Hanford Insider: Inside the Charm House Wedding And Event Venue

A beautiful old property can feel like a mystery until someone opens the gate and invites the community in. That’s what happens when I sit down with Kristen Smith to talk about The Charm House Venue, an elegant event venue just outside Hanford that’s quickly become a go-to spot for weddings, showers, graduations, and parties that actually feel personal.

Kristen walks me through what she saw the first time she toured the house, why the mature trees and gardens mattered, and how much work it took to transform a private home and barn into a space that meets county requirements without stripping away its character. We get into the details that make planning easier, like flexible use of the indoor and outdoor areas, a built-in setup flow that reduces stress, and a surprisingly deep decor inventory including more than 250 Madonna goblets that help every event look different.

Before we wrap, I also share key community news and a stacked Hanford community calendar, plus a clear look at the new local ordinance around e-bikes, e-scooters, and sidewalk safety. Then we close with Hanford Insider Sports as baseball and softball chase playoff spots, along with coaching news that highlights the momentum building across local programs. If you’re searching for a Hanford wedding venue, planning a Kings County event, or just trying to stay plugged into what’s happening in town, this one brings it all together.

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Transcript

Welcome To Hanford Insider

SPEAKER_01 0:00

On this episode of the Hanford Insider, we hear about the Charm House venue with Kristen Smith. Rob will give you a look at some of this week's community events, and I'll be back with your sports report. This is the Hanford Insider for Monday, May 11th.

Marketplace Buzz And Moms Night Out

E-Bike Rules And Real Safety Risks

Serve Day Plans Across Kings County

Community Calendar And Local Highlights

Why The Charm House Exists

SPEAKER_02 0:38

Welcome to the Hanford Insider, where community meets conversation. We spotlight the people, events, and ideas moving Hanford forward, sharing the positive stories that define our community. One story at a time. I'm your host, Rob Bentley. So let's get started. In community news this week, the first Thursday night marketplace last week was huge. The fun continues this week with Mom's Night Out, a celebration of moms. Musical being provided by the classic all-stars. At the City Council meeting last week, several citizens stepped up to the mic to express their concerns with electric bike and scooter riders not following the law and riding dangerously. Chief Huddleson says that officers are continuing to enforce and make the stops, but quite honestly, they're not getting a lot of cooperation from the majority of parents. The City Council recently adopted a new ordinance addressing operation of these vehicles. Some of the guidelines include requiring yielding to pedestrians. It prohibits bicycles and e-bikes and e-scooters and e-skateboards on sidewalks. It restricts use in parks, playgrounds, and school grounds unless designated. It also sets a 20 mile an hour limit on bicycle paths and trails. And it does allow temporary restrictions during special events. For those of you who know me, you may know that I lost my own brother to an accident on one of these types of bikes because he was hit by a car and suffered massive head injuries because he was not wearing a helmet. The other day, there was a student riding his electric scooter near my school on the sidewalk at a fast speed. He was weaving in and out of those walking on the sidewalk. He was wearing airpods and he was texting on his phone all at the same time. It's gotten to the point where I hate driving to school to deal with this. So I leave earlier so I can get there before they arrive. Please, people, please, please, please educate yourselves and your children to the dangers of these motorized scooters and bicycles. I don't want to read another headline about these types of accidents and deaths. You may have noticed this weekend that several churches have gotten a head start on the annual Serve Day, which will officially be held on Saturday, May 16th. Serve Day is a special opportunity for local churches to come together and demonstrate the love of Jesus throughout Kings County. They serve through practical acts of kindness, such as cleaning, painting, and beautifying areas in need of care. They also serve relationally, encouraging and celebrating people in parks, neighborhoods, and local organizations, simply because they're our neighbors and they're deeply loved by God. If you'd like to join this effort on Saturday, call 559-582-1528. Now let's take a look at this week's community calendar. The Hanford High School choir and sign language departments are presenting Seasons of Sound, a year in full color, on May 20th and May 21st in the Presentation Center beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at GoFan.co. The Kings Players production of iShot Jennifer Lopez opens at the Temple Theater on May 22nd. For more information about the play and information about tickets, visit Kingsplayers.org. The Children's Storybook Garden and Museum will be holding their annual farm day on Saturday, May 30th at 10 a.m. Visit storybookgarden.org for details. On Sunday, May 31st, the King's Symphony Orchestra will be holding their annual Pops concert in the Hanford Civic Auditorium Park beginning at 7 p.m. And finally, the Carnegie Car Show is coming up on June 6th in downtown Hanford. There'll be hundreds of cars on display, a special lowrider bike show in the Carnegie Parking Lot, a food truck alley in the Bastille parking lot, and a huge vendor fair in the Civic Auditorium Park. It's fun for the whole family. You can find out more about this free event and even register at Carnegie CarShow.com. If you have an event coming up, large or small, and you'd like some help getting the word out, let's work together. Send your information to Hanford Insider at gmail.com. Be sure to subscribe to my weekly newsletter to get a complete calendar of events. It's the most comprehensive community calendar available. Today we're talking about the Charm House, an elegant event venue just outside of town that blends local history and modern celebrations. And joining me today is Kristen Smith, who's been instrumental in bringing this space to life. Welcome to the show, Kristen.

SPEAKER_00 5:39

Thank you. Thanks for having me.

SPEAKER_02 5:41

So, Kristen, I know that you've been here in the valley for a while, and I'm curious as to what brought you to Hanford and why you enjoy it here so much.

SPEAKER_00 5:50

I I we grew up in uh Lamore when we were in our younger ages. Uh my dad was a boat captain, so we always traveled where the ocean was. So we started off in Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay area. Uh we came over here because my grandma lived here and my dad worked in Morrill Bay. Um, and I just love the community. We moved around a lot, and so to have a place where you're planted and and known and um just enjoy everyone else um is great for me. So that's how I started off.

SPEAKER_02 6:20

So I know you enjoy being in business, but uh this isn't your first business venture, is it?

SPEAKER_00 6:25

No, I started off with a clothing store um back in the early 2000s, kept that um and worked a full-time job at an insurance agency, um, but then finally went to just doing that. Eventually I sold it and then I created a little candy store and then I stopped doing that um because it didn't make much money downtown, and then um opened up the works, which was next to the Star Cafe.

SPEAKER_02 6:54

That was the old artworks, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 6:56

Yes, and that was a beautiful building. Um, eventually the owner sold the building. So I looked at other places because I've always wanted to have a wedding venue. And when I drove by uh the cons home that was for sale, um my sister-in-law says, Why don't you look at that? And I said, That's you know, aiming big, but we did. We looked at it, my husband loved it, and so we made an offer and bought it.

SPEAKER_02 7:20

And here we are. Here we are. So it's the height of prom season, weddings, Mother's Day, showers, and all the things going on. So, Kristen, what was your first impression of the property and what was it that inspired you to launch this venue and turn it into something special?

SPEAKER_00 7:36

So, like a lot of people in in the community, we always would drive by this house and and think, gosh, I wonder what it looks like inside. It was always well maintained, well manicured. So when I was able to walk through here and look at it, um, there's nothing to compare with the landscaping and the love that was put into this home.

SPEAKER_02 7:56

And of course, those big trees.

SPEAKER_00 7:58

The big trees, the the gardens, a lot of a fruit, um, just little hidden gems throughout the property.

SPEAKER_02 8:05

So you purchased the property along with a home, and what kinds of things did you have to do to turn this place into the venue that it's become? What were some of the big projects?

SPEAKER_00 8:15

Some of the big projects were going out into that barn and taking down storage units. It was an actual barn that had feeders in it still. It had a lot of supply cabinets, um, it had basketball hoops in the back from the convoys playing all these years. So we we didn't want to take away the charm of it. Um when we came up with the name, I kept thinking, well, what would it, what could we call it? And it kept going back to this is such a charming place. So that's why we went with the charm house. We didn't want anything Victorian. Um and as you look around, it's not any set style. Um, we've got a little country and we've got a little, yeah, we have teapots and Madonna goblets, but it's just a little variety in each room. Um, so what sold me on it and the major projects were getting it up to code so we could have it as a venue with the county.

SPEAKER_02 9:06

So, what were some of the things that you wanted to preserve? I know the Christmas decorations were special to a lot of people as they would drive down Grangeville Boulevard during the holiday season.

SPEAKER_00 9:14

Yes, I want to preserve the love that was put into this. Um, throughout the property, you'll see little plaques where they had had a Kentucky uh Kentucky Derby party. Uh, they had garden clubs here. Uh Jenny Khan um made these little um garden areas that was just beautiful. I know she used a lot of things to cook, which I'm not good at. So we switched it over to flowers, but just to keep, you know, a lot of memories are here for a lot of people throughout the community.

SPEAKER_02 9:43

So looking around, you have the house, the garden, the the swimming pool, the barn. Uh how are these spaces utilized?

SPEAKER_00 9:50

So we uh when you come, we always ask that you come tour it uh before you decide. Um, we do showers out in the garden area, we do them in the backyard, in the lawn area, and we also do them in the barn. A lot of people have their mindset on something, but once they tour it, they often change just because outside it's beautiful, but inside it's contained, it's got fans, you've got a built-in uh bar area that you can put set everything up the day prior so your day goes a little smoother and a less less stressful.

SPEAKER_02 10:21

I know you've had some pretty special moments here since you've opened, and I'm sure you've had dozens of them actually.

SPEAKER_00 10:27

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 10:28

I know you said that working with the Khan family was a highlight in itself.

SPEAKER_00 10:33

Actually, when I met Jan Khan out in the back, he was such a nice person um and opened up his property to us. Just the feel I felt, the love that I thought, you know what, this home can a lot of people could enjoy with it within the community in so many different ways. Um and it was close to town. Uh, it was easy for people to reach. It was safe for me to be out alone. And it was just beautiful. I couldn't find anything better, I I would think.

SPEAKER_02 11:03

And what do you feel sets it apart from other venues?

SPEAKER_00 11:07

I think what sets it apart is our we have a lot of inventory. We've got a lot of goblets. We have over 250 Madonna goblets from San Luis that we slowly started buying and we rent out. Uh, we have a lot of home furnishings that we can include include and offer. Um, we really take pride in making it a unique event. We've had multiple showers and multiple weddings, and none of them are exactly the same.

SPEAKER_02 11:34

So then what would you say about the meaning of having this beautiful venue right here in our own backyard? You know, I've been to a lot of weddings in Sanger, Readley up there in the foothills. Uh, what makes it so special to have this venue right here in town?

SPEAKER_00 11:50

I think it's nice because a lot of people that can't travel far can come here. A lot of people that have always wanted to be in the house or look at the property are able to. Um, and we kind of do different price points. So we can, it's not a set-in-stone thing. If you want to have a small little party for our daughter or a tea or something, we're able to be flexible and work within your budget and make something happen.

Trusted Vendors And How To Book

SPEAKER_02 12:16

So I know from following you on social media that you've formed some great relationships with local vendors. And I imagine that's a huge benefit for the vendors and you knowing what to expect. So, can you tell us a little bit about the partnerships you've been able to develop with photographers, caterers, DJs, and that kind of stuff?

SPEAKER_00 12:35

So I've known a lot of people um throughout the community that have offered these services. So we are um it's very nice to pair up with people that you know, uh, people that you trust, people that will promote you just as much as you promote them. That's what we tend to do around here. We are open to anyone coming in, but locally we like to support local. We know how it is to be a small business. We appreciate um when people recommend us. So we really try to partner up and do that locally.

SPEAKER_02 13:04

So, what are those social media sites?

Summer Social And What’s Next

SPEAKER_00 13:07

So we do have a website, thecharmhousevenue.com. You can find out information about pricing, about what is included. Um, it also tells you a little bit about myself and what we have done before. Our social media is the Charm House venue on Facebook and Instagram, and it will show you a lot of events that have happened and will show you the variety of different things that we have to offer here.

SPEAKER_02 13:35

So, what's next for the charm house then?

SPEAKER_00 13:38

Actually, I just like to keep it going. I mean, it's finally to the point where it's almost paying for itself. Um, and I like that we have right now we have 89 events on the books. 89. 89. So we're already out, you know, October, we don't have uh one weekend without a wedding. Um, up until then, we have different things ranging from pool parties to bridal showers to graduation parties. So we just are very uh diversified so we can keep busy.

SPEAKER_02 14:07

So I was driving by the other day and I noticed you're surrounded by farmland. And I'm curious, what are your relationships with the local farmers? I know we're getting ready for planting season, harvesting season. How does that work?

SPEAKER_00 14:20

Well, I'm married to a farmer, so I know what the season is. I know, like looking uh today they were knocking down borders, so I know that something's gonna be happening probably this weekend when we're having the prom. Um, but just knowing that that's what keeps our community going, uh the majority is farming. So um, hey, if you love Hamford, you know farming's part of it.

SPEAKER_02 14:40

So I see you not only rent out the venue, but you also put on some special events yourself.

SPEAKER_00 14:46

Yes, we have a new one coming up for first time. It's called a summer social. Where the first one that we're offering is for just women uh over 21. We are gonna have activities and local vendors. Um we'll have hat makers, we'll have a food truck. You of course will you could swim. We have a local DJ. So um, we're just gonna socialize, you don't, you know, and just get together and enjoy the grounds and try it with all women. We think we're gonna do one in the future of uh young teen girls and promote stuff like that, but we haven't reached out and made a schedule yet of that.

SPEAKER_02 15:23

I'd imagine the fuel that you get to keep going at this is to see the smiles on people's faces and uh enjoying themselves.

SPEAKER_00 15:31

It is. I love that. I love just coming here the and letting people enjoy it and seeing the smile on their faces. I love that we can use the grounds and people can enjoy little hidden areas of the property. There's a tree swing back there. Um, and just the fulfillment of everyone feeling the way I do about it makes me happy.

SPEAKER_02 15:54

Kristen, it's so awesome being here today and looking around this historic home and the beautiful grounds. I know people are really enjoying this place. So can you give us those websites and social media channels again so people can check it out for themselves online?

SPEAKER_00 16:10

Sure. My phone number is listed on the websites as well as social media. It's area code 559-410-2044. And the website is thecharmhousevenue.com, and that is what we are on Instagram as well as Facebook. You can send me a text, give me a call, or reach out to us through our website, and I will call you back.

SPEAKER_02 16:36

Well, thanks, Kristen, for joining us, and we wish you the best of luck.

Baseball And Softball Playoff Picture

SPEAKER_00 16:40

Thank you for having me. And now it's time for Hanford Insider Sports with Eric Bentley.

Coaching News And Community Shoutouts

SPEAKER_01 16:55

It's hard to believe, but the spring season is all but over with baseball and softball playoffs starting Friday. So let's see where our teams stand. In baseball, Sierra Pacific had to settle for second place in the Tri-County Kings League after splitting their two games with Kerman last week. Tuesday's game saw a stellar one-hit outing from Caleb Coolwine, backed up by steady offense as the Golden Bears got the 8-1 victory on their home turf. On Thursday, the Lions flipped the script, striking for 11 runs and taking down the Golden Bears 11-1. Sierra Pacific finishes the regular season with an 18-9 overall record, second place in league, and with playoffs on the horizon, the Golden Bears are looking at a mid to high seed in Division II, likely around a five or a six. The Hanford High baseball team went one-one in their two games last week, beating Tulary Western, but falling to Mission Oak to sit at 9-5 in the WIL with one game to play. Wednesday's game versus the league-leading Mustangs was a defensive battle that required extra innings, but saw the Bullpups walk it off in the eighth to seal the two-to-one win. Pitchers Hayden Keaney and Cole Lascannick highlighted the victory as the starter Keaney hurled seven innings, striking out six, allowing the only run, though it was unearned, with Lascanic striking out the side in the eighth. On Friday, it was Mission Oak taking the rubber match of the season from the Bullpups in heartbreaking fashion, as Hanford High held a two-to-one lead heading into the final inning before the Hawks played two for the comeback win. At twelve and fourteen overall on the year and nine and five in league play, the Bullpups will take the field one more time in the regular season on Tuesday versus Lamore. Right now, Hanford High is projected as a low seed in Division II. Not only could a victory on Tuesday help that cause, it would also draw the Bullpups into a second place tie with the Tigers in the WIL. And the Hanford West baseball team saw their season come to a close last week, falling in both games to a manual. After getting out to a 9-8 overall start, the Huskies dropped their final nine games of the year to finish 9-17 with a 3-9 mark in Tri-County Sequoia League play. Out to softball now, where the Hanford West softball team wrapped up their regular season with a pair of high-scoring victories to finish 14-13 overall. Tuesday's league finale saw Rylan Montoya do a little of everything as the junior tossed all seven in the circle while going two for four with four RBI at the plate in the Huskies' 12-8 win. Friday's regular season finale was another offensive outburst headlined by a three-hit three RBI day by freshman Erica Hernandez in the 14-2 run rule victory over Sierra Pacific. The Huskies currently sit in a tie for third with Selma in league, but a Kerman loss on Tuesday could create a finishing three-way tie for second in league. Regardless of the league standings, however, the Huskies' resume has done enough to see playoff action, likely a middle seed in Division III. The Sierra Pacific softball team, aside from the aforementioned loss to Hanford West, played in a wild league finale last week with first place Reedley that saw the Golden Bears emerge victorious 21 to 16. As you would expect in a game like that, the box score was wild, but senior Anaya Zaragoza had an afternoon to remember, getting the start in the circle throwing five innings, giving up four earned runs on six hits, while at the plate, finishing a single sigh of the shall with two doubles, a triple, and a home run with seven runs batted in. That victory secured a six-and-two league finish for the Golden Bears, good enough for second place and playoff action, as Sierra Pacific will more than likely find themselves in the middle of the Division IV bracket. And the Hanford High softball team is picking up some steam as the season comes to a close. Unfortunately for the Bullpups, it might be too little too late, even after last week's pair of victories. Wednesday's win at Tulary Western saw the Bullpups jump out early and never look back in route to the 17-6 run rule victory. While Friday's home game versus Mission Oak was a different story, as Hanford High had to come from behind with a three-run sixth to take the five-four victory. Even with one game remaining on the schedule at Lamore on Tuesday, with a 9-16 overall record, 4-5 in league play, that resume is not likely good enough to see postseason action as the Bullpups are not currently in any playoff projections. We'll have a special edition sports report later this week once brackets are released with official playoff seating and matchup previews. But before we go, some coaching news. Congratulations to Hanford High football coach Canon Sanchez for being one of 25 coaches selected to participate in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Coaching Academy. This weeklong program in Tampa offers an opportunity to not only create NFL pathways into coaching. But also brings valuable skills back to help our athletes here in Hanford. Also, the Hanford West girls basketball team has found their new head coach. Dave Fertado will be taking over the helm after spending the last two seasons as the Pioneer Girls Basketball Coach. Coach Fertato has also led the Sencal Titans girls basketball program since 2022 and has been an NJB All-Star coach the last four years. As always, if you have a score report or a team update for any team in any sport at any level, you can let us know by emailing HanfordInsider at gmail.com. I'm Eric Bentley, and this has been your Hanford Insider Sports Report.

SPEAKER_02 22:46

And that wraps things up for this week's show. Stopping by the show next week is Kings County Registrar Voters Lupi Via. He'll fill us in on all of the preparations going into the June 4th primary election now that the ballots have arrived in your mailboxes. If you're enjoying this podcast and you want to support it, you can head over to buymeacoffee.com forward slash Hanford Insider to make a donation. Or you can Venmo me directly. To stay connected, join the Hanford Insider email list at HanfordInsider.com. You'll get weekly updates plus an exclusive newsletter delivered right to your inbox each Wednesday. I also really appreciate your help spreading the word about the show by liking and sharing on social media, or like most people, just telling a friend. You can follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, and YouTube at Hanford Insider for more content and updates. And if you've got a show idea, send me an email at HanfordInsider at gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you. Thanks for listening to this episode of the Hanford Insider Podcast. Have a great week.