By Gabby Blanchard, Community News Service
Editor’s note: The Community News Service is a program in which University of Vermont students work with professional editors to provide content for local news outlets at no cost.
WALLINGFORD — In November 2024, the Sparkle Barn completed a successful expansion of the upstairs Bloom Room, allowing for new excitement in the space.
Now, not only is the business a shop to purchase unique items, but owner Stacy Harshman said she’s excited that the expansion also allows her to host events, like the first ever “SINGO Night,” held Feb. 12.
“It was a great time!” SINGO participant Esther Sheldon said. “I would definitely recommend the Sparkle Barn for events and unique experiences and gifts.”
The magical room saw 40 people show up to the first night of the event. Music merged with Bingo and lots of laughter.
While ’60s, ’70s and ’80s music was being played, the audience had Bingo cards with the corresponding song titles on them made by the leader of the event. After community feedback, the event was switched from a 21- to 18-year-old age requirement with a BYOB option for those 21 and older.
“I was really happy because it is just great to see people enjoying the space,” Harshman said.
After the spots for the first session quickly sold out, Harshman added another for Feb. 26 and then again for March 13 since the second session sold out before the first one even took place.
“It really shows that people want stuff to do!” Harshman said.
Since the first night of SINGO was such a hit, Harshman hopes that it could become a monthly thing, along with other themes she has already started imagining in her head. Her goal is to offer events that are different but also highlight the Bloom Room in all the best ways.
“Being in the Bloom Room adds a whimsical element and color, and who doesn’t love color,” Harshman said. “I am still thinking since the events are just getting started, but I want to offer different stuff like writing workshops, storytelling nights, comedy improv, and arts and crafts.”
But that’s not all she has in the works to keep transforming her business. After the holiday season came to an end, Harshman knew that she needed a project to keep her “mentally sane.”
“I do so much better when I am busy creating, and I don’t have a project right now,” Harshman said of the days after Christmas. “My partner said, ‘why don’t we just get a truck and make a mobile Bloom Room.’ I was, like, OK!”
So now the mobile Bloom Room is in the works. An official name has not been chosen yet, but Harshman said, “I want it to be over the top, but not so much that it gives you a headache. I am going for enchanting and WOW.”
Harshman and her partner drove to New Haven, Connecticut, where they purchased the 26-foot box truck, which Harshman describes as “intimidating.”
The whole truck just got graphic wrapped with bright pink rainbows and hummingbirds all over. Inside is insulated with heat pumps to accommodate air conditioning and is also lined with pink and purple restaurant booths that can seat about 15-16 people.
“I can’t wait until we are rolling down the road and people see it because it’s gonna be hysterical,” Harshman said with a laugh. “I’m not driving it, though — no way.”
As of now, Harshman is unsure what she is planning to do with pricing yet for the rental of the truck when it is finished, but she said people can either come to the truck or the truck can come to them. She said she is beyond excited to be able to offer a sweet ride for upcoming parties, and hopes to have the finished product by June.
Not only does the community love Harshman’s creative ways of growing her business, but New England Yankee Magazine took notice, too.
The Sparkle Barn is getting a mention in the “Best of New England” edition, she said.
As a result of being included in the magazine, Harshman said she is grateful to have professional pictures taken of the Bloom Room.
“It’s really a thrill to get to see nice photos that can express the space better than I can,” Harshman said. “It’s like senior pictures on a good hair day!”
Patrons love what Harshman is doing with her unique and ever-changing Sparkle Barn business.
“Stacy invites us into her beautiful imagination. How she clearly loves the artists whose work she sells, and she has created such an experience for our community and the Sparkle Barn is a gift to the gifter,” frequent customer Kimberly Davis said. “You can feel the love and appreciation she has for the art world, and you leave there with something special and unique.”
The Bloom Room at Sparkle Barn is a vibrant, whimsical space filled with color and charm. Its recent expansion has made it the perfect venue for events, offering a creative and lively atmosphere. The room’s unique design highlights an enchanting blend of artistry and playfulness, making it a standout feature of the Sparkle Barn experience.
