For dozens of years, the only jokes emanating from the bowling alley in Waconia came from league members who enjoyed poking fun at each other’s scores.

But last month, the jokes weren’t being lobbed from the peanut gallery in the bowling alley, they were coming from a stage at what has become a pseudo comedy club in Waconia.

Thanks to a gentle and persistent nudge by comedian “Wild” Bill Bauer, Waconia Lanes owner Trent Klein has opened his doors to a variety of comedians in the last few weeks. “It’s something that’s never been tried before in Waconia,” said Bauer, who would like nothing more than for the comedy club to become a regular outlet for up and coming comedians in the Twin Cities. The club is located in the newer space that was added to the lanes about four years ago, adjacent to the bowling lanes. “It’s a really funky space, but I think it works really well for a comedy show,” said Bauer, who said an estimated 75 people could be seated in that area.

Bauer has performed at the site, as have other Twin Cities comedians.

Bauer said it’s his plan to lure other comedians to the location, mostly so they have another outlet.

“I think this has the opportunity to be a great little location for a lot of people.”

Bauer has worked on a variety of television shows, including Evening at the Improv, MTV Spring Break and Louie Anderson’s Comedy Showcase. Bauer is hoping there is enough local support to keep the club alive.

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