The Little Egypt Festival Parade Committee has named Salem Bowl Owner Steve Ludwig as the Grand Marshall of this year’s parade on Saturday, October third.
The honor was announced as General and Parade Chair Jay Henke made a surprise visit to the bowling alley Wednesday afternoon.
“It’s an honor for sure,” Ludwig said. “It’s great to be recognized. I’ve always wanted to work with the community, and it’s going to be fun to be part of the parade.”
Henke says Ludwig was a unanimous choice of the committee.
“I brought a few names to the committee, and the minute I mentioned Steve, everybody said that’s the guy,” Henke said. “Our entire committee was on board with Steve being the grand marshal. Obviously, everybody in Salem knows how successful the school bowling programs have been. Salem Bowl has been a constant in Salem for as long as I remember, and continues to carry on the tradition.”
The theme has also been announced. Committee member Missy Hogan explained:
“The theme this year that we decided on was ‘Strike up the Fun,’ and we left that open,” Hogan said. “It correlates with Steve Ludwig and what he does here at the bowling alley, but it also leaves it open for anybody to have any type of float or any type of activity associated with the parade, so just having fun and spreading the fun around.”
Ludwig has owned the bowling alley for 39 years and rebuilt following a fire that caused moderate damage a few years ago. He is also coach of the Salem Wildcat Bowling Team that has won three state titles as well as earning two second and two third place state finishes. Ludwig also works with Centralia High and Christ Our Rock High School Bowling teams and Franklin Park, Selmaville, Iuka and Raccoon Junior Highs with Sandoval coming aboard this year.
But Ludwig says he’s also working with much younger kids.
“We offer the facility to anyone who wants to get interested in bowling,” Ludwig said. “It starts right here with kids bowl free. All of these kids out here today are bowling for free. Their parents bring them out and they can play for free all summer. Then we work them into our kids’ program, we give them instructions, and if their parents are willing to let them come out more, we try to work with them. Once we get them in competition, they really enjoy it. I’ve got the kids’ kids now, so I’m on the third generation of them, and it’s been fun.”
Ludwig calls his work at the bowling alley a labor of love, noting when you develop relationships with people, they come to support you.
