Thompson Falls will see a short stimulation in the local economy - between bowling games, anyway. Rimrock Lanes will host the 2018 Montana State Senior Bowling Tournament as hundreds of bowlers from around the state migrate to the area for five weekends of bowling, beginning Friday, September 21.

Last time the tournament was held in Thompson Falls was 2014. Lodging and restaurants reported a boost in business, as well as longer lines at the grocery store as bowlers ran for refreshments to stay nourished and out of the gutter.

Many of the visiting bowlers will be using the recently remodeled lanes at the Rimrock for the first time, while those from the area will have home-court advantage. The state tournament acts as a qualifier for those hoping to move on to the national level, while those who don't move on enjoy the sport, the company and the experience.

"The bowlers just ranted and raved about the beauty of our area and the hospitality of people here," organizer Ginger Ward said of the 2014 tournament. Ward is a mover and shaker in the local bowling world, assisting in organizing bowling scholarship fundraisers, youth teams, award banquets and other events, as well as participating as an avid lane-loving athlete. She worked with other bowlers and Rimrock staff to pull off the big tournament and is helping where she can this year. Ward related that the bowling gods were smiling upon the event in the form of everything going smoothly.

With 189 entrants and 1,134 games bowled during the 2014 tournament, organizers were proud to report there was not one mechanical hiccup with the lanes – which they noted is almost unheard of, even at the most lavish lanes. Since then, Rimrock Lanes have touted improvements made in September of 2016, when the lanes were remodeled and refinished. Local bowlers have enjoyed the improvements and the Rimrock is excited to share the setting with visiting competitors. "We've been able to do cosmetic and mechanical changes that will make a big difference," said lane manager Anita Brown at the time of the makeover.

Ward shared that, to date, there are 181 registered competitors and she is expecting more in the coming days. "We also have 25 local bowlers entered, and a potential 45 more," Ward explained, noting that their senior league's season started this week. "We're probably going to reserve the Fridays for locals so that visitors don't feel rushed and can utilize the weekend."

Ward added that all bowlers must be 50 years of age or older (the oldest at 2014's tourney were a man and woman each aged 94 years) and will need to bowl two three-game blocks. Their final scores must be higher than their own personal state average (over the course 21 games in the past five years) to move on, as well as beating other competitors upcoming scores. Those with no record are entering "scratch" and will need to score at least 225.

As far as the reputation of Thompson Falls is concerned, the town made quite an impression last time around, with state board member and local bowler Sandy True reporting many wish the tournament could be held here every year. However, the tourney is on a rotating schedule for location. Last year was Ronan, next year will be Forsythe.

James Crowder at Mighty Fine T's designed and made this year's tee shirts and hand towels available for purchase. Past funds from shirt sales went to purchasing a computer and a printer for the local leagues, this year they will go halves with the Rimrock on the purchase of a micrometer – a lane certification tool that ensures regulation lane measurements, as well as proper amount of oil. Gift bags for bowlers from The Ledger will be filled with promotional pens, notebooks, greeting books and other local swag, as well as brochures from the Chamber of Commerce to inform visitors of local attractions. The tourney's program booklet features ads from supporting businesses, which Ward noted visitors pay attention to and frequent in thanks for their support of the sport. Homemade cookies, door prizes and other activities will also be offered to bowlers, and a 50/50 raffle will take place with a chance to win half the pot.

"Local establishments can use this event to their advantage and could welcome the bowlers with special deals, as there will be rounds of them coming for five weekends," shared Ward, who explained that because of the limited number of lanes, the usual four-weekend event has been extended to five to keep the flow of bowlers moving. She shared that many bowlers bring friends or spouses who do not bowl and will be looking for things to do and places to spend their money while waiting for their star athlete to complete their games.

"We ideally have just three bowlers per lane, or 18 total per shift. It keeps things running smoothly," Ward added.

For more information about the Rimrock Lanes and their involvement, contact Anita Brown at 827-3536. For more information about local leagues and the tournament's structure, contact Ginger Ward at 827-4597.