While ax throwing in Overland Park, Sage Cauley recognized a need for more downtown entertainment in Great Bend and decided to bring the venture to the Golden Belt. Hatchet Axtion, a new venue set to open this month at 1210 Main, seeks to do just that.

Essentially, Cauley said, the activity involves standing 12 to 16 feet from a 4 by 4-foot wooden target and hurling a metal ax at the wall.  The targets are at the end of individual booths, much like an archery range. Participants score points based on where on the target they hit.

He understands the activity may be new for many in Great Bend. Cauley assured those who are curious that there will be strict guidelines in place in order to ensure the participants’ safety. They will also have instructors on hand.

Each session will last an hour, and the cost per session has not yet been determined. His goal for participants, he said, is to help them have fun, but to be able to educate them at the same time.

The facility will be open to anyone ages 12 and up. However, anyone between the ages of 12 and 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and a waiver form will be required.

Cities around the nation are opening ax-throwing bars to stressed-out millennials (and others) seeking a night of release and friendly competition, according to Business Insider. But Hatchet Axtion won’t be serving alcohol. At 20 years old, Cauley is too young to apply for a liquor license, he said. What the new business will offer is a fun activity that is growing in popularity; the World Axe Throwing League was formed in 2017 to organize international competitions that are now broadcast on ESPN.

The owners of Hatchet Axtion are still in the process of preparing the location but are targeting a date of later in June. They plan on being open evenings Wednesday through Friday, and most of the day on Saturdays and Sundays.