The Tulalip Resort Casino has put Marysville on the map as an exciting adult entertainment destination, but families can have fun all year long right here in town too, thanks to the dedication of some long-time Marysville business owners.

Marysville Skate Inn

Dianne Groves grew up at the skating rink her parents built more than 50 years ago. Today she is the second generation to manage the business, located at 7313-44th Avenue NE, and she takes great pride in following in her parents' footsteps.

"We offer affordable family entertainment that is fun and safe," said Groves. "This place is packed every Friday night with young people because their parents know they're supervised, and the kids know it's a fun place to hang out with their friends."

A lifelong skater herself, Groves retired from professional competitions three years ago. Incredibly, she and two other "grandmothers" from the Skate Inn competed against teens in a World Skating event in Buenos Aires in 2006, finishing 17th out of 32 teams.

The skating rink offers lessons taught by some of those world-class skaters. Jerry and Marlene Bruland, who have been married for 50 years, met as skating partners. Today they pass their knowledge and talents on to their students, helping young skaters master the techniques of professionals. Dona Ely, who also teaches at the Skate Inn, is the matriarch of a family of skating competitors.

"Skating has always been a family sport," Groves explained. "We treat our customers, especially the kids, like they're family too."

Groves also employs high school students in the concession stand and skate rental desk. Her expectations are clear: in order to work at the cash register, the student must be able to figure out and count change back to customers.

Groves and her staff also have clear rules for underage skaters. If the teen doesn't have a driver's license, he or she is not allowed to leave the rink without their parents' permission.

"We're not prison guards, but we are committed to keeping kids safe," she explained. "We have rules and the kids know they must follow the rules or go someplace else."

The safeguards were put in place by Groves' mother, and she believes they are still applicable for today's young people-maybe even more so.

But the friendly Skate Inn staff also works hard to make sure their customers have fun. On Friday nights, skaters enjoy flashing lights, atmospheric fog effects and popular current music.

What, no organ music?

"Well, if we sense that things are ever beginning to get out of hand, the lights come up and the organ music goes on," Groves said with a smile. "That usually gets their attention and everything's fine again."

The traditional organ-powered skating music also plays Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., when the rink is open for adults only. It's a public skating session that provides fun and great exercise, and instructors are always on hand for impromptu mini-lessons and tips. The Skate Inn also offers a Tiny Tots session for kids 6 and under and their parents, and an aptly-named Cheapskate time slot from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, complete with oldies music.

The Skate Inn offers both inline and traditional quad skates, in sizes from a child's 5 to an adult 17. Groves' father actually manufactured the tiny skates, starting with a pair of white baby "walker" shoes and building a frame with wheels attached to them.

In addition to the open skating sessions and scheduled lessons, the facility is also available for private parties for birthdays, team celebrations and more.

For complete information about schedules and prices, visit www.marysvilleskateinn.com or call (360) 659-3900.

Strawberry Lanes

For the past 27 years, Margie Wells has managed Strawberry Lanes, another local entertainment venue that's been family-owned since 1974. That's when Margie's mother-in-law, Elaine Wells, bought Strawberry Lanes.

The bowling alley opened in the 1950s. Its original twelve lanes were increased to the current 20 in the early 1970s. Keeping up with changing technology, the business now offers state-of-the-art computerized scoring, synthetic lane beds for more ball control, and professional equipment sales and repair.

And the place is hopping.

"Weekends are very busy," said Wells. "Last Friday, we had 5 teams on our waiting list. But that's what makes it so much fun."

Wells attributes some of that activity to people choosing to stay closer to home these days. With higher gas prices and more emphasis on shopping locally, families are looking for entertainment that's nearby.

"I've lived in Marysville all my life, and when I was growing up there was no place around here to shop. We had to go to Everett or Lynnwood," she said. "But you don't have to leave Marysville anymore to find everything you need. It's great!"

Strawberry Lanes hosts a variety of different bowling leagues, catering to fun-loving seniors, youngsters who are just learning the sport, and all ages in-between.

On a recent Wednesday, the lanes were filled with seniors from the Ripe Strawberries league. The consensus seemed to be that the afternoon of bowling provided great exercise along with a chance to socialize.

"I keep bowling to stay alive," said Lucille Trucano, 83.

Amanda Brukke, an 82-year-old bowler who has enjoyed the sport since she was in her 20s, agreed. "I always loved to bowl, and visiting with friends is fun too."

Probably topping the age chart was Bill Maynard who, at "98 and a half" years of age, began bowling about 5 years ago. "It's fun. I enjoy it," said Bill.

Strawberry Lanes also caters to teens and younger kids. New this year is the Transformer League, which begins October 19 and is scheduled for Mondays at 4 p.m. Kids in the league will receive their own Transformer-inspired airbrushed bowling ball as the season ends.

On weekend nights, the lanes themselves are transformed with lights and music, becoming a high-energy place for kids and adults to have some affordable fun. Colorama Bowling starts at 9 p.m. every Saturday night, and is only $12 per person for three games. Friday and Saturday nights from midnight to 2 a.m., enjoy Strawberry Jamms Light Show bowling.

Of course, the bowling alley is the perfect place for a fun and casual birthday party or family outing. The full-service snack bar features burgers, pizza, fish and chips and much more.

"Bowling alleys are known for having good food," said Wells, "and our menu offers lots of choice."

Strawberry Lanes also has a full-service bar and pull tabs.

Drop by Strawberry Lanes at 1067 Columbia Avenue, or phone (360) 659-7641 to reserve a spot on a league or just arrange for an evening of fun. It's homegrown entertainment!

blog comments powered by Disqus