Are you looking for something fun to do this fall?
Have you ever considered axe-throwing?
A new form of entertainment is swinging into Meadville this month. The Movies at Meadville will open a space where the public can try their hand at throwing axes, under the supervision of an axe-master.
“It is something different. It is very unique,” said Paul McNulty, who manages both the Movies at Meadville and Movies at Cranberry theaters. “Ninety-nine out of 100 people I have talked to can’t wait to throw an axe,” he said.
The venue will have 10 lanes available for axe-throwing. Groups of four to 10 people will be able to reserve a two-hour time slot, McNulty said.
When people arrive, they are given information about safety and how to properly throw an axe.
Then there will be time given for some practice throws before the games begin.
Axe-throwers will throw in their group for a while before competing in a tournament to determine the “Axe King,” said McNulty.
“Our No. 1 priority is safety and No. 2 is having fun,” he said.
Minnesota Axe has two other locations. McNulty said those locations have been open for more than three years and have never had a safety incident.
McNulty said the Movies at Meadville theater complex was planning to make some renovations before the COVID-19 pandemic hit and stalled the plan. Now people are heading back out into the public for entertainment options and the addition of axe-throwing at the theater has worked out to be in good timing, McNulty said.
Over the last year and a half, movie producers have been streaming more movies and doing fewer theater showings. “That really hurts theaters, especially independent movie theaters like us,” said McNulty. “So we thought, let’s do something for the community that isn’t about movies.”
In addition to a new axe-throwing venue, the Movies at Meadville is expanding its kitchen. Customers will have more than popcorn and nachos from which to choose. McNulty said pizza, chicken fingers and french fries will all be added to the menu.
The final phase of the renovations will include a full bar and seating area. McNulty expects these updates to be finished in the spring.
“It will have a sports bar feel. It is going to be pretty exciting,” McNulty said.
For those concerned about mixing alcohol and sharp objects, McNulty said, “Safety wise, if anyone is not following instructions or drinking too much, they will not be allowed to throw and will be asked to sit down.”
Despite widespread hiring shortages, McNulty said he has been able to hire the necessary personnel to run the kitchen and work as axe-masters. He has six axe-masters hired now, but hopes to have 10 or more in the future as more interest in the axe-throwing spreads.
Hours of operation and other information can be found at www.mnaxe.com.
