Axe throwing hits the mark during grandparents day at Batavia Holmstad

Former arm wrestling champion and Covenant Living at the Holmstad resident Barb Campbell did her best to hit the wooden target with her ax throws Saturday during grandparents day but couldn't quite hit the mark.

"I had never heard of (ax throwing) but it was great," said Campbell before flexing and showing off her biceps to her family's enjoyment.

For the second time in a few months the mobile ax throwing activity returned to the Batavia retirement center.

"The first time was just for the residents and staff," said Nicole Sickafoose, resident life director, "but we brought it back for grandparents day."

Sickafoose said that typically grandparents day attracts upward of 500 visitors, but because of the pandemic she expected numbers to be much lower.

Holmstad resident Dave Anderson, who had not been able to get his ax throws to stick to the target on his attempts, let out a big cheer and raised his arms in excitement as his last throw of the day stuck just below the bull's-eye.

"Thank you, thank you - I'll be here all day," joked Anderson.

The event, which also included a dunk tank, radio-controlled cars, bags, crafts and prepackaged snacks, gave the residents a safe way to spend time with their families.