The Oak Bluffs selectmen this week approved an entertainment license for The Barn Bowl and Bistro, and granted an exception to a policy of prohibiting construction in the business district after June 1.

Families took to the lanes this week as the Vineyard's new 10-pin bowling alley welcomed the first eager bowlers for soft opening events. A grand opening is planned in several weeks at the Barn Bowl and Bistro in Oak Bluffs.

It's been years since the Vineyard had a bowling alley, and Islanders are eagerly anticipating the opening of The Barn, Bowl and Bistro, a new bowling alley and restaurant in Oak Bluffs. Teams are forming.

The lanes planned for downtown Oak Bluffs will be allowed to sell alcohol but with earlier closing hours than Circuit avenue bars, the town selectmen decided Tuesday. The bowling alley project is the brainchild of architect Reid (Sam) Dunn.

For my father and my uncle, bowling offered a more athletic alternative to canasta. They joined the men’s bowling league and brought me along for good luck, or practice.

Architect Reid (Sam) Dunn’s Cottage City Bowling now goes to the town for approvals at the local level. Mr. Dunn agreed to keep sound levels at 62 decibels. The commission said the matter of a full-service bar versus beer and wine will be up to the town selectmen to decide.