10 Jun Tragic fire for AEN founding partner Barr Mansion.

During Wednesday night’s thunderstorm the beautiful Barr Mansion Artisan Ballroom, and the adjoining prep kitchen were destroyed by a fire. It appears to have been struck by lightning around 4am resulted in a total loss.

Thankfully the main kitchen and the historic mansion were spared, as well as their own sotck of massive outdoor tents which they use int eh event of large weddings that have rain. Fast-acting staff have already started setting up the tents that will be outfitted with chandeliers and AC as well as calling the brides and grooms scheduled for upcoming weddings to assure them that they will still be able to have their weddings there.

The story was covered nicely by KXAN http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmKSFKDS7aU

Our hearts go out to Mark, Melanie, Birdie and all the staff at Barr Mansion during this challenging time. These folks have repeatedly been generous supporters of sooo many community groups, events and fundraisers, as recently as a week and a half ago…. we want to do whatever we can to support them. We will keep you posted if there are ways to help.

photo of the aftermath http://twitpic.com/1v9wva