Events Barn History
The Events Barn and homestead was built in 1874. My grandparents purchased the farm in 1925, and the farm has served our family well over the years. My parents raised 12 kids on the farm. Today, my wife and I are working hard and enjoying life (and all it brings!) with our 3 daughters. The farm continues to provide for our family and we hope to maintain it for future generations.
Farming then and now
We’ve gone from dairy farming to growing vegetables and small fruits. The art of canning and storing fruits and vegetables for the winter nearly disappeared with the invention of the Supermarket. Today, we are experiencing a revival in the demand for local foods and products. It makes good economic sense, but also environmental sense. We have an obligation to future generations to provide clean air, water, and food.
An organic process
In 1994, my wife and I began working towards a sustainable life here on our farm. We took the skills we had in pottery, taxidermy, gardening and crafts and set up our studio workshops in the old farm buildings. Our life has always been an organic process. In 2005, after several years of gradual construction, navigating building codes and zoning issues, we opened the Events Barn.
Agricultural Tourism
Today we continue working toward that dream— a sustainable farm, but more importantly a future for our family and farm. Opening the Events Barn and inviting the community to the farm has been a big step for us. We came to realize that a balance had to be made between farming the land and connecting the community with the farm. We started out with a weekly music series called the Black Cat Concert Series featuring local, independent artists. After a couple of years we began adding weddings and other private events. It’s been interesting learning how to promote the Events Barn and seeing how it has evolved to satisfy the audience and the community’s needs.
Community Farmers Markets
Over the past 10 years we’ve expanded our vegetables and small fruits gardens each year. This expansion was (and is) made possible by the community farmers markets, local restaurants, and CSA members (community supported agriculture). Local community support is what puts small farms back in business.
Economic Benefits
Agricultural tourism on the farm creates direct economic benefits for our community. Weddings and other events hire local caterers, photographers, event planners, musicians, bar tenders, wait staff, rental equipment, florists, taxies and shuttle services. We’re thrilled to provide indirect benefits for the community in gasoline, food, lodging and other sales.