After months of refurbishing and hard work the owners of Red Market Barn opened for the first flea market of 2014 on Saturday, May 18.
Brenda Johnson, owner of the popular flea market spot located just 2 km north of Kenosee Lake said she wanted to open earlier this year and introduce the upper area of the building that has been closed for several years. According to Johnson, "The Loft," as it's known, will be occupied by Cheryl Winkler who runs an artwork business and is the operator of Moose Mountain Recoup and Release Wildlife Rehabilitation. It's an organization that treats sick and injured wildlife within the region and gives special attention to animals such as foxes and raccoons.
The Loft once housed an antique store but when all the items were sold 15 years ago the area remained unused. The space will now showcase Winker's artwork which she said will fund her wildlife rehabilitation work and will be available to patrons every Sunday over the next four months. She said Johnson allowing her to setup at the barn on permanent basis is helpful because she usually doesn't have time to bring her work to every market day due to her work with the animals.
"It gives people a chance to view slides of the animals in our care and see some of my newer work and hopefully we will be able to update some pieces here as I get them done," she said.
The lower level of the building was expectedly busy with patrons who were coming through the gates in packs looking to shop and see what vendors had to offer. The vendors at the Red Market Barn came in from different parts of Saskatchewan with a myriad of items for sale.Deana and Al Driver, of Driver Works Ink, a company that specializes in publishing inspiring true stories about Prairie people were vendors from Regina. Deana Driver said it was their second time in Kenosee and they returned because of the positive experience they had the first time.
"We decided this summer we're going to come every long weekend and just hang out at the park and enjoy the barn and all the people of this community," she said.
Driver said being a vendor at Red Market Barn is very beneficial as it raises awareness of their business and helps their authors sell their books when they can't be physically present.
"We have met so many people today that didn't know we exist, they didn't know about Driver Works Ink and the books we published, the Prairie authors we help publish and the stories that we share," she said.
A local business was also present that Sunday - Michael Ellis owner of Michael's Coffee Shop and Bakery had a booth setup with his famous coffee available. He said he stumbled across the barn about three years ago and since attending, it has been a big difference for his business.
"A lot of people who didn't even know I had a café would meet me here and they would come to the place in Arcola throughout the week. Brenda and Harold have been getting big crowds since they took over out here, near or over 1000 people every week," he said.
In addition to vendors, there was a live band on location which provided patrons who wanted to do a bit more than shop an alternative. The day provided something for every age group with toys for children and a whole range of other items for adults. The Red Market Barn proved to be a suitable a spot for a family outing.
Johnson described the day as one that had a steady crowd but said most people were coming and going as the day was quite chilly, but indicated as the weather continues to warm up the barn will retain its crowd. The barn will be open every Sunday throughout the summer with the last day of operation being Sept. 7.
