The closure of the Richlin Ballroom this week left people with events planned at the venue scrambling and has some Harford County businesses stepping up to fill the void.
The Edgewood venue, home to private events, public award ceremonies and school proms, closed its doors on Tuesday after 35 years in Harford County. The owner, Steve Vitali, said debt accumulated during pandemic shutdowns led to the decision.
Many patrons who had planned ballroom events were left trying to make other arrangements after word of the closure spread. Richlin Ballroom’s website is no longer available, and the facility is listed as “permanently closed” online.
However, the closure may be temporary, according to Lamar Kennard, owner of a Bel Air-based event planning and production company, Lamar Live Entertainment.
“We are in lease negotiations and working out terms and a timeline as far as getting into the venue,” Kennard said. “It is looking very positive.”
According to its website, Lamar Live Entertainment provides music and entertainment production, staging and lighting for live events like the Bel Air Barbecue Bash.
Kennard noted that should he acquire the Richlin Ballroom, it would be renamed when it reopens. He anticipates trying to complete the deal by the end of the month.
Trying to preserve scheduled events, Kennard said he has been in talks with Vitali to understand the current clientele and whether those who have reservations need to be redirected to other venues and catering companies.
“We hope to keep the existing clientele, but we also want to be prepared so when we open we can properly serve people,” Kennard said. “But at the same time, we understand that people have events scheduled and they are looking to know whether they need another venue or if they can maintain what they have scheduled.”
As word of the Richlin Ballroom’s closure spread, numerous local businesses like Lib’s Grill and The Local, stated they are willing to step in and help.
“We are going to do the best we can to make sure these people are taken care of because it is devastating to have to replan big events,” said Zack Trabbold, the owner of The Local.
Trabbold noted that if The Local is unable to host an event, it can point the client in the right direction to keep business in Harford County.
“We are called The Local for a reason, because of our hyper-local focus, so we want to make sure that we aren’t sending people out of the community if we can work together to keep them here,” Trabbold said. “It is all about leaning on each other – especially in times like this – and I think that’s what makes Harford County a special place.”
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