Open house at The Farm

A work in progress doesn’t really size up the changes that have occurred over the years at The Farm on Beck’s Mill Road. The now wedding venue had humble beginnings as an actual barn, a part of a dairy farm owned by Bennie Moore’s family.

Frank Schocke, caretaker and manager at The Farm, said, “Bennie’s Dad milked cows ‘til the mid 70’s.” The family acquired the farm in 1954. The Moore family got serious about taking the barn in a different direction about three years ago.

“A buddy and I spent about three summers working out there, building and creating,” Schocke said. After they got a long-term plan together, Schocke became a full-time employee. He sets up the meetings to show off the venue and follows through with pricing and signing of the contract.

“I’m the first one there on the wedding day, and the last to leave,” he said. “I feel blessed to be in the position I’m in.”

In addition to using the barn area as a wedding venue, many couples use the 32’ gazebo to exchange their vows. “The gazebo will hold about 60 chairs,” Frank explained. “Or we can line the grass with hay bales.”

The barn has about 5,000 usable square feet, counting the loft. Recently a couple used the loft area as a game center and it was very well received. The newest addition is the “Bride’s room.”

Currently there is no cooking in the barn. All food has to be catered in. But that is going to change soon as plans are in the works for a commercial kitchen. Also a porch is in the planning stages.

On Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Farm is hosting an open house. Schocke encourages everyone to come out and look over the venue. “Even if you don’t have a wedding in your future, come on out. Everybody’s welcome,” he said.

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