Founded by Jennie Lee, The Exotic Dancers League of America was the nation’s first-ever Stripteasers’ trade union. In addition to fighting for better compensation, safer work conditions, and other necessary rights for dancers, the ladies of EDL also knew how to have fun!

Beginning in 1957, Jennie hosted an annual reunion, complete with awards to celebrate burlesque, uplift it, present it as a legitimate, reputable entertainment form–and show that those in it had a sense of humor about themselves.

And they didn’t only meet once a year. The EDL was as active socially as they were professionally, gathering whenever and wherever  their presence was needed–whether that meant picketing a newspaper or nightclub or putting on high heels and hot pants to bowl a few frames.

That’s right, the EDL participated in team sports! Softball and League Bowling, to be precise. And this year, we once again honor the memory of Jennie and all the amazing ladies of the EDL, by paying tribute to one of their proudest (or weirdest) traditions . . . yes, ladies and gents: it’s a frickin’ BOWLING TOURNAMENT!!!

There will be lots of prizes, rewarding athletic excellence, team spirit, and random silliness: Highest Team Score, Best Dressed, Most Distracting, Most Natural Ball Handler, and more!

So get your team of 4 together, pick a fabulous team theme and team costumes, buff your balls, drink up (the drunker you get the better you’ll bowl, I swear!) and sign up today!

WHAT: Barecats Invitational 2012: A BHOF Bowl-Off!
WHEN: Friday, June 1st, 2012 from 3-5pm (or 2 games)
WHERE: Orleans Bowling Center
WHO: You! 12 Teams of 4 (Teams of 4 only)
HOW MUCH: $60 per team of 4, that’s $15 per person, for 2 games and bowling shoe rental