Symons Valley BBQ Ranch has been a party destination for close to 35 years. The legend began in 1968 when Les/Ellen Jones and family purchased the 31 acre parcel, and called it home. A rustic barn was constructed shortly after to shelter horses from the cold.so the story goes. Many believe its true intentions were to host the wildest parties in the district. Being a member of the Fire Department, Les had strong help from his fellow firemen. The boys defined quality hard work. Day after day, and night after night they worked like the dickens. Little did they know, they were not only building a barn, but something else very special. The upper loft was the first room to experience loud stompin' music, quality beef fixin's and an unlimited supply of 'tipsy pops', or brewskys to the common tongue. Word spread swiftly through the Valley and neighbors wanted to be part of the action. Before long the legend had begun.
One party lead to another, which lead to another, which of course lead to many more, and more after that. The attendance grew alongside the fun. Les was cookin' up a storm and catering became his full time job. No longer was he fighting fires, but fixin' up the best darn BBQ beef around. Three banquet halls were added to shelter his many guests. In 1987 the Ranch House Restaurant and Lounge was added. This allowed the community to savor the beef six days a week. 1988 saw the construction of the RV Campground which gave the pooped-out party goers a comfortable place to rest. Operations took a slight turn in 1989 when a fire destroyed the three halls. Fun can only last for so long right? Wrong! The fun doesn't stop at Symons Valley Ranch. This time the Ranch was reconstructed bigger and better. Logs, vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, western light fixtures, and private courtyards improved the rustic cowboy castle. On any given night, 1000 people or more could now celebrate indoor all year round. Cowboys live for their rodeos! 1993 saw the beginning of the Symons Valley Rodeo Arena. This natural bowl was improved with stadium seating, announcer's booths, and all the gates required to host enents big and small. Cowboys from near and far could now test their strength and wit. The outdoor arena also makes for a great stadium to host all kinds of events.
To this day Symons Valley Ranch has a proven track record for providing nothing but good ol' times. After 35 years of hosting the most memorable parties in the district, the Ranch well deserved its summer 2004 overhaul. The facility looks and feels better than ever. So throw on your cowboy hat and blue jeans, and giddy-up on down for your special event!
