Lone Hickory Arena dedicated to God through service to kids and community
By Mike Danahey
After spending 32 years in the corporate world, Brenna Long sees her current work at Lone Hickory Arena as a breath of fresh air.
“Lone Hickory Arena is a family-owned business, and now being able to be a part of the day-to-day operations gives me pride in being able to hopefully carry on the legacy that my dad has spent his entire life building,” Long said.
Long began working at the arena in January 2023. She serves as the office manager, social media manager, project manager and bookkeeper.
Her father, Lenuel Chamberlain, built Lone Hickory Arena in 2010 at 1950 Bethel Church Road, Yadkinville. He and his family dedicate their business to God through service to kids and community. As such, the arena is an alcohol-free, smoke-free, profanity-free Christian-based facility.
Facility manager Terry Blevins, who has been working for LHA since the facility site was a corn field, was an integral part in building the facility alongside Chamberlain.
“Terry takes care of and looks after the day-to-day operations and upkeep of LHA. Without his dedication and knowledge, LHA would not be as it is today,” Long said.
Lone Hickory Arena is open daily and available for individual ride time, private groups and events. These days, its schedule holds events that include youth rodeo, cowboy mounted shooting, dog agility and other family-friendly happenings.
To book a time for private riding and/or stall and campsite rental, call Blevins at (336) 469-6097.
Variety of Events
The indoor arena’s inaugural event in November 2010 was Cowgirls with a Cause, where barrel racers and ropers raised more than $30,000 to fight breast cancer.
Long said Junior Southern Rodeo Association and North Carolina High School Rodeo Association events that take place throughout the year are big draws at Lone Hickory Arena and are focal points as to why the arena was established.
“We are dedicated to kids and for them to have a place where they can come to and hold their rodeo fundraisers,” Long said.
Barrel races sprinkled throughout the year also have a large following, Long said. She noted that The Value of One, a local nonprofit organization, has started holding two events/rodeos a year there to raise awareness and funds to help rescue people from Human Trafficking.
And the Winston-Salem Dog Training Club has been using the facility for several years now to hold Spring and Fall American Kennel Club Agility Trials.
“While this isn't a rodeo event, it's unique, different and fun to watch and learn. Plus, it's free to the public,” Long said.
NC Farm Spot
Lone Hickory Arena also is among places to be found through the state’s NC Farm mobile app, which connects people to local farms, seafood and related attractions. Toward the app’s goals, along with being a member of the Yadkin County Chamber of Commerce, Long is now a member of the Yadkin County Tourism and Development Authority.
“We appreciate and support anything NC Farm-related. My dad has farmed all his life,” Long said.
As for the arena’s name, Long said it represents a solitary hickory tree that once stood in the area, serving as a landmark for travelers.
“The Lone Hickory community is a small, unincorporated community known for its rural atmosphere, farmland and friendly environment. So, why not name it as part of the community? We like to pride ourselves on giving back to the community,” Long said.
Giving Back
The giving back includes Lone Hickory Arena every year hosting the Yadkin and Davie County 4-H clubs’ annual Farm/Animal Days.
“This is a time when all second graders in both counties are bused in for a tour/hayride of the farm, and visit stations that are set up around the arena by the 4-H,” Long said. “They get to have hands-on farm experience, seeing all types of farm animals, learning about the animals and learning from local beekeepers and produce farmers, too.
Long said her father holds a community meal every December and feeds anyone who comes through the doors.
“On average, we feed 500 or so people each year at the meal. We also collect nonperishable goods and donations from whomever is able to give, and all proceeds are donated to Yadkin Christian Ministries,” Long said.
As a matter of faith, Lone Hickory Arena also offers Triple Cross Cowboy Church. Services are held at 7 p.m. each Tuesday evening in the chapel within the arena. Services are also held on Sundays in conjunction with many events.
