My name is Jim and I’m a Funatic
Neon monkeys and painted elephants set the scene for cosmic golf at Logan’s Funatics, a place where fun is their business. The miniature golf course, also familiarly called the “putt putt” is one of the largest attractions that brings families, daters and college students looking for a break to try a hand at golf in a whole new light, literally.
The black light surrounding is what sets this course apart, offering also a firetruck, a grandfather clock, a classic windmill and loop-de-loop in the course’s objectives. Golfers find that in the black light, putting can be challenging in the darker areas, though the main difference is that a victory smile glows in the dark.
But beyond the appeal of a jungle-themed golf room, Funatics offers a variety of ways to pass the time. For instance, the hallway displays the proud snapshots of numerous victories, pairs of gamers grinning at their newly-acquired title of Halo Winner of the Month.
In each monthly competition, which costs $5 to enter at double elimination stakes, all levels of gamers combat each other in the “Halo rooms” adorned with a couple of couches and a projection screen. As Annelise Zike, the receptionist of Funatics explained, when the Halo rooms are not being used for competitions, people can use them to brush up on their Halo skills, play their own games or even rent out the room to watch movies with friends for about $3 an hour.
For those who prefer arcade-style games, Funatics also offers an array of arcade games like Mortal Kombat 3, Revolution X, Air Hockey and the ever-popular Mrs. PacMan.
Yet a favorite of Mary Tate’s, a USU sophomore in social work, is the blow-up bounce toy in the entrance. “It’s not just for little kids! There’s nothing like you have to be below 4 feet or under a certain amount of pounds,” Tate said.
“People are always surprised when I tell them they can jump in it,” Zike said. She did say, however, that on one occasion, the bouncy hut deflated due to some malfunctioning.
“We just thought we were fat,” said Tate, laughing.
Another attraction that Funatics offers is open pool tables for $6 an hour. “It’s more private; It doesn’t seem as crowded as other places,” said Samantha Redford, a senior in high school. The clicking of billiards adds to the general laid-back atmosphere Funatics provides like the jerseys and movie posters hung on the wall.
“There’s something for everyone; it’s rockin,” Tate said.
Beyond these aspects, however, even those looking for a couple of laughs may find a source in the comedy night that Funatics has monthly. Zike explained that sometimes about 200 people fill the entrance to watch a group of comedians perform their routines that frequently involve the audience. This month’s comedy night will be March 28.
“It’s really open, and people can try out their own comedy if they want to,” said Zike, who explained that the family-owned business is pretty open to suggestions. “They always have creative stuff going on too,” Zike said, referring to half-off nights and offers like a St. Patrick’s day free drink with golf. Zike also said some people like the cash prizes, candy bars, Funatics T-shirts, McDonald’s gift cards and other stuff that serve as the prizes for competitions.
Overall, Funatics offers a break to enjoy cosmic golf, arcade games and a little bit of everything. Yet most of all, Zike finds that the people there just like hanging out and taking a break in a relaxing environment. She admits, though, that she’s heard one too many times the puns on the name, saying “It was fun.”
-cynthiadiane@cc.usu.edu