Heidelberg Volunteer Fire Department — Local services in Heidelberg

I always like to start with the positives: the space is clean, well-maintained, and truly beautiful. Missy, who manages the contracts, was responsive and very accommodating throughout the booking process.

However, my overall experience was soured by the handling of staffing and post-event communication. When you rent the hall, you're required to hire a "bartender"—a staff member assigned by the VFW to monitor your event and operate the drink system. Since this was a 1st birthday party and I planned to set up a small play area in the engine house, I was informed (just a week before the event) that a second bartender would be needed for that space—at an additional $100. Although it felt last-minute, I agreed and paid without issue.

The event itself went smoothly. We arrived, set up, and were even offered help by the bartender, who kindly assisted in removing a few extra chairs. Clean-up also went well: we rearranged and wiped down the tables as instructed and asked for a broom but were told not to worry about sweeping. We left the venue in good condition and even finished early. No concerns were raised at the time, and I didn’t receive any communication afterward—until five days later.

I was then informed that my full $200 security deposit would be withheld. The reasons given included not emptying the trash (which, in fairness, was in the contract—but I wasn’t reminded on the day of), and apparently using the bartender during setup (her only assistance was removing chairs, which she offered voluntarily). Another vague claim was that we “took advantage of the garage,” though no specifics were provided. They also mentioned finding a few stray balls from the ball pit, which seems minor—especially considering a staff member was supposed to be monitoring that space.

After raising my concerns about the accuracy of these claims, they agreed to refund half the deposit. I declined, opting to let it stand as a donation—VFWs do play an important role in the community. That said, I was deeply disappointed in how the situation was handled, especially by the day-of staff, whose lack of communication and post-event misrepresentation were unprofessional.

Bottom Line: While the hall itself is lovely and Missy is great to work with, the experience was not worth the $1300 final cost. There are more inclusive and transparent venues out there. Unless staffing policies and communication are improved, I can't recommend...

Last night Bingo 2/23/23 was the worse bingo I have been to. They called the early birds so fast.I couldn't keep up. And I been playing bingo a long time. When it was time for quickies he called them slower than he called the early birds. And when I asked the worker to ask the caller to slow down she shook her head at me. And I said really than she told the caller she said to slow n I'm only repeating what she said (me).. I'm not the only one that wasn't happy with the caller's n workers last night. The worker's aren't very nice to the people that don't go the bingo every week. I (we) there were 4 of us that went last night n we knew who the regular ones were. They got the first choice at buying...

We had our wedding reception here! Everyone was so wonderful during the entire process. We loved working with Missy to book the rental. The space is very lovely. They have recently remodeled and all of their decisions are very smart. I am so glad we went with Heidelberg VFD Social Hall. I 100% recommend booking them for...