I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, summer seemed to vanish in the blink of an eye. Somehow, between busy days and fleeting weekends, I’d missed the Brimson Market entirely this year. Determined not to let the season slip away without one last hurrah, I made a point to catch its final event over Labor Day weekend.
The market was buzzing with shoppers in for the holiday. Every table and tent alive with chatter and activity. Dogs trotted happily alongside their humans, tails wagging as they sized each other up. I took every chance I could to offer a scratch behind the ears. Less welcome were the mosquitoes—so. many. skeeters. At least one bright side to summer’s end is knowing the swarms will soon be gone.
There was something for everyone at the market: quality quilts, cute crochets, clever cards, vibrant veggies, jazzy jewelry, jars of jellies and jams, tasty treats, and even a few beloved books. I couldn’t resist picking up some nature reference guides on trees and flowers from friends in Brimson who were giving them away.
“You’ve got them all memorized already,” I joked. “There’s going to be a quiz later, isn’t there?”
I’d better start studying.
Amid the festive (and mosquito) buzz, reminders of a difficult spring and summer lingered. I picked up a Brimson Area Volunteer Fire Department t-shirt, sold to raise funds in the aftermath of the Camp House and Jenkins Creek Fires.
Across the way, Mikala Schliep staffed a booth for the newly formed nonprofit Brimson Strong Community Support and Recovery. Since the fires, she and her team have worked tirelessly to assist those affected, partnering with Headwaters Relief Organization, the Red Cross, United Way, Representative Natalie Zeleznikar, local businesses, and neighbors to clean up properties and ensure families have the support they need.
Brimson Strong is currently accepting applications from anyone who lost homes, cabins, or outbuildings, with a deadline of November 1, 2025. To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit their Facebook page or email helpbrimsonfire@gmail.com.
Over the summer, the Brimson Market has showcased a variety of talented musicians, including the Two Harbors Ukulele Group, Austin Englehardt, Skarlett Woods, Jody and Lynn, and many others. Last Saturday, local musicians Wanda and Michael carried on the tradition, filling the air with lively tunes that floated above the chatter of vendors and friends enjoying the day.
It was a busy weekend for the bar, which also hosted their annual Hugo’s Long Drive the following day. The long-standing tradition usually takes place on Memorial Day weekend but had to be rescheduled due to the Camp House Fire.
About 50 golfers paid $1 a ball for the chance to launch drives from the platform onto Highway 55. In past years, sod was laid directly on the road for tee-offs. A rangefinder measured where the shots landed, and all proceeds went back to the three top winners.
Jason Aho claimed first in the men’s division with a 260-yard drive. Mandy Hraban took the women’s title at 197 yards, while Logan Aho impressed in the kids’ division with a 163-yard shot. Congratulations to all who took part.
Mark your calendars for the Brimson Market’s Harvest Market on Saturday, September 27, with a rain date scheduled for the following day. The market will run from 9 a.m. to noon at Hugo’s. With my own garden failing this year, I’m hoping to make it there to load up on fresh veggies and all the market’s seasonal treasures.
