Gary and Linda Thompson welcome friends new and old to Raccoon Ridge.
Gary and Linda Thompson are in the RidgeRunners band, which plays a blend of country and bluegrass music
By Rich Wicks | Panora Times, August 2025
Gary and Linda Thompson live on 40 acres of beautiful timberland near Nations Bridge Park in southern Guthrie County. But, instead of keeping all that beauty to themselves, they welcome others to come enjoy it with them. Gary opened Raccoon Ridge 3D Archery, and the couple later opened Raccoon Ridge Music Hall, at 3281 298th Lane. Because the Thompsons live a mile off the main road, it is a well-kept secret but definitely worth the drive.
Linda explained that the idea for the music hall came to her from God on a sleepless night. So, the couple built and opened the music hall, which also rents out as a wedding venue or for engagement parties, graduations, fundraisers, reunions and other events. But the most commonly recurring events are the Sunday music jams and dances. The music hall includes seating for up to 200 people, sound and lighting equipment, and a full kitchen.
“We built it in 2001, right before the Twin Towers fell,” Linda said. “He already had his archery three years before that.”
The Thompsons now play in a band called RidgeRunners, which plays a blend of country and bluegrass music. RidgeRunners band members include Gary and Linda, Diana Wilson, Al Wilson and Mark Howard.
Gary grew up playing music.
“I was in a high school band, playing rock and roll,” Gary said.
However, Linda was not initially musical.
“Not me. My family liked music, but nobody played it,” Linda said.
Linda explained that her introduction to playing music came at Gary’s urging. During a music jam at their place, there was a shortage of musicians, so Gary encouraged Linda to learn to play. Although Linda was initially unsure about playing in front of others, she said everyone was encouraging as she learned.
Through the fall months, the music hall maintains a schedule of Sunday afternoon dances. The schedule of bands can be seen at Raccoon Ridge Music Hall’s Facebook page. Upcoming scheduled dances include Aug. 31, Sept. 7 and Sept. 28. The Sunday events run from 2-5 p.m., and attendees are welcome to bring their own snack and beverage, and/or enjoy food provided in the kitchen. Some Sundays ask a $10 admission fee, while others ask a freewill donation.
“We are so blessed out here, and God has done it, and that’s what we are trying to share. We’ve met so many wonderful people. They come from all over,” Linda said.
Because the Thompsons enjoy their land, music and visitors, they plan to continue what has brought fun and fellowship to so many.
“As long as we can do it, we’re going to do it,” Linda said. n