'Bowlers prepare to start a new game at Yongsan Lanes, Dec. 31. Cosmic bowling, a popular pastime for avid bowlers, brought out crowds of competiors on New Year's Eve, 2014.' (U.S. Army Photo by Pvt. Byun, Hye Joon)
Story by Pvt. Byun Hyejoon
Yongsan Public Affairs Office
YONGSAN GARRISON – Large, teeming crowds and loud noises are what can usually be expected at the end of the year no matter where a party goer travels. Although not the typical New Year’s Eve atmosphere, the Yongsan Lanes bowling alley offered something different with its annual New Year’s Eve Extravaganza event at U.S. Army Garrison-Yongsan.
Promoting a family-friendly atmosphere, the Yongsan Lanes not only provided a dinner buffet, which included a variety of delectable foods, but also allowed everyone who had a ticket to enjoy unlimited cosmic bowling (bowling in the dark with a glow-in-the-dark ball) with opportunities to win an assortment of prizes.
“All over the other bases, you won’t find a place where there’s a true family-oriented event for kids,” said Dan Melton, the Business Operations Manager of the Lanes. “We gave prizes out to both children and adults.”
People who attended the event seemed to agree. 1st Sgt. Hugo Rucobo, intelligence and sustainment company, Headquarters and Headquarters Brigade, 8th Army, said, “It’s not your normal New Year's- type celebration that you will see. You’re away from the big crowds, so it’s great to be able to just hang out with your family and friends.”
According to Melton, it has been approximately eight years since the Lanes started hosting the New Year’s Eve Extravaganza and the event has gained more popularity during the last four years.
This year, the grand prize included two round trip “US Airline Alliance” Airline tickets to anywhere in Asia, making the night even more memorable.
By the end of the night, more than 165 people came out to bowl the night away, to include families as well as a substantial amount of single soldiers. Breakfast was served before the clock struck midnight, and five minutes before the anticipated moment, a toast was held with champagne and apple juice to herald in the New Year. Considering the fact that every child left with a gift in their hand, and everyone walked out the door with their bellies full, Yongsan Lane’s New Year Extravaganza was the last family/single-soldier event of the year that did not let anyone’s hopes down.
