As part of “Farming Yesterday and Today” the north county portion of the month-long Snohomish County Fall Farm Festival this year, the banquet facilities in the barn at Countryside Meadows will be filled with art and artists and an exhibit of quilts made for soldiers at Aunt Mary’s Quilt Shop.

“We have lived here now almost 30 years and created this facility for weddings almost nine years ago,” said Bev Emery.

“I think we can provide a benefit to the community as more Arlington residents are aware of our service.”

Participating artists at the barn include Patty Burk, Michelle Carver, Vicki Carver, Dan Carver, Judy Jackson, Joan Johnson, Judy Sauer, Georgia Duncan, Kate Frachinson, Shawna Stout, Frances Howland, Evie Scribner and Shelly Rockwell.

There will also be baby quilts made by Mary Miller and aprons by La Fay Tapper. Vicki Carver, who is an art instructor, will offer watercolor painting and collage at a project table for kids and adults both.

The name, “Farming Yesterday and Today” highlights the changes facing the farming industry today.

“This is the second year that Countryside Meadows is part of the Farm Festival,” Emery said.

It is included on the tour because of its long history of dairy and beef cattle on the 40-acre spread.

“After 15 years of raising beef, in 2001 Rich and Bev Emery transformed their beef business into a wedding and reception business. They totally renovated their 100-year-old barn.

The old-growth cedar beams in the upper floor have been retained to keep the old rustic barn atmosphere in what is now the wedding chapel. The main floor of the barn is the formal reception hall, kitchen and restrooms. During the summer months outdoor weddings are held in the pavilion surrounded by manicured lawns, fountains, flowers and a fabulous view of the Cascades Mountains.

Visitors still see the neighbor’s beef cattle grazing in the fields along with the Emery’s five Shire draft horses which they use to pull their wedding carriage — a very special feature of their venue.

Countryside Meadows is located about a mile west of Island Crossing. It is open to the public during the farm tour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18. Admission is free. Take a tour of the facility with Bev Emery and visit with local artists. For information call Bev Emery at 360-652-9032 or check out the Web site at www.countrysidemeadows.com.