The historical landmark has been turned into an event centre, but it has become much more than just a wedding venue
It was a tumble-down barn built in 1904. A historical landmark, maybe, but the property had been vacant for years. It was collapsing and the roof line resembled an old saddle. It was full of pigeon poop.
But to Debora Rice-Salomons, it was a thing of beauty. Now the property boasts not just a restored barn but a renovated catalogue home, a museum, ice cream parlour, outdoor verandahs, vintage farm equipment and sweeping views.
“God takes care of fools and small children,” says Rice-Salomons from her makeshift office located at the front of what is now the Heritage Centre by Mountain View Events, or as it is known locally, the big red barn.
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“It was two weeks after my 60th birthday,” she says. “I was looking for a barn and this was a now-or-never decision. They kept saying it would be cheaper to tear it down.”
The barn was part of a homestead located east of Cremona, Alta.
Rice-Salomons’ barn is not the only event-hosting business in Mountain View County.
When James Carpenter and his wife, Rhonalyn, bought their 27-acre property half way between Calgary and Red Deer, the entrepreneur wanted to continue the work of the previous owners, who had established a garden centre, U-pick operation and event-hosting business.
“When we bought the place, I wanted to continue doing that,” he says, “but our kids were too little so we waited.”
Now that the kids are older, the whole family pitches in to make Cork and Crate Farm a unique experience.
“It’s a wine experience and a farm experience,” says Carpenter. “A barn-meets-winery feel.”
For Rice-Salomons and Carpenter, the event business came from a desire to support their communities. Along with the event hosting — everything from political and business events to weddings, charity work and community and family events — both businesses have prioritized giving back. With initiatives that provide space for seniors’ events or U-picks that donate farm-fresh produce to local food banks, both hosts have been intentional that their version of an events centre is much more than a wedding venue.
Getting community buy-in during the planning stages was critical, says Rice-Salomons.
“The community has to be on board, the bankers and the government. For us, people felt that saving the iconic barn was worth any inconvenience.”
Adds Carpenter: “You must do your homework. The zoning requirements, the permits. Talk to the neighbours. It’s all about relationships.”
Before there can be community support, however, there needs to be family support.
“It’s a full-time job,” says Carpenter, noting that with his other business ventures, Rhonalyn often does the daily work of scheduling, touring and prepping the venue, but the whole family can be pressed into action if needed. For example, a hailstorm before a wedding booking once meant 20 hours of cleaning up debris was necessary, he says.
Rice-Salomons agrees with the need for family support, “but you have to realize that some days, it’ll be too much.”
Her husband, Gordon, was supportive and mystified by her vision and passion for the project.
“Sometimes he’d call it ‘that miserable project,’ ” she says with a smile. “Once, when he was coming back from a fishing trip, it was our anniversary and I’d gotten a big shiner from some falling plaster. He took one look at me, ‘I’m not taking you anywhere.’ ”
Gordon died in 2021 and his battered cowboy hat hangs in the barn’s former stables, now converted into a museum showcasing some of the project’s finds and local memorabilia.
“He was so proud of me,” says Rice-Salomons.
“You have to be willing not to give up,” she says. “Not everyone will see your vision. Break it down into small pieces.”
Carpenter says the trick is to create something timeless, not trendy. Something that provides not just a space but an experience. Something personal that lasts.
“Remember, revenue comes and goes. It’s seasonal. Plan for the time between paycheques.”
