by Rachel Heitzenrater
rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
TROY — It’s been a six-year journey for the Troy Sale Barn to get where it is today.
As many in the community know, the Troy Sale Barn was used for local farmers to bring livestock to sell every Wednesday.
“It was an all-day event,” said Bill Bower. “Men would come sell their cattle and the women would shop around town.”
Bower, president of the Troy Sale Barn Operating Corporation, said that the original fate of the Sale Barn in 2014 was to be a parking lot.
The Sale Barn changed hands from the Historical Society to eventually a small group Bowers assembled called the Troy Sale Barn Operating Corporation (TSBOC), which comprised of local volunteers that wanted to make the Troy Sale Barn not only a historical landmark, but something Troy could be proud of and use for local events.
After a lot of hard work, dedication and love from the Operating Corporation committee of 10, and many other volunteers, the Sale Barn is working on improvements to make it a social hall, theater, and so, so much more to the community.
They were originally priced a $350,000 quote for the work on the barn, which has now seen much more through recent renovations.
“We’ve really taken a punch in the nose with this virus,” said Bower, “But we have archery in here, pickleball--we’re really doing OK. Nicole takes care of all the ‘ins and outs’ of the barn.”
Without local donations, the progress of the Sale Barn would not be possible.
“Repsol, for example, donated a substantial amount of money,” said Harris, “So we dedicated the main hall to them.”
Harris has made sure that the Sale Barn still remains a community hub with fun things to do throughout the week.
On Monday evenings, Barre to Benefit the Barn with Amiee Jones takes place. The 45-minute class only costs $10 and benefits the barn.
On Wednesday evenings, the Sale Barn hosts an archery league.
“It’s a donation at the door. They’ll have at least 20 shooters in here,” said Harris.
The league began last week and will run until March 24 every Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. Cost is $10 for 16 years old and over and $5 for 15 and under. All participants must sign a waiver and follow CDC guidelines. Basic compound bows are available to loan. For more information, call Veronica Seymour at 570-419-4678.
Right now, the barn is at a 149 capacity limit due to COVID restrictions, and they ask that participants following COVID guidelines when inside the barn.
“We’ve got plenty of room for people to spread out in a safe manner,” said Harris.
Harris has also announced the Sale Barn’s newest fundraiser: a raffle.
So far, the public has donated items for the raffle, drawing date of June 26, 2021 at the TSBOC’s Summer Fundraiser event--with more details to be announced in the near future.
Here is the list of items donated thus far as of publishing of this paper: Pie Safe donated by Bastion Woodworking, Queen Size “Patches of Love” Handmade Quilt, Quilted Wallhangings donated by Joy Laue, $100 Troy Chamber of Commerce Gift Certificate donated by First Citizens Bank, Framed Print donated by Jerry May, Painted Ironing Board by Bonnie Bell, Gift Basket from Barnstead Pantry, Newspaper Subscription from Canton Sentinel, Wine Basket from Mountain Lake Winery, Aggravation Board Game, Welcome Sign and Cutting Boards donated by Pat & Nancy Beebe, Reindeer Wooden art donated by Kris Kistler, Deed Box donated by Nancy Coles, Model Train set donated by Harry Davis, $25 gift certificate donated by Greener Pastures Farm & Greenhouses, plus other fabulous prizes!
The barn is also available to rent for small gatherings like weddings, baby showers, birthday parties and more.
“There is a calendar so you can see if your date is available,” said Harris.
All fees go towards the renovation and maintaining of the barn.
“On June 4, 2022, we hope to have our grand opening because that will be 100 years from when they had the first sale,” said Bower.
For more information on the events or to see a calendar to book an event, go to www.troysalebarn.com.
If you are interested in donating an item for the raffle, purchasing a memorial arena seat ($150) or granite patio paver ($250/$500) please contact Nicole Harris at 570-337-0815 or email troysalebarn@gmail.com. All donations are tax-deductible. Thank you for your support!