When Rick and Melissa Ragsdale moved to their farm a year ago, Melissa saw the three barns on their new property and was inspired to transform one into a dance barn.
When talking about her vision for the barn, Melissa said, “My family played music my entire life growing up. We played benefits, fairs, contests. We would spend our weekends at friends’ houses in an open garage or barn picking and singing and sharing food.”
The Ragsdales, along with their children, love to sing and dance. Melissa saw the barn as an opportunity, not only for her own family to enjoy, but for the community at-large. It was especially important to her to create a family-friendly, alcohol-free environment, which anyone could come and enjoy. Much of her inspiration for the barn comes from her mother.
“When my mom, Ava Jean Counts, passed away when I was 11, much of what my family enjoyed died too. Over the years I have so missed singing and the fun that it was,” said Melissa.
Bonita Valley regularly hosts a variety of events open to the public such as line dance lessons, line dances, and barn dances. Along with the events hosted, the Ragsdales also rent the barn out as an event venue.
Available at the venue is seating for 200, a kitchen area, indoor restroom, surround sound system, stage, dance floor, folding tables, picnic tables, chair covers and sashes, two wedding arbors, a canopy, fire pit, horseshoe pits, children’s play area, and a multitude of decorations.
In astounding numbers, couples are choosing to start their married lives in a barn or farm for their wedding or reception, with some in the marriage industry terming the décor as rustic chic.
The Ragsdales have created a beautiful place for any community or family and friend event. From weddings, to class reunions, to baby showers, Bonita Valley is willing to help in anyway. The couple is excited to see what the future holds for Bonita Valley Dance Barn and Event Venue, and the potential for use and benefits for our community.
The barn is located off of B Highway, south of Salem. For more information or booking inquiries, contact Melissa at (573) 247-9849 or like Bonita Valley on Facebook.
