Firefighter opens Auburn's first axe-throwing facility

While firefighters know what to do with an axe, Nevada County Firefighter James Edwards has taken that skill to a whole new height while bringing a new entertainment venue to town. Edwards has opened Auburn Axe, an axe-throwing bar in the old Funfinity play space on Dry Creek Road. The venue officially opened at the end of December. After trying axe throwing with his wife, Edwards thought the activity would be a great addition to the Auburn area. "I like the fact that Auburn doesn't have anything besides bowling and the movie theatre," he said. "This is the perfect area." Edwards said that has proven to be true so far; the weekends are packed at the eight-lane facility. Each lane can accommodate up to six throwers, ages 12 and up. Edwards said reservations are encouraged to guarantee a lane. The business is a family-run affair. Edwards and his wife run the facility while his three children work there. While there are four taps and more than 30 cans of alcoholic beverages available, Edwards said they are trying to avoid becoming just a bar. "We want to keep it more of a family environment," he said. Edwards assures axe-throwing experience isn't needed to have a good time. On Thursday night, he showed new customers how to use the electronic target equipment and will show parties how to successfully throw the axes that weigh about a pound. "I do feel I am trying to offer a coaching environment," Edwards said. "I want people to walk out stoked they were able to hit the target." Edwards wanted to make sticking the targets as easy as possible, so he found locally sourced ponderosa pine to create end grain targets. The facility also features rubber mat flooring, which reduces the bounce back of the axes after a hard throw. Outside food is welcome at the facility, as there are only light snacks offered at the bar. Edwards said he'd like to invite food trucks in the future as another draw to the business. While Edwards said his lanes are not World Axe Throwing League official size, he'd be open to hosting local leagues. "A lot of people are just really excited about the place," Edwards said. "We have a really good atmosphere. I'm getting a lot of support from the community; people really want this business to stay. People are stoked we opened." For more information or to reserve a lane, visit auburnaxethrowing.com.