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For years, Derek and Allie Mannon dreamed of owning Derek’s family farm. The farm had originally belonged to Derek’s great grandfather and had operated as a dairy farm for many years. Derek’s grandfather, C.E. Mannon, was a high school guidance counselor and local preacher, but he still had several head of cattle on the farm that he tended as a hobby and pastime. These were left after his passing.
Derek had grown up helping his grandfather on the farm. He helped with the cattle and with mending fences; all the while creating memories and establishing roots on the property. This was long before he met Allie. After they were married, Derek and Allie lived in the farmhouse originally built by Derek’s great grandfather, B.T. Mannon. Both being sentimental, Derek and Allie loved building their own family memories amongst so much family history. It felt truly special. After Derek’s grandfather passed away, the farm went up for sale. From that moment, the couple knew that owning the farm was a dream they needed to make happen.
In December of 2013, The Mannons experienced a tragedy like no other. A house fire started in the bedroom of their six-month-old daughter. Thankfully, everyone escaped without harm, but the house they adored was a total loss. This only deepened their affection for the property.
They worked relentlessly to make the farm their own. Both already owned and operated their own separate businesses, but the dairy farm that had originally been run by Derek’s great grandfather gave the couple an opportunity to combine their talents. It also allowed them to share the love of entrepreneurship with their four children. Together, they established a new family business to which they could all contribute.
In June of 2018, the Mannons’ dreams crystallized into reality. Finally, they were able to purchase the eighty-four-acre farm and begin work on a brand-new event and wedding venue – The Eighty-Four. Derek’s craftsmanship and expertise in construction, along with Allie’s years of experience in the wedding industry, would be the foundation of The Eighty-Four.
Promptly after completing the purchase, renovations began on the farm’s 1946 dairy barn to turn it into a wedding and event venue, serving the New River Valley. The vision was to keep the original bones of the structure, but to add modern touches throughout that would showcase Derek and Allie’s personal style. This meant adding a gorgeous, 3,500 square-foot patio with a retaining wall on the backside of the property. They’ve also added a handcrafted, timber-frame pergola to span the entire retaining wall.
Cafe string lights will drape across the patio to provide a romantic feel as the event’s guests dance the night away. A beautiful deck overlooking the patio provides access to the barn’s loft, and the original silos on the property have been renovated and turned into the venue’s restrooms. With timber frame features throughout, white, crisp walls, and modern industrial light fixtures, the look is timeless and unique to Floyd.
After almost two years of renovations and construction, the Mannons are already anticipating a busy inaugural season of events in 2020, and looking forward to even more bookings in 2021.

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The couple has taken great pride in the sweat equity that has been invested in the property they lovingly refer to as “the farm”. They have also leveraged the project as an opportunity to teach their children about hard work and as an insight into owning a business.
On many evenings, they can be found working together as a family of six, cleaning up the property or finishing up a project.
Their four children, Knox, London, Mabry, and Boone prefer summer work nights that involve watering the grass with sprinklers, as opposed to the shed cleanouts of winter. Regardless of work preferences, building a legacy together with family is what’s important to Derek and Allie.
Because Allie loves the idea of The Eighty-Four being a one stop shop venue, the booking also includes a wedding coordinator, wedding timeline, and parking attendant, as well as many rental items like tables and seating. The included wedding coordinator would be present for the rehearsal and for the day of the event to make sure that all is seamless; taking worry and stress away from the family and allowing the opportunity to truly enjoy the event. The venue will accommodate many types of events with the focus being on weddings.
Ultimately, the Mannons hope that anyone who contracts them for an event will see the love that has been poured into “the farm”, as well as their desire to share it with anyone who chooses The Eighty-Four for their special day.

The Eighty-Four • 5178 Webbs Mill Rd, Floyd, VA
Derek and Allie Mannon • (540) 239-2169
www.facebook.com/the84events/
theeightyfourevents@gmail.com