Sept. 26, 2018

The concrete floor is being poured today, and the post and beam structure will start going up next week for a second venue at a Harrisburg event center that’s tucked in an apple orchard.

The Veranda by Meadow Barn will be slightly smaller than the original Meadow Barn at Country Orchards, and rental fees will be lower, said Katie Jones, who owns the business with her husband, Greg.

“We definitely see the growing need of the Sioux Falls community,” Jones said. They bought part of an apple orchard and built Meadow Barn two years ago. Next year, during the high season of May through October, the venue is booked every Saturday and most Fridays, she said. “And we’re still getting tons of requests.”

There’s enough room on their property for another center, so “We said: ‘What the heck, let’s do this. Let’s fill that need and offer them another option.’ ”

Bookings for The Veranda are being taken for May 2019, and “those spring dates are filling up fast,” Jones said.

The new venue will have a different look from the more rustic Meadow Barn.

“It’s the same post and beam structure, but we’re going modern-farmhouse style with a white interior and exterior and more industrial black lighting and fixtures. … It will be a little more landscaped, not as much of an orchard feel but still in the orchard.”

The Veranda will be able to seat up to 250 guests; Meadow Barn can seat 400. It will include suites for brides and grooms, a prep kitchen for caterers, fireside bar, patio area and ceremony area in the apple orchard. Parking will be separate from Meadow Barn.

In addition to weddings, the venues can be rented for reunions, celebrations of life, anniversary and birthday parties, business meetings and all types of events.