The 66 Bowl in Oklahoma City will be sold to an India grocer in a matter of days. To give the historic bowling alley a proper farewell party, it will host the annual Okie Twist-Off hot rod and music festival next weekend.
According to the Daily Oklahoman:
The annual event has drawn some of the largest crowds in the bowling alley’s history. But now is no time to look back, said John Manson, organizer of the bowl’s last event.
“While there is no one involved in the Twist-Off who wants to see the bowl go away, this is not going to be a weekend for sad faces,” Manson said. “We’ll pack in as much fun as possible for the last weekend.”
The bowling alley is under contract to be sold to Spices of India food market. 66 Bowl owner Jim Haynes said the last day for bowling will be Aug. 21. The food store, now in the Portland Plaza shopping center at NW 39 and Portland Avenue, is expected to move in after Labor Day. […]
There will be three stages, two indoors and one on a flatbed trailer outside, to provide music and entertainment. […]
“There is nothing that feels more appropriate than having a car show at 66 Bowl on old Route 66,” Manson said. “66 Bowl has kept crowds from bowlers to rockers coming over the years, and you don’t find that too often at any place,” Manson said. “It will be missed.” […]
Manson said the Okie Twist-Off is looking for a new venue to host the 2011 festival.
In the meantime, there’s no word on what will happen to the 66 Bowl’s distinctive neon sign after the sale goes through.
