If you drive away from downtown Ashdown and into the countryside, treasures can be found in the woods and fields. Deanna Sivley saw such possibilities on her property.
The lifelong Ashdown resident and Little River County Clerk took a look at her property of 39 years and saw a vision: Dee's Barn and Venue.
"My property used to be a 'truck patch'," Deanna said. "It was a produce farm arranged in such a way that it was easy for trucks to pull in and load up with the crop. It also was a Christmas tree farm and still has that aspect. Before that, it was a hay field. But, four years ago, I came up with another idea."
Deanna took part of the property and constructed an event venue, the most prominent feature being a barn-like structure that provides an extensive amount of room for a range of occasions, such as weddings and the like.
"I got the idea for that when my daughters got married," she said. "When my youngest got married, here on the property, it was a cold day. I realized something climate controlled would be nice. So the idea was born."
Inside the barn is a space measuring 30 feet by 60 feet, with a ceiling height about 15 feet.
"We have a kitchen with supporting storage space," Deanna said. "Also, there's dressing rooms, green rooms, tables and chairs. And, we have a newly installed stage."
Deanna is currently preparing the venue for Christmas celebrations, in addition to other events already on the calendar.
She is also planning an event in December called Christmas At The Barn. she is taking vendor sign ups and there are no fees for vendors. It is slated for Nov. 20.
Additionally, the space is available for churches that want to stage live nativity scenes.
Currently, this is a side-gig, Deanna said. "When I retire, this will be my full-time occupation."
(Dee's Barn and Venue is located at 112 Little River 11. Call 903-749-1738 or visit them on Facebook.)