After dark the lights come on...black lights to be exact, setting the stage for the latest rage to hit bowling alleys everywhere. And now there’s laser lights over the lanes and music videos!

    Some call it Cosmic Bowling, Others call it Extreme. Big Bear’s Bowling Barn dubs it Glow Bowling. By any name the experience is downright surreal as neon balls glow brightly illuminated by the black lights, and players step out of the shadows to roll down 18 lanes of excitement.

    Twenty-some black lights create an eerie ambiance that’s especially popular with the younger set, which flocks to the Bowling Barn for the glow-filled experience every night beginning at 8 p.m. Sounds blare and a projection screen TV is lowered just above the center lanes showing music videos, as the Bowling Barn seemingly glimmers in brilliant neon colors, with illuminated approaches and pin deck lights that radiate under the black lights.

    Most of the house bowling balls glow under the lights, in dazzling orange, blue, green and red. By day these balls look completely normal, but once the black lights kick on they glow to life. Filling the racks in all the incandescent colors of the rainbow, they add a psychedlic touch to bowling to be sure. The Bowling Barn also has new high-powered speakers and amps to kick up the sound system a few decibels and really get the party going. There’s also aser lights, dancing and spinning on the lanes and above the pins, while a center screen plays music videos.

    The house lights are down and black lights up for just open play so the emphasis is on fun, not competition, but state-of-the-art scoreboards above each lane keep track not only of pin tallies but also running player handicaps and even the speed of their rolls.

    Bowling Barn is also the place to watch all the big bowl and playoff games with its new family friendly sports lounge, and it’s open to all ages so bring the kids along. Catch all the action on six TVs including one with an incredible 108” screen! There’s also three pool tables, darts and full-cocktail service including weeknight happy hour from 5:30-7:30. Weekends see the return of family karaoke.

    Also check out the Bowling Barn’s new arcade room with all the latest video games. When the munchies strike visit the family-priced snack bar—Bowling Barn even makes its own fresh pizza! Bowlers also get to play “Wheel of Fortune” when they knock down nine or more pins with their first toss. The wheel automatically spins on the overhead screen and those who get three of the same thing are awarded two, four, six or eight coins, good for free large popcorn, small soda, even free games of bowling.

    And everyone enjoys free bowling with the coupon on page 10—roll three games for the price of two!

    Bowling Barn is at 40625 Big Bear Blvd. (enter on Bonanza). Call (909) 878-BOWL.