The Red Market Barn, located north of Kenosee Lake, has been around for a long time, and once again it is slated to open for the season on June 29 and run every Sunday until Aug. 31.
Brenda and Harold Johnston purchased the market in 2013. It was something that Brenda had always dreamed of doing as she was a vendor at the market for many years. When the opportunity arose, they jumped on it and held their first market later that summer.
Harold and Brenda lived in Stoughton at the time. Brenda was creative and had many talents. The upstairs at the Red Barn housed many of the items that she made. She created moccasins, thousands of them over the years, plus mitts, placemats, baby blankets and even her own soaps and oils using the flowers from her gardens to give fragrance.
She was never idle; she was either sewing or knitting or beading moccasins.
At the beginning of last year, Brenda was diagnosed with cancer. She went for treatment, and it seemed to go well, but during the summer it returned. Brenda went for round two treatments, but the cancer could not be controlled, and she passed away at the age of 64 on Dec. 15, 2024. Harold and Brenda were married for 44 years.
“The Red Market Barn was Brenda’s passion,” said Harold. “She always had everything organized with the bands, vendors and food trucks.”
“She was always busy.”
They held weddings at the barn, and they were often catered by the Happy Nun Café. Anniversary parties, two of her class reunion parties and wind-up parties for school kids were also held at the building.
A pumpkin feast, with a petting zoo, attracted many families. Kids' camp was another one of Brenda’s loves and she hosted her grandchildren’s birthday parties.
While Brenda took care of all the applications and the details, Harold made fixed what was broken, cut the grass and helped with table set up, but that will change this year.
Harold is so thankful that Brenda was so organized, as it became much easier for him to get the market going.
Harold feels he is a little behind, but he has all the bands booked, food trucks scheduled, and applications have been emailed or mailed.
The upstairs of the barn will not be open to the public as Harold is not ready to share this part yet.
Vendors will be in the lower floor and outside like usual, with the band playing in the background and people coming to enjoy the day.
“It will be different this year,” said Harold. “But I want to keep Brenda’s dream alive.”
“I have been asked if the barn will be for sale,” said Harold. “It has never been for sale and right now it never will be for sale.”
