SALEM — In addition to giving local residents an alternative to shopping at large chain grocery stores, it's not uncommon for passers-by to see a wedding going on in the backyard of Kev's Country Store on North Main Street. The store has been the site of three weddings in the past six years.

"There's a really nice backyard, and my aunt and uncle and two other neighbors got married back there," said store manager Christina Martin, who celebrated her own wedding in Kev's backyard last July.

Martin, who has managed the store for 12 years, said most of the customers came to her wedding. They not only came as guests, but they helped out with everything — ranging from decorations to photography.

"One of the customers rented out tables and chairs for free, and a customer across the street is a photographer and only charged me a few hundred dollars," Martin said.

Another customer volunteered to offer their disc jockey skills at a discounted price, and store owner Kev Parkhurst provided a barbecue-style dinner for Martin and her guests.

That wasn't the first time the community has come together at the country store, which dates back to 1947. Parkhurst, who bought the store in 1995, said it has always been a staple in the community because of its small-town feel.

"Neighbors are customers and customers become friends," Parkhurst said.

In the 1950s, the store functioned as the town movie theater; black-and-white movies were projected on the side of the building. Customer Cliff Tilton, who has lived in Salem for more than 70 years, remembers going to the movies there as a child.

"It used to be a local hangout," Tilton said. "There was always a big crowd out there on Saturday night."

Not only is the backyard activity out of the norm, but Kev's sells some unusual items, too.

Parkhurst makes wooden pens, key chains and wooden portraits you can't find at just any convenience store.

"People bring in pictures and I use those as a model," Parkhurst said. "I've done a lot of family portraits."

The store sells marinated meats, cold sandwiches, and potato and macaroni salads that are made fresh daily. They also sell hot dogs, soft-serve ice cream and freshly made popcorn.

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