Creating Community, One Pizza at a Time

“Steve has done an amazing job breathing life into this event space,” says Smith. “You get that feeling of being on an old farm, but it’s also edgy and cool.”

Last year, a vintage clothing company provided large vintage quilts for people to picnic on. There are also long cafeteria tables with different colored seats.

Steve brings in a variety of acts to Sittin’ Pretty Farm, from well-known artists traveling through the area to local talent.

“We had this high school graduate who [usually] plays guitar from rooftops in Viroqua,” says Smith. “It [Sittin’ Pretty Farm] was his first paying gig and we love to give that opportunity.”

Steve Lawless transformed one farmer’s junkyard into a gathering place for the Viroqua community. He bought the land for Sittin’ Pretty Farm in 2019 and built a barn and other indoor-outdoor spaces throughout the pandemic. The pizza kitchen opened in 2022. A crew of volunteers host a pizza night every Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. with live music.

Each Friday, the proceeds—at least $500—go directly to nonprofit organizations. The nonprofits in turn send a group of volunteers to staff the kitchen.

“It’s a whole circle of goodwill between everybody,” says operations manager

Aja Smith. “It’s a ‘come as you are, use what we have’ energy.”

You won’t find plates or cups here; you can expect mason jars full of on-tap beer and good local food.

“I love how unpretentious this place is—here’s your pizza, rip the box to make plates,” Smith says.

Sittin’ Pretty Farm is all about promoting small, local producers. They get 65 dough balls of sprouted sourdough to use for pizza crust each week from Rhythm Bakery and source vegetables like peppers and tomatoes from local farms and gardens. An area flower farm provides seasonal blooms.

Come for one of the five weekly pizzas; stay for the camaraderie and warmth. Last year, their “pay it forward” pizza special allowed people to buy a pizza and get it delivered to service workers in the emergency room and at police departments. This summer, they hope to offer a home-based version, like Meals on Wheels for people who cannot prepare or buy food.

“It’s a whole family affair,” says Smith. “Kids are running the pizzas out to people. It’s just a welcoming community aspect. We’re out here eating pizza and serving pizza for a good cause. It’s selfsustaining.”

Fridays, May 12 through October 27, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., sittinprettyfarm.org