NATCHEZ — John Lee typically partakes in the Merchant’s League on Tuesdays at Rivergate Bowl.

On Friday evening, however, the Ferriday native tried his hand in the Friday Night Mix League.

“Friday Night is a great, friendly league,” Lee said. “We’ve got a bunch of nice people, and I met some people I’ve never met before.”

The 79 year old is just one of a slew of area bowlers who flock to Rivergate on a weekly basis to demonstrate their skills on the lanes and to take in some laughs and have fun with friends.

“I’ve been bowling in leagues since 1960,” Lee said. “I used to bowl when it was old Rebel Lanes, right across from (Natchez High School) … I like to see the ball go down (the lane), turn over and pop those pins.”

While the number of bowling leagues draws a strong contingent of locals to the alleys, it also features players from other cities, such as Larry Clark of Jackson.

“I love it. I come down here to mess around, and I enjoy it,” Clark said. “I enjoy meeting up with some people I’ve met through church.”

Clark came to Natchez Friday sporting a blue bowling shirt, fit with all the trimmings — his name etched on the front with ‘The Equalizer’ proudly illustrated on the back.

“I don’t know if I live up to it or not,” Clark said of his nickname. “You might have to ask one of these (other bowlers).”

Clark, who spends his Saturday mornings teaching the game to children in Jackson, said Natchez and the surrounding areas have some of the best bowlers he’s come across.

“I think we need to promote it more because it is a sport that has really been overlooked,” Clark said. “We’re trying to children more involved in the sport.”

While Friday’s action proved to be exciting, competitors had their eyes on a bigger prize — next weekend’s city championship.

“We have a lot of fun,” bowler Thomas Byrd said. “We tease and carry on with each other. Nobody gets mad, and everybody goes home happy.”

The city championship is slated to begin at noon Saturday, March 12.

“We’re trying to do some decent shooting,” Clark said. “You might want to come out and check out ‘The Equalizer.’”