Event space to open at end of year

By Jenny Roberts
IRON RIVER — Tyler and Kirstie Dobson recently exchanged vows on July 2 with storybook-like character in a classic old barn and it all happened just outside Iron River. 
Tyler Dobson, a native of Iron River, purchased the Wales’ farm where the barn sits. He and his now wife saw the barn and decided to rehab it for their wedding. They began the project in April of 2021 and completed it at the end of June. 
The couple had help from Tyler’s father, Jim Dobson as well as family friend, “Bucky” Revard. Together they straightened the barn, leveled the floors, laid new floors, put in new landscaping, and Kevin Drier did the electrical throughout.
“I’ve always wanted a farm and had a big interest in that old barn,” Tyler said. “Not all barns are fixable, but this one was, so we fixed it up for our wedding. Old barns have a lot of character and history and we wanted to restore that. 
But the Dobsons had the ultimate goal of using the barn as an event venue. 
“We want to continue to see happy endings come out of it, not just our own, but other people as well,” Kirstie said. “And we don’t want to limit it to just a wedding venue but we wanna see the barn be used for birthday parties, retirement parties or family reunions, too.” 
Kristie said she selected the name, Serenity Barn, because she found the open field setting of the grounds to be a tranquil setting.
“I love serenity — the word and the definition — and you feel that when you walk onto the property.” 
“Anybody opens that barn door, and it just puts a smile on their face. You can have the worst day ever and you calm right down,” Tyler added.
The barn space is over 2,500 square feet with the ability to hold 175 people, surrounded by 80 acres of forest and grassland. The venue will operate seasonally from May to October. Rental fees are still being determined. The Dobsons intend to start taking bookings at the end of 2022. 
Along with offering a new venue to the community, the Dobson’s also hope those who rent their space are motivated to work with other local businesses as well.
“We hope to have the people who book with us use the local florists, caterers and hotels to create more income for the local community,” Kirstie said.