By Sarah DeMaranville
There's something about harvest season that feels like home.
The changing leaves. Crisp autumn air. Pumpkins and mums lining front porches. Warm drinks in hand. Time spent with family.
For Ashley Marshall, those memories stretch back to her childhood growing up on a family farm, where autumn meant riding in the combine with her dad, helping drive grain carts, and watching another harvest come to life.
Now, she's turning those memories into a brand-new community tradition.
The inaugural Red Barn Harvest Fest will invite visitors to spend a day on the farm surrounded by local makers, live music, great food, family activities, and everything people love about fall in the Midwest.
The festival will be held at 19695 N 2120th Ave., Geneseo, located east of Geneseo along the Hennepin Canal heading toward Atkinson.
"It's really the combination of two passions," Ashley said. "I've always loved harvest season, and as a small business owner myself, I know how important opportunities like this are for makers and entrepreneurs. I wanted to create an event where people could celebrate the season while discovering and supporting amazing local businesses."
A Labor of Love
Although this is the festival's first year, months of preparation have gone into transforming the property into a destination designed for families to spend an entire day.
One of the biggest priorities, Ashley said, was carefully selecting vendors.
Rather than simply filling available spaces, organizers intentionally curated the event to feature a wide variety of businesses, ensuring shoppers will find unique products throughout the festival.
More than 60 makers and small businesses are expected to participate, offering everything from handmade goods and boutique clothing to home décor, fresh flowers, baked treats, and specialty gifts.
Behind the scenes, however, creating the festival has been very much a family effort.
Organizer Ashley Marshall poses with husband Joe and kids Evan, Liliana, Landon and Lanie.
"None of this would be possible without my husband, Joe," Ashley said. "This may have started as my dream, but it's definitely become ours."
She credits Joe with spending countless hours helping prepare the farm, tackling projects, supporting new ideas, and helping bring the vision to life.
Family members, friends, and fellow small business owners have also stepped in to lend advice and help wherever needed.
As opening day approaches, preparations continue with vendor spotlights on social media, finalizing the event layout, and making sure every detail is ready for visitors.
"Our biggest goal is making sure our vendors have an amazing day," Ashley said. "They're what make this market so special."
More Than a Vendor Market
While shopping will certainly be a major attraction, organizers say visitors can expect far more than rows of booths.
Live music will fill the farm throughout the day with performances by Angela Meyer and Shaun Easton, two musicians well known throughout the region.
And visitors should probably come hungry.
Food & Drinks
The festival's food and beverage lineup includes:
Shadow Lake's "Can Stand" serving its signature mixed drinks, along with beer from Geneseo Brewing Company
Geneseo Trap Team fundraiser
Cynful Smokers BBQ
Reap & Sow
The Bean Field Coffee House
The Main Squeeze Trailer, serving lemonade and apple cider drinks
Just Us & Treats ice cream truck
Plus baked goods and other packaged food vendors
Families will also find plenty of activities designed to keep everyone entertained.
Guests can enjoy:
Pony rides
Hayrack rides
A mobile golf simulator
Plenty of seating to relax and enjoy the scenery
A chance to meet—and even snuggle—a Highland cow named Roy, who Ashley jokingly describes as one of the festival's biggest attractions.
"Shopping and eating... those two things paired with being outdoors—you really can't beat that," she said. "And, of course, snuggles with Roy."
Built for Families
As the mother of a one-year-old, Ashley says creating a family-friendly atmosphere wasn't just important—it was essential.
"This is definitely something I would want to take my own family to," she said.
Rather than rushing from one activity to the next, organizers hope families will slow down, spend time together, and simply enjoy a beautiful fall day on the farm.
"It's a place where people can spend the day together while enjoying everything that makes fall in the Midwest so special."
Supporting Small Businesses
At its heart, Red Barn Harvest Fest is also about strengthening local businesses.
Ashley hopes visitors discover new favorite makers and continue supporting them long after the festival ends.
She also hopes the event encourages visitors from outside the area to spend time exploring Geneseo after they leave the farm.
"I'd love to see people head into town afterward and support the amazing businesses we have here," she said.
For someone who has spent years building her own small business, creating opportunities for others carries special meaning.
"I can't wait for our vendors to have a successful day because supporting small businesses has always been so near and dear to my heart."
Hoping to Build a New Tradition
Ashley isn't just planning a one-time event.
From the beginning, the goal has been to establish Red Barn Harvest Fest as an annual tradition.
The festival is intentionally scheduled for the third Saturday in September, allowing families to know exactly when to mark their calendars each year.
"I hope someday people simply say, 'It's Red Barn Harvest Fest weekend,' and make plans around it the same way they do other annual traditions," she said.
A Fall Day Worth the Drive
For anyone still deciding whether to attend, Ashley has one final sales pitch.
"Did you see I mentioned a Highland cow?" she laughed. "Need I say more?"
Then she added:
"If you're looking for something fun to do this fall, this is it. It checks all the boxes—supporting small businesses, shopping, delicious food and drinks, live music, beautiful scenery, and activities for the whole family. It's the perfect opportunity to slow down, enjoy the season, go for a little drive, and experience everything that makes fall in the Midwest so special."
If the inaugural event lives up to Ashley's vision, Red Barn Harvest Fest won't simply be another stop on the fall calendar. It could become one of those traditions families circle every September—a place where local businesses thrive, friends gather, children make memories, and the harvest season is celebrated the way she has loved since childhood.
Follow the Red Barn Harvest Fest Facebook page for vendor features and updates.