Derek and Julia Dietrich opened their new business, Fun Time Adventures, August 12th after an August 10th ribbon cutting. It was a busy weekend with Trader Days taking place in Fort Pierre but the Dietrichs still had a lot of customers come to check out their new location.
The couple had moved their previous business, Fun Time Rentals, from its location on 9th Avenue in Fort Pierre to 910 Bass Drive off Highway 1806. They had operated at the 9th Avenue location since they opened in 2022. Business had been good there but they needed more space and visibility.
Derek had always been interested in the Wheels & Sticks Adventure Park location and had tried to buy it before renting space on 9th Avenue. The previous owner of Wheels & Sticks had opened it in 2009 and closed in 2015. Derek realized a dream when he was able to buy the property this summer.
A lot of work had to be done to get the adventure park up and running. Julia works a full time job for a credit union so Derek did much of the work every day besides keeping the current rental business going. They found the visibility on 1806 attracted campers and boaters.
Derek moved all his current rental equipment: boats, wave runners, kyaks, paddle boats, inflatables etc.The weeds had overgrown the property and had to be removed. The clubhouse has been remodeled, a snack bar added, and four lanes for AXE throwing were added. Julia said, “A lot of couples have signed up for the axe throwing league.” A dart league will also meet at the facility once a week.
Derek said, “We will have 15 go-karts when our next shipment arrives.” He continued, “We can allow up to 12 go-karts on the track at a time.” Drivers have to be 66 inches tall and passengers have to be 36 inches in heigth.
The Dietrichs have acquired a malt beverage license and invite couples to come out for a “date night.” Julia said, “The mini golf course has been popular with people of all ages. We are planning to do some other things with the golf course like “a glow golf night” where people golf in the dark.” They also have something fun planned for Holloween and a lot of weekend parties booked for September and October.
The Dietrichs hope Mother Nature gives them a break for the next couple of months.