BUCYRUS—The former VFW Post 8999 building on East Mansfield Street was purchased one year ago by local business owners and is being renovated to become an event center.

Connie Smith, along with her son, Austin Smith, and her brother, Breck Baker, own and operate the Old 30 BBQ and Baker’s Pizza and are taking bookings for events at The Venue at Old 30 currently.

“We have already remodeled the large room in the upstairs area of the VFW building and are working on the kitchen and bar areas,” said Connie.

She said event planners for the new venue are two managers of Baker’s Pizza, Abby Hinton and Samantha Feeman.

“They have organized a bridal show that will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Nov. 15,” said Connie.

She said all COVID-19 guidelines will be followed during the event.

“It is an opportunity for us to showcase the new venue and to help our local vendors and businesses who will be participating in the event,” said Connie. “We invite everyone to come and check out the new venue along with the bridal show.”

She said bookings for 2021 are now being taken.

“We are offering the venue for weddings, receptions, parties and other events right now and eventually want to offer community events, such as wine and paint events as well as OSU and Browns game parties and other community-based events,” Connie said.

She said Hinton recently held her own wedding reception at the venue.

“It turned out great. We were able to space the tables six feet apart because the room is so large. She had a beautiful reception and everyone was able to safely distance,” said Connie.

The venue is located at 1325 E. Mansfield St., in Bucyrus, across the street from Old 30 BBQ.

To book an event at The Venue at Old 30, contact Abby Hinton at 419-569-4041 or email her at abbagalemc@gmail.com.