CARLISLE, PA — Midway Carlisle, one of Cumberland County’s most enduring family
entertainment destinations, is celebrating its 70th anniversary with the completion of a
decade-long, multi-phase, $2.5 million facility renovation — one of the most significant
reinvestments in the venue’s history. Owner, Dan Mowery will host a public ribbon cutting
ceremony on June 25th 2025 6pm to mark the milestone and invite the community to
experience the transformation firsthand.
A PERSONAL NOTE FROM DAN MOWERY
Midway Carlisle has been part of this community since 1956 — long before I was born, and long
before I ever imagined I’d be the one responsible for keeping it alive.
When I took ownership, I understood immediately that this wasn’t just a business transaction.
This was about community trust. Generations of Cumberland County families had their first
dates here. Kids rolled their first ball down these lanes. Parents brought their children the same
way their parents brought them. That history doesn’t belong to me — I’m just the current
caretaker.
The past decade of renovation has been the hardest and most meaningful work of my
professional life. There were obstacles when the right financial decision would have been to
shut down. We did it anyway. Because a place like Midway doesn’t get a second chance. You
either invest in it or you watch it slowly become something less than what it was.
Over two million dollars over ten years. Every dollar was a bet on Carlisle. On this
community. On the idea that a locally-owned, family-centered entertainment destination
is worth fighting for — not just as a business, but as a place where people belong.
I am deeply grateful to the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC), the
Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland County government, and the PA State Representatives for
believing in that bet alongside us. Their support wasn’t just financial — it was a signal that what
we’re doing here matters. That signal kept us going on the hard days.
This ribbon cutting isn’t a finish line. It’s a marker — a moment to look back at how far we’ve
come and recommit to what comes next. I hope you’ll join us.
— Dan Mowery, CEO, Mowery Entertainment
RENOVATION OVERVIEW
The renovation was completed across multiple phases over approximately ten years,
representing a total community investment of $2,500,000 across the following categories:
• Lanes & Equipment — ~$550K: Full resurfacing of all lanes, replacement of pinsetter
machinery, and modernized ball returns across the facility.
• Scoring & Technology — ~$200K: State-of-the-art digital overhead scoring systems,
upgraded AV infrastructure, and venue-wide connectivity.
• Exterior & Signage — ~$250K: Complete facade refresh, new exterior signage, updated
lighting, and improved parking and entry experience.
• Lounge & Dining — ~$400K: Full redesign of the bar and lounge area, updated kitchen
equipment, new seating, and an elevated food and beverage program.
• New Attractions — ~$350K: Addition of Axe Throwing and Duckpin Bowling, two
high-demand entertainment formats that have significantly expanded Midway’s audience
and group event business.
• Event Infrastructure — ~$250K: Dedicated private party suites, upgraded Rock & Bowl
lighting and sound systems, and expanded corporate event capabilities.
• General Building & Systems — ~$800K: HVAC, plumbing, roof, drainfield, electrical, and
structural improvements throughout the facility.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
The most recent phase of the renovation was completed with support from the Cumberland
Area Economic Development Corporation's (CAEDC) Tourism Product Development Grant. The
grant award helped to fund new windows, an improved ADA accessible entrance, indoor event
rental space, upgraded bowling seating and patio upgrades including stamped concrete, a
pergola, outdoor TVs, and seating. Laura Delaney, CAEDC's Director of Tourism and Marketing,
shared that "Midway Bowl offers a variety of entertainment options for visitors, including
bowling, an arcade, axe throwing, rentable meeting/party rooms, a patio and live musical
entertainment. These improvements keep Cumberland Valley's tourism amenities competitive
with our surrounding counties and offer day and evening activities." Midway Carlisle also
acknowledges the ongoing support of the Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland County government,
the Carlisle Chamber of Commerce, and the PA State Representatives that made this possible.
RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY
The public is invited to celebrate with us at the Midway Carlisle 70th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting
Ceremony. The event will feature remarks from Dan Mowery and community leaders, a formal
ribbon cutting, facility tours, and complimentary food and refreshments.
Date: 25th of June 2025
Time: 6:00 PM Ceremony | 5:00 PM–7:00 PM Open House & Tours
Location: Midway Carlisle, 1561 Holly Pike, Carlisle, PA 17013
Admission: Free and open to the public
Community members, local leaders, and members of the media are encouraged to attend.
Photography will be available on-site.
ABOUT MIDWAY CARLISLE
Midway Carlisle has served Cumberland County families since 1956. Located at 1561 Holly
Pike in Carlisle, PA, the venue offers traditional and duckpin bowling, axe throwing, Rock & Bowl
events, private birthday parties, corporate events, and a full-service bar and dining experience.
Owned and operated by Mowery Entertainment. www.midwaybowl.com
ABOUT MOWERY ENTERTAINMENT
Mowery Entertainment is a multi-asset hospitality and entertainment holding company
headquartered in Pennsylvania. Led by CEO Dan Mowery, the company owns and operates
Midway Carlisle and holds interests in additional entertainment and hospitality ventures across
