Hampton Lanes is ready to roll - pun intended.

This week, the bowling alley, 326 Main St., Northampton, opened for business after a long hiatus. Joe Lauchnor, general manager and future owner, was very excited to welcome patrons.

The story of Hampton Lanes begins in 1958 when it was opened as a 16-lane bowling alley. In 1979, a bar serving food and drink was added. In 1992, Karl and Mona Lauchnor purchased it.

Under their stewardship, it grew from 16 lanes to a 24-lane bowling center and the Hammerhead Lounge was added. For years, Hampton Lanes was arguably the most popular bowling center in the Lehigh Valley, winning the title of Best Bowling in the Lehigh Valley for numerous years.

The Hammerhead Lounge was the place to be for events in the area, drawing crowds of every age. Entertainment over the years included local bands, karaoke, beer pong and poker tournaments, shuffleboard and cornhole leagues and more.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the business. However, the owners used the lockdown as a time to make renovations, clear out the storage area, sell to-go food and offer giveaways of merchandise for customers.

As businesses throughout the country began to reopen, the owners and staff made sure they were taking all the necessary precautions to be able to have their league members and open bowlers back, along with their bar crowd. Their efforts seemed to be paying off as business started to pick up again.

Everything changed Feb. 2, 2021 - when a winter storm dumped more than 2 feet of snow in some areas. Due to the weight of the snow, the roof of the bowling alley collapsed.

The Lauchnors decided to rebuild and reopen. Their goal was to make Hampton Lanes the absolute best bowling alley in the Lehigh Valley. A GoFundMe campaign was started, but luckily, insurance covered most of the repairs.

There were many delays in the work being done to restore the alley, but the wait is over. There are new speakers, lights, video games and new pool tables. Many people have been hired for the reopening.

The official grand opening will be sometime this month.

Hampton Lanes can be used as a place to hold parties or fundraisers.

According to the Hampton Lanes website, bowling is one of America’s favorite activities, with more than 68 million Americans bowling each year. Bowling is a favorite with kids ages 4-18, with more than 40% of that age group bowling at least once per year.

For young bowlers, bumpers can also be put up on the sides of the lanes to help beginners. Hampton Lanes has youth bowling coaches who can teach children the basics of bowling.

The Hampton Lanes website reports bowling is a lifetime sport that provides more than $3 million per year in scholarship money to graduating seniors. These scholarships are mostly based on participation and not solely on talent.

Bowling is a great winter activity Lehigh Valley residents can enjoy. It’s great for families because all ages can participate, and all skill levels are welcomed and encouraged. It’s a great way to socialize and meet others.

Leagues will be formed and held every night of the week.

“I can’t tell you how many life lessons I’ve learned through bowling,” professional bowler Diandra Asbaty said. “Time management, finding balance in life, how to lose, how to win, how to bowl as a team and deal with people. How to do something I love to do and inspire other people.”

The community has a great opportunity to join a league, bowl for pleasure or enjoy the newly expanded arcade. No matter what age you are, you can participate and get in on the fun.

The Hampton Lanes staff are excited to welcome people back. For hours and other information, visit hamptonlanesbowling.com.