It could be said that it's the best of times and the worst of times for Dakota Star Gymnastics in Mandan.



The gym has been around for more than 30 years. This April, it will be hosting a state meet for hundreds of gymnasts - but the gym is in some serious financial trouble.



Everybody come to the gym for different reasons.



“I like the feeling of flying through the air,” said 11-year-old Kaytlyn Bowers of Mandan.



9-year-old Rachel Dillman loves going to the gym too.



"I like the teachers a lot, and I like learning new things."



Kids like Kaytlyn and Rachel have been learning, jumping and flipping at Dakota Star Gymnastics for decades. If things don’t change though, that could all change.



"We might end up shutting the gym down,” said Michelle Gayette, the President of the Board of Directors. “We're always in constant fear of that.”



While the gym is facing problems, It's a lack of funds - not a lack of will.



"We've done fundraising every since I've been here - we do a fundraiser at least once a month,” said Gayette.



The kids themselves often help out.



“We're selling 50-50 raffle at Dakota Speedway. We're selling pizzas, wreaths, candles,” said 11-year-old Brianna Wilson of Mandan.



Dakota Star says raising prices isn't an option - because they want gymnastics to be affordable for every child. Fundraisers go for payroll - but the dollars don't stretch far enough.



“Most of our equipment we either fix ourselves or we have people recover for us,” said Gayette. “We have duct tape on the floor of our gym, our runway is taped down in places, most of our mats have holes that have been fixed.”



Why fight so hard to keep this place open?



Gymnast Caleb Gayette kept it simple: "It's fun and challenging."



Fun and challenging: two things the family at Dakota Star Gymnastics are always up for.



If you'd like to help Dakota Star Gymnastics, they'll be hosting a Pancake Breakfast this Saturday, September 20, at Applebees from 8 - 10 a.m.



Tickets are available at Applebees and Dakota Community Bank. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list