Ask the Party Expert...

Dear Party Expert,

We're getting together with 36 people this weekend at a Bowling Party. We have a mixed 30-45 age group and senior group (2 generations of families). I have collected prizes for everyone, but now I'd like to put together a game for the prizes (humorous categories are my main goal). Can you direct me to where I might find such information?  Thanks for your help 

B. Quist

Hi B-

Here's your answer customized just for you.  Enjoy. 

Having a bowling party sounds like a great way to keep the connection between
the two generations alive.  Since you're supplying the gifts, I'll supply the games.

These three interactive games are played during the bowling fun. 

IT'S A STRIKE!
In the first game, choose your nicest prize, and wrap it extravagantly to entice your guests.  If you have several smaller items, you might want to consider making an eye-appealing basket from these.

Now for the game, here's how It's A Strike works.  The prize sits in a central location until someone throws a strike, then he/she will claim the prize.  He/she gets to keep it until another player throws a strike.  Then, that person takes the prize off of the first person.  The game continues until the last frame is played and the last bowler to throw a strike gets to keep it. 

IN THE GUTTER
The second game is played just the opposite of It's A Strike.  Take one of the smaller gifts and wrap it.  For this award, consider wrapping it with comics from the Sunday newspaper because this will be your boobie prize.  Again, the prize starts in a central location.  But, for this one when a gutter ball is thrown the bowler will claim the prize.  Then, when the next gutter ball is thrown, that gutter ball thrower takes it from the first bowler and so on.  Again, the last player to throw a gutter ball wins.

FORBIDDEN WORD GAME
In the third game you'll need bright, neon stickers (these can be colored circles or designs) and at least one prize or you could have more winners.

Once again, place your stickers (keep them in a box or basket to keep from
slipping onto the floor or getting lost) in a central location for easy access.  Choose one word, something commonly stated, and this is the forbidden word for the night.  Anytime someone hears another say this word, he/she will get one sticker and put it on the person's shirt who said the "forbidden word".  If three of your guests heard him say the word, all three are allowed to plop a sticker onto his shirt.  At the end of the night, guests are to count their stickers and the one with the least amount wins.  Or you could give first, second and third place prizes.

Note:  Depending upon how many games you are playing is how you'll want to
divide up the games.  To play all of these at the same time, might cause a
bit of confusion.  And it could be tiresome.  Try playing one per game bowled
and rotate the humorous throughout the evening.  Announce which game you will be playing before the game of bowling starts.  You could always make up a
chart beforehand, if you know how many you will be playing. Enjoy!

Mary Jo
Every Day Should Be A Party Day!

Back to Main Party Index