Agritourism: Botetourt Open Air Venue operates near Mill Creek

Lewis Sifford, his son Jim and Kimmie McCarty are operating what they have dubbed the “Botetourt Open Air Venue” for weddings and other events as part of Virginia’s Agritourism. The address is 11570 Lee Highway in Fincastle, in the Mill Creek section of the county. This type of tourism helps farmers have other options for income on their farm land.

The Siffords have 3 acres of land set aside with a beautiful mountain vista. Recently, Botetourt County approved the venue for agritourism. Drew Pearson of Botetourt Planning in community development, explained the State of Virginia’s agritourism initiative. The code of Virginia has a number of statutes applying to agritourism. “It is our responsibility to make sure things fit the code.  It has to be land for bonafide agricultural use.”

Sifford has mowed the land and already held one wedding at the venue. The cost to rent is $1,500 plus add-ons. Included in the price is parking and port-a-johns. Add-ons include, a tent, tables, chairs, firewood for a fire pit, wagons and hay bales if desired. A church, Mill Creek Baptist Church, is near by and could be available for a wedding if the weather does not cooperate,” said Sifford.

Sifford said, “We have found a reasonable place to get tents. “Tents R Us” in Christiansburg is our preferred vendor. They will bring the tent and set-it up and take it down. They also have tables and chairs.” Electricity to the site is provided by a generator.

They are currently booking events for the fall. Check out their Facebook page, Botetourt Open Air Venue. For more information call Lewis Sifford at 540-330- 6182.

Photo: The Burnette wedding at Botetourt Open Air Venue.  Photo courtesy of  Lewis Sifford.