A Barn.... that is not!
The Sugar Barn at Flying Osceola Ranch is a wedding venue in the heart of Central Florida that will be different than all others. Strategically located in Lake Wales between the Orlando/Tampa/South Florida markets, the Sugar Barn boasts a 2300' long grass airport for Bi-plane rides, a sugarcane operation to support a new Rum Distillery (hence the name) and a Shooting Range. The Barn is 7,200 sf with an upstairs Bridal area accessed by the grand staircase or a small elevator. State rules set our occupancy at 440 people, but we expect to comfortably handle 250 or less especially during these Social Distancing times. The wood beams that support the structure of the barn were cut and fitted in Montana and are being delivered in April of this year. This sustainable wood comes from standing Douglas Fir trees that were burned in a large forest fire 10 years ago. We chose to use this naturally dried wood for its sustainability to the forest and its beauty. Our farm has numerous 200 year old Oak trees with thousands of native sour orange trees scattered underneath. These rare orange trees have been on the property for more than 150 years and are the ancestors to the oranges you see today. The entire property is stunning with many ponds and photo-op areas. The Whiddens bought the 45 acre property in 2005 and have been slowly manicuring and prepping the Farm/Ranch for their favorite past times, flying, fishing, horses, rum and of course.... weddings! Bill Whidden has been in the Event industry for the last 25 years. Bill invented and patented the first Ice Sculptures to be made with flexible molds and the very first wireless LED system to light up tables and chairs. His product has been used all over the world for corporate parties, major sporting events, numerous White House parties with world leaders, and Weddings for Planners such as David Tutera and Steve Kimball.