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On Oktoberfest weekend, a new business will open its doors on 5th Avenue in New Glarus.

What will it sell? Laughter.

Seriously, the New Glarus Challenge Rooms is a unique brand of fun and laughter for all ages.  Says Game Master, Shawn Christensen, "We don't know of anything like this anywhere else, so it's impossible to describe using a comparison.  All I can say is: if you're looking to laugh, you've gotta try us out."

The basic premise behind "The Challenge Rooms" is a series of engaging, hilarious games, all played in team form.  Up to ten players can play at one time. The Game Master hosts the challenges, and each team competes for the coveted "winner" title.

Founded by Amy Waddell, co-owner of Albion Swords, and her brother, Shawn Christensen, the Challenge Rooms are located at 218 5th Avenue (look for the Blue Door). 

Amy explains that, "For the last few years Shawn was the primary caregiver for our mom, who had Alzheimer's.  One thing he needed during that 24/7 responsibility to help maintain his sanity, aside from time on his own, was laughter.  So when we were discussing his life after caretaking, we tried to think of careers based around laughter. From that, The New Glarus Challenge Rooms was born."

Amy adds, "Laughter is one of the most essential things you can do for your mental, emotional, and physical health.  It lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, boosts your immune system, releases endorphins..."  Carla Kelley, Assistant Game Master, interjects, "...And it just makes you feel good! And when you feel good, everything in life is easier.  That's why we're here - we want to help make everyone's life a little easier."

The New Glarus Challenge Rooms can entertain anyone from ages 5-85. They have three categories of sessions: Mild, Mix, and Turbo.  A session can last an hour, hour and a half, or two hours.  The charge is per person, per hour, and will be discounted during Oktoberfest - normally $30/hour, it will instead be $20.00.

It's a great place for any type of gathering - date nights, family reunions, kids' birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties, graduation celebrations.  Any time a group of people is looking to have some fun, the Challenge Rooms can provide.  You can play with a group of family or friends, or join in with strangers and make some new friends.

Every Thursday will be dedicated to Nerd Wars - where games are designed around science and science fiction themes.  Monday through Wednesday will house Corporate Team Building sessions.  Future offerings beyond the game sessions will be special event nights, such as Office Olympics, Game Show Night, Attempt a World Record Night, and A Festivus Celebration.

If you're interested in giving it a try, call Shawn at (608) 835-6463 to schedule your session! (Please note: The Challenge Rooms cannot be held responsible for split sides or other severe side-effects of uncontrollable mirth.)