"Get-Away Farm" Becomes Special Event Hot Spot
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Got a set of farm buildings that aren't being used? Maybe you can turn them into a special event location like Cedar Lake Farm near St. Louis, Mo. While not everybody has a large population center nearby, the success of Cedar Lake shows the attraction old barns have to many people.
"When Carl Bolm bought it in 2002, he envisioned a retreat for himself and his business and personal friends," explains Michelle Tinker, farm activities director. "After a wedding was held on the farm, he started getting requests to hold other events there and things just spiraled up from there."
In the past 7 years the farm has evolved into a special events site that can hold up to 700 people. The main barn itself can handle a dinner of up to 75. A recently completed 30 by 50-ft. deck on the second level provides socializing space for dancing or more dining. The covered space underneath the deck offers semi-outdoor space, protected from bad weather.
Tinker says a large part of the attraction Cedar Lake holds for guests is the restored look of the barn inside and out. The exterior is the classic red painted barn wood. The inside has been left with open beams and the original barn interior. Where changes have been made, they have been made with authentic barn wood. Pulleys are in place and the hay barn doors can be opened for a view of the surrounding countryside.
A small watering hole was cleaned out and expanded into a small reflecting pond alongside the barn and deck. On the other side of the barn is a three-acre lake complete with paddleboats and a scenic waterfall.
"I've noticed a lot of people fall in love with the relaxed setting," says Tinker. "They feel like they are back on Grandpa's farm, but with an upscale touch."
That touch includes flat screen TVs, radiant heating in the floors, and comfortable couches instead of hay bales.
"Every event is priced differently depending on what's included," says Tinker. "Weddings range from $1,000 to $3,000 for space, chairs, tables, etc. Catering is extra. We can do a simple barbeque for $20 per person or higher for a plated dinner."
The farm has grown as business has grown. Currently Cedar Lake Farm is refurbishing another barn with a slightly different style. Tinker says the goal is to increase daytime business.
Currently there is no double booking of the site, another attractive aspect to many guests.
"People feel like it's really theirs for the day," says Tinker.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Michelle Tinker, Cedar Lake Farm & Growler's Pub, 11008 Schreckengast Road, Wright City, Mo. 63390 (ph 314 569-3005, ext 106; www.cedarlakefarm.net).
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Get-Away Farm Becomes Special Event Hot Spot FARM HOME Miscellaneous Got a set of farm buildings that aren t being used? Maybe you can turn them into a special event location like Cedar Lake Farm near St Louis Mo While not everybody has a large population center nearby the success of Cedar Lake shows the attraction old barns have to many people
When Carl Bolm bought it in 2002 he envisioned a retreat for himself and his business and personal friends explains Michelle Tinker farm activities director After a wedding was held on the farm he started getting requests to hold other events there and things just spiraled up from there
In the past 7 years the farm has evolved into a special events site that can hold up to 700 people The main barn itself can handle a dinner of up to 75 A recently completed 30 by 50-ft deck on the second level provides socializing space for dancing or more dining The covered space underneath the deck offers semi-outdoor space protected from bad weather
Tinker says a large part of the attraction Cedar Lake holds for guests is the restored look of the barn inside and out The exterior is the classic red painted barn wood The inside has been left with open beams and the original barn interior Where changes have been made they have been made with authentic barn wood Pulleys are in place and the hay barn doors can be opened for a view of the surrounding countryside
A small watering hole was cleaned out and expanded into a small reflecting pond alongside the barn and deck On the other side of the barn is a three-acre lake complete with paddleboats and a scenic waterfall
I ve noticed a lot of people fall in love with the relaxed setting says Tinker They feel like they are back on Grandpa s farm but with an upscale touch
That touch includes flat screen TVs radiant heating in the floors and comfortable couches instead of hay bales
Every event is priced differently depending on what s included says Tinker Weddings range from $1 000 to $3 000 for space chairs tables etc Catering is extra We can do a simple barbeque for $20 per person or higher for a plated dinner
The farm has grown as business has grown Currently Cedar Lake Farm is refurbishing another barn with a slightly different style Tinker says the goal is to increase daytime business
Currently there is no double booking of the site another attractive aspect to many guests
People feel like it s really theirs for the day says Tinker
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Michelle Tinker Cedar Lake Farm & Growler s Pub 11008 Schreckengast Road Wright City Mo 63390 ph 314 569-3005 ext 106; www cedarlakefarm net
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