Hidden Lake Venue to open on MacArthur Lake in south Wichita

Opening a business built around people gathering is a challenge during a pandemic, but Kristi Conner is undeterred.

She’s been planning Hidden Lake Venue for two years and is continuing to work toward what she hopes will be a fall opening.

Conner built a new 4,300-square-foot building on five acres at 537 W. MacArthur, which is south of Gander RV and Gander Outdoors at Steeple Bay at I-235 and Seneca. Conner’s property overlooks MacArthur Lake, although she said guests won’t be able to go in or on the water.

A friend’s wedding inspired Conner to start the business.

“We looked everywhere for a country venue here in town,” Conner said.

They ended up going to what she called a lovely venue in a smaller community, but Conner said there were issues being someplace smaller, such as finding stores to buy the items they forgot.

Also, she said, “You can’t Uber from there.” Conner said that kept some people from staying and enjoying the wedding reception as they might have done with an in-town venue.

“Man, we really need one of those here in town,” Conner said.

She plans to host weddings, events and meetings along with craft fairs and other gatherings.

“Just about anything.”

Conner likes that the business is “all happy.”

She manages a towing company, and she said, “None of my customers come in . . . happy. Never.”

The venue, which can hold 130 indoors and more outside, is ready, but Conner said she’s still putting in landscaping and an outdoor bar. She also plans a fire pit and yard games.

The south end of the venue has sliding doors that open onto a dance floor.

“So your party can continue outside.”

Conner is still working on a website but has information on the venue’s Facebook page.

Rates vary depending on the day and number of hours.

There’s a weekday rate of $250 an hour with a two-hour minimum.

Parties can book the venue from Friday through Sunday for $4,500.

Saturdays are $2,200, and Sundays are $1,200.

For now, customers will have to supply their own tables and chairs. Conner said she’s looked into buying them but doesn’t want to invest because “everybody wants something different.”

Hidden Lake Venue doesn’t have any bookings yet, though several people have considered it.

“Everybody’s just kind of on the fence about when they can do it,” Conner said.

She’s confident that eventually it will do well, though.

“It’s just a rustic country venue with all the convenience of the city.”

This story was originally published August 17, 2020 at 2:11 PM.