We've never had to 'unfreeze' our air valves, and we certainly don't have rusty frame trouble on our 1990s minitrucks. But one thing they have figured out is how to avoid the winter blues. Every year East Coast Bowling Nationals brings everyone out of their frozen states to gather and enjoy each other's company, with or without their rides. No worrying about cleaning and detailing out the show trucks in 0-degree weather, just good old- fashioned fun, drinking, and maybe even a little bowling.
This was the very first year that I have been able to cover this show, but let me tell you first hand that it won't be the last! It's one of the most fun "shows" I have ever been to and I never snapped a single picture of a truck. I guess that's one of the things that is so appealing about ECBN, no trophies (except maybe drunkest bowler, or best ugly sweater), no cleaning, and no worries. People just gather to hang out with other clubs and like-minded people to enjoy the camaraderie that comes with the minitruckin' scene. To completely sum up ECBN in one sentence would go something like this; Friends, family, fun, drinking, ugly sweaters, and a little bowling. Easy as that! For more information and to check out the 2009 dates, visit EastCoastBowlingNats.com. We will see you there with beer and balls in hand.
The Show Lowdown
Name: East Coast Bowling Nationals
Location: Chacko's Family Bowling Center, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Dates: February 7th
Total Vehicles in Attendance: Jam-packed parking lot (mostly winter vehicles)
Spectator Attendance: 550+
Fast 411
Hosted by AcrophobiA, this is a winter time get-together to throw balls, get drunk, and congregate with others involved in the sport of minitruckin'. Held during the winter season to get everyone together and away from "dreaded winters" and into one place to have some fun. It's a must attend event for those who have never been! When the West Coast comes east, you know its a good time! Don't forget the pre-party hosted by Royal Tz at Gentleman's Club 10 each year on Friday.
Events
Bowling, Beer, Dancing, Puking, and Ugly Sweaters
Sponsors
Drop 'Em Wear?, Suicidedoors.com, Lowrider Depot, Sikness Video, and Mini Truckin' magazine
Contact for future Events
Visit EastCoastBowlingNats.com; or contact Jeff King at (570) 826-1114.
"Clean up on lane 6", ok,...
"Clean up on lane 6", ok, so maybe a little cleaning was necessary.
Randy and the Sikness crew...
Randy and the Sikness crew were on hand slangin' vids.
Yes that's the line to get...
Yes that's the line to get in, and yes that's snow on the ground. But don't worry, the line moved quickly.
Don Shagwell even got his...
Don Shagwell even got his bowl on. And yeah, he pretty much kicked all of our asses.
The Royal Tz pre-party at...
The Royal Tz pre-party at Club 10 was a hit as always.
Some of us took advantage...
Some of us took advantage of the snow and hit the mountains for a little ECBN snow boarding.
Harvey and the Drop 'Em crew...
Harvey and the Drop 'Em crew raffled off their one-off ECBN skateboard and other goodies for the cause.
The ugly sweater contest was...
The ugly sweater contest was a hit! Here are some of the contestants.
After getting beat out for...
After getting beat out for a few years, Olive finally won the Longest Distance award.