DAVENPORT, N.D. — It's not your basic ballroom. That's what Patrick Kirby, owner of Do Good Better Consulting of West Fargo, said attracted him to The Pines wedding and event center 10 miles southwest of Fargo.
Kirby plans to host his workshop, "How Not to Suck at Planning Fundraising Events," there March 12. His goal is to teach attendees the importance of thinking outside the box.
"One of the things is to be different and to find a different venue, and there is no better one that I’ve seen recently than this. It seemed like a perfect fit to have that training at a venue that is so unique, and different and new," Kirby said.
That is music to Grant Koenig's ears. While he knows weddings will likely make up 70 percent of their business, he and co-owners Blain Mikkonen, Phil Bruckbauer and Pat Bresnahan believe the 17-acre property is perfect for a wide variety of events.
"Just because we are a new venue, I don't think we've truly tapped the potential of what's possible out here," Koenig said. "We're really not trying to limit ourselves to specific events and want to keep it as flexible as possible. It could be anything."
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The partners also own Grain Designs, a business specializing in furniture and accessories made with reclaimed wood. The 9,000-square-foot barn-inspired venue features Grain Designs' exposed beams, white reclaimed wood paneling, sliding doors and tables.
Emily Finley, event manager and experience expert at The Pines, describes the venue's look as modern with a bit of an industrial feel.
The public will get their chance to see it for themselves during an open house from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15. The event center will be set up for a mock reception that will allow attendees to see its potential, Finley said. The open house will also feature vendor booths from businesses they regularly partner with, such as the Hilton Garden Inn.
What attendees will likely not be able to fully appreciate in February is the grounds the new event venue sits upon. Mikkonen said the garage doors open to outdoor patios perfect for a cocktail hour or other outdoor gatherings in warmer months.
The property is also home to a number of spots perfect for an outdoor wedding ceremony or event, he said. The venue itself can accommodate 400 seated guests for weddings held outdoors or off-site. The Pines is fully heated and air-conditioned and can host weddings indoors for up to 250 guests.
Another feature not quite ready for public view is the property's farmhouse. Once work is complete this spring, it will feature a bridal suite, groom's lounge, mother's room and more. Finley said they're working to give the home the same quality and design aesthetic as the event center. All wedding packages include use of the farmhouse.
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Chef's Table Catering in Fargo is The Pines' exclusive catering vendor. Kent Larsen, managing partner of the business, said they recently finished curating an exclusive menu for The Pines.
"It includes a beautiful signature charcuterie board built on a 5-foot butcher block. There are a number of unique buffets that will accommodate a wide range of dietary restrictions while at the same time, delighting guests. We also have some elegant plated entrees for a more formal dining experience," he said. "We are very excited to work with the talented crew at The Pines and are looking forward to many years of memorable weddings and events there!"
The Pines has its own liquor license and a fully staffed and stocked bar on-site. Finley said clients can make the bar as much or as little an expense as they want.
"We can staff the bar and guests can pay drink-by-drink. Or we can offer kegs, cases of wine, bottle service at the table, drink tickets and Champagne toasts. Clients can work with us to curate a personalized drink menu and experience for their guests," she said.
Event setup and staffing is included in all rental packages. The only thing clients will be responsible for is their decorations.
While the business is just getting off the ground, Finley said the feedback they've received so far has been fantastic.
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"Quite a few of our clients booked the venue when it was just a concept, so it's been incredibly humbling to be present for their reactions when they walk into the completed event center. The finished product is truly inspiring and breathtaking," she said. "The same attention to detail, quality and service known with the Grain Designs brand is also apparent throughout The Pines."
BUSINESS PROFILE
What: The Pines wedding and event center
Where: 4487 165th Ave. SE, Davenport, N.D.
Contact: 701-850-6064
Online: www.thepinesvenue.com
