LAKELAND – A Lakeland business, 350 Farms, has been nominated for the 2025 Alberta Business Awards of Distinction (ABAD) in the newcomer entrepreneur category.
The ABAD is hosted by the Alberta Chamber of Commerce and has nominated 350 Farms alongside 38 other businesses in 12 different categories. The award ceremony will take place on June 1 in Calgary.
Owned by Kasey Marshall and her husband Renaud Thys, Marshall says when she found out that 350 Farms had been nominated, she felt a mix of emotions including pride, excitement and a bit of disbelief. The business is located within the MD of Bonnyville.
“Running 350 Farms has always been about creating something truly unique for our community and guests, but to be recognized for that effort is incredibly validating. We pour so much heart into what we do, and this nomination feels like a big, warm acknowledgment that it's resonating with people. It’s a bit surreal, but mostly, we’re just so grateful,” says Marshall.
Marshall and Thys have been growing 350 Farms for just over five years.
“What started as a small glamping experience has flourished into a full-scale off-grid retreat, with luxury domes, unique dining events, and farm-based activities that keep evolving every season,” says Marshall.
She says 350 Farm has been both a dream and an unexpected journey. Marshall and Thys moved from Belgium to Canada before starting 350 farms.
“We both missed the sense of connection that comes with European food culture - the kind where food is slow, shared, and celebrated. We started with a simple idea: what if we could bring that same spirit here? A place where people could escape, unwind, and taste something real - something homegrown,” says Marshall.
When asked about the special qualities of 350 Farms that garnered the nomination, Marshall spoke to not only the unique accommodations they offer, but their commitment to community and sustainability.
“From hosting Taste at the Lake and Haunted Woods, to running immersive farm-to-table dinners, everything we do is about creating memories that last. We’re not just offering a place to stay, we’re offering a story you get to be part of,” says Marshall.
Accommodations include glamping in a geodesic dome, experiencing farm life, and reconnecting with nature.
“We’ve created an off-grid oasis where guests can unplug, unwind, and truly experience the magic of rural Alberta. Our glamping accommodations, like the silent sky dome and the upcoming reflections mirrored dome are designed for luxury and seclusion. We combine that with authentic farm experiences - like feeding Kunekune pigs, Alpacas, goats, and miniature horses, or exploring our 5 kms of private trails,” says Marshall.
Whether it’s waking up to the sound of birds in the boreal forest, sharing stories around a campfire, or tasting local, farm-fresh food that’s been crafted with intention, they want every moment to feel intentional and immersive at 350 Farms.
“We want people to leave feeling like they’ve been part of something special - something raw, real, and unforgettable . . . It’s not just about escaping the city, it’s about stepping into a different way of life. We want guests to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience true hospitality - the kind where you’re welcomed like family and sent off with a heart full of memories,” says Marshall.
She adds, 350 Farms is a reflection of everything they love - sustainability, good food, community, and connection.
