A father and son pose for a picture during the...

A father and son pose for a picture during the fifth annual New Year's Eve party at the Port Jeff Bowl in Port Jefferson Station. (Dec. 31, 2011) Credit: Desiree Keegan

Families gathered and cheered as they knocked down pins, drank soda and punch, ate pizza and counted down the minutes till 2012 during the fifth annual New Year’s Eve party at the Port Jeff Bowl in Port Jefferson Station.

“It’s a nice party, and a real family thing,” said Joan Perillo, who has been bowling for 24 years and has worked as the day manager for the bowling alley for six years.

There are also countdowns to the New Year whenever it is being celebrated somewhere around the world, and black lights are illuminated to add to the party ambience.

Rob Mattera came to the party with his friends and family for the first time this year.

“The kids are having a great time,” said Mattera, 42, of Port Jefferson Station. “My New Year’s resolution would be to try to enjoy myself a little more.”

Stacy Zink, of Port Jefferson, has worked at the bowling alley for seven years and runs a youth program there.

“My daughter and I work this event yearly and we love the whole day,” said Zink, 50. “Families come down and have a lot of fun and that’s what bowling is all about.”

Prizes were also given out to those who answered questions and were the quickest to head to the main desk with the answer.

Theresa Ferraiuolo said it was her first time bowling on New Year’s Eve.

“It’s safe and really great,” said Ferraiuolo, 50, of Miller Place. “Even if you’re a bad bowler it’s a lot of fun, and I have made a New Year resolution to find something positive about every day.”

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