Today we’d like to introduce you to Barry And Judy Finch.
Hi Barry and Judy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Our Story
For 25 years, from 1993 to 2018, our family poured our hearts into farming at Finch Family Farm. The land shaped our days, our values, and our children’s childhoods. Farming wasn’t just a business to us—it was a way of life. But in 2018, everything changed. Much of the farmland we had rented for decades was sold, and we suddenly found ourselves standing at a crossroads.
What we still had was 9 acres of the land we owned—and a deep desire to keep Finch Family Farm alive. So we took a leap of faith. Instead of letting the farm fade into memory, we reinvented it. We opened a horse boarding business, embracing a new way to stay rooted in the land we loved.
As time went on, another dream took root. In 2021, we made the bold decision to build a wedding venue on our property. After four years of planning, navigating city approvals, and working closely with engineers, that dream is finally becoming a reality. Our venue, 9 Acres Event Barn, is now set to open in May 2026.
At ages 55 and 60—when many people think about slowing down—we chose to start something new. Something lasting. Something that would preserve Finch Family Farm for future generations. 9 Acres Event Barn is more than a venue; it’s a way to honor the land we love while creating a legacy for those who come after us.
And the best part?
Our four adult children and their spouses are stepping right beside us. Their dedication, passion, and support will be a big part of what makes this next chapter successful. This isn’t just our story—it’s a Finch family story, grounded in resilience, hope, and love for the land.
We look forward to welcoming couples and families to 9 Acres Event Barn, where new memories will be made on the very acres that have held our own for decades.
Finch Family Farm has given us so much. Now, through 9 Acres Event Barn, we’re honored to give it a new purpose—and a future
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Our Story of Struggle and Strength
When we began dreaming about turning our small piece of land into a place that could preserve our family farm, we never imagined just how difficult the journey would be. For years
. Provo City — and others — spoke have spoken proudly about supporting agriculture, preserving heritage, and helping families like ours stay rooted. It is even a part of the provo city general plan for the our area to
“Preserve Provo’s Agricultural Heritage and Support Agriculture for as long as Farmers Choose to Farm”
But when it came time to actually build something that would do exactly that, the reality was very different.
What should have been a hopeful step forward quickly turned into a long, exhausting battle. Instead of support, we faced endless paperwork, constant delays, shifting requirements, and a price tag that seemed to grow every time we thought we were getting close. Every meeting brought new rules. Every approval came with new conditions. And every step forward felt like two steps back.
Over the course of four years, we fought through obstacles we never expected.
We spent countless hours in city offices.
We worked with engineers, planners, surveyors, — more people than we ever imagined we’d need.
And with each new request, each new fee, each new study, the message became painfully clear:
While cities talk about preserving farms and open spaces, when families like ours try to do it, the process is made almost impossible — and incredibly expensive.
There were moments when we questioned everything. Moments when the frustration felt overwhelming. Moments when walking away would have been easier.
But we didn’t.
Because this land — this small piece of Finch Family Farm — means more to us than convenience or cost. It’s our history. Our roots. Our future. And we believed that if we kept pushing through, we could create something that would honor that.
So we persevered. Through the setbacks, the stress, and the endless process, we kept going. Not because it was easy, but because it mattered.
Our story isn’t just one of struggle — it’s one of determination.
Of refusing to let bureaucracy erase a family legacy.
Of holding onto the belief that preserving open land is worth the fight, even when the system makes that fight feel impossible.
And after four long years, we are finally stepping into the light at the end of the tunnel — stronger, wiser, and more committed than ever to protecting what matters most
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
9 Acres Event Barn
At 9 Acres Event Barn, we are excited to open our doors and share our beautiful farm with families celebrating life’s most important moments. Our goal is to make every event easy, fun, and truly memorable.
We aren’t just offering a barn—we’re offering our support, our hospitality, and our family. We want every guest to feel cared for and to know that their event matters to us.
Our agricultural roots are a big part of who we are, and we look forward to sharing that heritage with our guest. Surrounded by open land and natural beauty, 9 Acres Event Barn is the perfect place for weddings and special gatherings.
At 9 Acres Event Barn, we offer special experiences to make your day unforgettable. Brides can arrive or leave in a horse-drawn carriage or even ride in on a horse for a beautiful, one-of-a-kind moment.
Kids can enjoy pony rides, which are always a fun treat. We also offer carriage rides for guests, giving everyone a chance to relax and enjoy the farm.
At 9 Acres, our guest are not just renting a space. They are joining our family for the day, and we’ll be there to help make their celebration unforgettable.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Childhood memories
Some of my best memories come from working on the farm with my dad. I loved riding on the tractor with him, playing in the irrigation ditch on hot days, and helping feed the cows in the evenings. Those simple moments taught me about family, hard work, and caring for the land—values we carry into 9 Acres Event Barn today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://9acreseventbarn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9acreseventbarn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/9-Acres-Event-Barn/61556126255534/
