The Legacy Barn opens it’s doors for prom season
DONEGAL TWP — Despite some consistent drizzle on Friday, May 1, The Legacy Barn opened up for it’s third year of hosting prom-goers with free photo backdrops and snacks.
Adina Luppe, the owner’s daughter, said they’re always excited to open up the barn to the community.
“We’re laid back. We kind of just think of it as a family,” Luppe said. “Maybe that’s why we do this. It’s for the community but it’s a small community, so it is like family.”
Friday night was set up primarily for the Karns City Area Jr./Sr. High School and the Butler Senior High School proms. While food and dancing was the main interest for students on their way to the prom, there were specific features they were excited for too.
Phoebe Brandon, a 17-year-old Karns City student said she most looked forward to the photo booth and chocolate fountain that would be at the prom. The fountain, she said, will have a variety of dipping choices from strawberries to gummy bears. The photo booth and activities are in line with Karns City’s Hollywood prom theme.
Those who had been to the prom before said they value the themes and related activities. Eli Conklin, a senior at Karns City, said he went the previous year and enjoyed the bright carnival theme they had. Eli wasn’t the only one either, others echoed his sentiment.
“I liked the events we had last year. We had a basketball thing because our theme was carnival.” Phoebe said.
Luppe made it clear that as much fun as the students have at the barn, the owners have just as much. Paul and Nancy Edwards, Luppe’s parents and the owners of the property, officially opened the venue in August of 2021 with the support of the rest of the family. Ever since, they’ve hosted weddings, family reunions, bridal showers, baby showers, birthday parties and more.
As the barn is not climate controlled, prom is typically their first event of the year. They remain open May 1 through Nov. 1. The family owned business works together to “unwinterize” the barn, and clean and set the venue up for the warm weather. Luppe said even if they don’t plan to, they’ll open up anytime they’re free and someone wants to stop in.
“If people contact us and they’d like us to open up the barn and we don’t have other events planned, we’ll be happy to.” Luppe said.
The family specifically tries to fit in all the surrounding schools and they have a real soft spot for welcoming prom-goers and their families. Being surrounded by many districts, they set up for Knoch, Karns City and Butler Area, at the least.
“We love to see them all dressed up and happy, it’s just a special memory because you think of your own prom. It’s just nostalgic, I guess.” Luppe said.
