to Hawaii. Both trips also include a 2 for 1 airfare voucher.

Travelers are responsible for food and taxes and other expenses. But, by creating a pool of travelers through not only leagues at Town and Country, but also other alleys, travelers can go for much less money.

A Family Tradition

Town and Country Lanes was founded in 1958 with six partners. George Kontos, whose father John was one of the original 6, currently runs the lanes. His children, DeAnna and John are the third generation to run the facility. George Kontos said he is lucky to be able to turn to his children to get input on how to stay current.

"That's the hardest thing to keep a handle on," George Kontos said.

With the help and input of DeAnna and John, the alley has a Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare.

Want to know more about or join the league at Town and Country? Call 815-725-1231.