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Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday 10am - 5pm Friday 10am - 5pm

A Fair Barn

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Welcome to a Fair Barn. My name is Mistie. My husband and I reside in Salem, IL. We lived here since 2004. The barn was originally the old Marion County Fair Barn.
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When we purchased our property to build our home it had a beautiful barn sitting on it. At the time we purchased our property we were told it was over 100 years old. That was over ten years ago. It was used for livestock at the fairgrounds. Sometime around 1950 it was moved to our location on S. Hotze Rd. It was put on the block foundation that it still sits on today. It looked pretty good on the outside, but wow when you went inside it was a mess. Hay was stacked to the ceiling. There was no electricity. Concrete feeding troughs went from one end to the other. We couldn’t see how bad of a condition it was in until we scooped out hay for days. My husband even fell through the loft floor it was that bad. Luckily the old lofts were not very high from the dirt floor. We debated on tearing it down once we saw the condition of all the wood. Posts were rotting out and the lofts were very unsafe. We called a company to come out and give us an estimate on tearing it down and building us a new one. Thank goodness we had a very honest man talking to us. He said “I would love to build you a new barn, but you can build five new barns and see them fall and this one will be still standing.” So with that said we decided it would be a fun project and a great place to store stuff in. With the help of family and friends we began what we thought was going to be a two year project. Well we slightly underestimated the work we were going to do. Five years later we are almost done. We jacked up and replaced the main poles. Jackhammered out all the concrete troughs. The lofts were removed board by board. Let me tell you that old oak is heavy and nails were put there to stay. Once all that was done we started trying to make it look the way it did in its glory days. We build a two tier loft completely around the barn with railing to make it safe. Added stairways so you could make a complete circle from either side. New windows and doors were installed. And a concrete floor was added. Finally we insulated the entire barn, ceiling and all to help keep drafts and birds out. Once that was done we hung knotty pine tongue and groove in the entire upper area. We stained it dark green so that it could blend with the country side. The lower block level was painted and we have rustic style lighting and electrical outlets all throughout. Recently we added a high efficiency wood stove to make it cozy in the winter. Within the next few months we will have the south side completed with bathrooms, kitchen and storage. Not too long ago we had a family inquire about holding weddings in it. I was excited. That was never in the plan, but I liked the idea. So next thing you knew we were hosting our very first wedding. I always thought it would be great to have an event planning business, but living in a small community I never thought it would go over good. I still can’t believe it never crossed my mind to turn it into a venue for celebration of all types. Especially since we have had our annual Halloween party out there for several years. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. What started out as a fun project and an excuse to buy tools and play outside turned into a dream come true that I never thought would happen. It is also a great way to meet new people and work at a job you really enjoy doing. Most people are never that lucky, and we feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to share our barn with you and help make your celebration one you will remember for years to come. We are just getting started so we can only imagine what the future of our barn holds. We get new ideas every day. Please call us so that we can be a part of your special day. Whether it be a wedding, shower, or family reunion. We will do our best to make yours the best it can be!!! Thank you for stopping in!! Al and Mistie Urdaneta

09/29/2026

💍✨ Love, laughter, and the sweetest celebration filled A Fair Barn in Salem! 🤍

We were honored to celebrate the beautiful wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Poland on such a joyful, perfect fall day.

Their color palette of terra-cotta, light blue, and cream created a warm and romantic atmosphere, perfectly complementing the rustic charm of our country barn. Fresh florals designed by Jody Smalley of Bee Branch Ranch, along with the arrangements we created, brought every detail together beautifully. 🌿💐

With their closest friends and family gathered around them, the Polands celebrated with heartfelt moments, plenty of laughter, and one unforgettable party. We truly enjoyed being part of their special day and helping bring their wedding vision to life.

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Poland! May your marriage be filled with a lifetime of love, happiness, and beautiful memories. 🥂🤍

Thank you for choosing A Fair Barn in Salem for your celebration. We loved helping make your wedding day as special and memorable as you are! ✨

09/20/2026

Saturday, September 19th, we had the honor of celebrating the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Blake Henderson! ❤️

The heat couldn’t stop this couple and their loved ones from having an unforgettable celebration. Blake and Ashley were married at the courthouse surrounded by their children and immediate family, then continued the celebration at A Fair Barn with family and friends.

The couple chose a beautiful color palette of plum, cream, and sage green, which came together beautifully throughout the evening. One of the most touching moments of the night was their first dance, shared not only as a couple but also with their children and parents. There wasn’t a dry eye in the barn—it was such a heartfelt and special moment to be a part of. 🥰

Guests enjoyed an incredible spread of delicious appetizers and sweet treats, including a specialty cheese wedding cake with beautiful fruit accents created by A Fair Barn Catering, along with wedding cake, donuts, a chocolate fountain, and some of the yummiest cookies you’ll ever taste!

The Hendersons’ guests celebrated with them for hours, enjoying good food, mingling, and dancing the night away.

Cheers to The Hendersons! 🥂 We wish you both—and your beautiful family—many, many years of love, happiness, and wonderful memories together!

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of such a special day! ❤️

09/17/2026

On Saturday, September 12th, we had the honor of celebrating Madyson and Tyler as they became Mr. and Mrs. Norris! 🤍

With cooler temperatures, beautiful surroundings, and loved ones gathered close, their wedding day was truly unforgettable. Madyson looked radiant in her gown, while family and friends filled the day with joy and celebration.

Their ceremony was uniquely beautiful, featuring the enchanting sounds of a harp and violinist. A talented artist also captured their love on canvas, painting a portrait throughout the ceremony and reception—a one-of-a-kind keepsake from their special day.

We were honored to be part of this beautiful celebration and wish the Norris’ a lifetime of love, happiness, and cherished memories!

Interested in learning more about the vendors who helped bring their day to life? Give us a call at A Fair Barn. 💍✨

09/06/2026

Need anything special for your next party or upcoming event. Check this out. Not just for weddings. If you can dream it she can make it!🩵

09/03/2026

Do engaged couples use this site? I’m not familiar with it. They are wanting to sell ads???

Plan your wedding with Zola: build a free website, create your registry, shop invitations, and find your venue. Every planning tool you need, all in one place.

09/02/2026

Another unique wedding cake designed by Holly. And always so good!💐🎂🍰💍

Happy September 1!! This past weekend kicked off wedding season at the shop! I love unique weddings 💕 and I love this design!! What a fun twist the bride took on a classic look.

09/01/2026

If you have a wedding in the summer months this is a useable party favor your guests will appreciate on a hot summer day!💐🎀💍

08/31/2026

Dates still available for 2027 and also booking for 2028. We have a winter wedding package available. Be sure to check out our exclusive barn venue in Salem IL. Give us a call. We’d love to go over details with you. 618-740-1515 🎀💐💍

07/30/2026

Booking for 2027 and 2028. Be sure to ask about our winter wedding package for 50-150 guests! 618-740-1515.🩵💍💐

Address

3416 Hotze Road
Salem, IL
62881

Opening Hours

Wednesday	10am - 5pm
Thursday	10am - 5pm
Friday	10am - 5pm

Website

http://www.afairbarn.com/

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