NORTHBOROUGH – The Applefest Committee has tapped the next grand marshal for the upcoming festival – Sawyer’s Bowladrome owner Ernie Sawyer.
“Ernie epitomizes the spirit of giving back to our community,” the committee wrote in the announcement July 29.
Sawyer was surprised when he learned that he would be grand marshal.
The street fair associated with Applefest happens to be located right outside of Sawyer’s Bowladrome, and he’s always enjoyed watching the parade with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“He goes to the parade every year,” said his daughter Deb Reynolds.
Sawyer moved to Northborough when he was two-years-old and has lived in town for the past 93 years.
Located at 13 Blake Street, the building that houses Sawyer’s Bowladrome originally served as stables for the Munroe Tavern. The building was later used for industrial businesses, including a button making shop. Sawyer and his father purchased the building in 1946 after the roof had been burned off, according to a 2017 Community Advocate article.
“The whole building was a mess,” Sawyer said.
Originally, there were four pool tables upstairs. The candlepin bowling alley opened in 1953 and features six lanes.
As to why the family decided to open the bowling alley, Sawyer had recently gotten out of the Army and bowling was becoming popular, according to Reynolds.
Originally, there wasn’t a basement in the building.
“They dug it all out with wheelbarrows and shovels and the help of friends,” Reynolds said.
Now, 70 years later, Sawyer is still working at the Bowladrome.
In nomination letters to the Applefest Committee, community members noted that Sawyer has supported Applefest and programs in town, working with residents, the schools and Senior Center.
One writer said that Sawyer has welcomed families to the Bowladrome, and, by offering a place where mothers and children could play, he made it feasible for mothers to get out.
Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sawyer opened the Bowladrome as a place where families and residents could visit each other and stay active.
“He’s helped people along the way,” Reynolds said.
People have come back to her, sharing stories of how her father has helped them.
One woman came into the Bowladrome in tears because Sawyer and his father had talked with her son, who wanted to quit school. After talking with the pair, the son decided to stick it out.
“I just happened to find these out because I was here when the people came in, but he never flaunted how much he’s done for people,” Reynolds said.
Applefest will take place Sept. 7-10.
