Bishop's Orchards in Guilford rebuilds 'little red barn' destroyed by fire – NBC Connecticut

After a fire destroyed its event space, Bishop's Orchards in Guilford is preparing to launch its summer season in late June.

A fire on March 30 destroyed the farm’s “Little Red Barn,” where private and public events, such as weekly quizzes and live music, take place.

Owner and COO Sarah Bishop Dellaventura said they lost all of their storage items, like cooking equipment, tents and other items they used to host events.

The barn dates to the 1990s and was considered an iconic structure in the community.

“Even though it’s a sad sight to see and a truly devastating loss for us and the community, we will come back and build something,” Dellaventura said. “We now have an opportunity to rebuild something that is more conducive to what we do here.”

The old barn is currently being demolished and in its place a bigger and better barn will be built. It will have toilets, air conditioning and heating, making it possible to host events all year round.

“We will rebuild. We will come back, we will be bigger, better, stronger. That’s what I keep saying: “Life gives you lemons, you make lemonade,” she added.

Another local farm, KB Riding Academy of Madison, offered to demolish Bishop's barn and use the salvaged lumber to repair its own stable that burned in a May fire.

“Currently they are dismantling it, piece by piece, because it is salvaged. We were connected with another farm that also suffered a barn loss in early May through our insurance company,” Dellaventura added. “We just know that no matter what, reaching out to another farmer in general will help. Again, for us on the insurance side, it was a huge cost savings for us to take it out for free, and a small barter for the farm-to-farm community.

As for the cause, Dellaventura said it was the spontaneous combustion of stain-resistant rags that started the fire. She said they just renovated their retail farmers market and were staining the wood for the displays.

“Unfortunately a stain-proof cloth was left behind and spontaneously combusted and this is how the fire started. So if you have a stain proof cloth at home, if you are building at home, from our family to yours… douse them in water, make sure they are soaked and put in a container with what whatever, because it's a real thing.

The summer season begins at Bishop's on June 25 with drag queen bingo.

“The food sheds will be there, we’ll still serve our food and pass around the beer and wine, so it’ll be great,” she added.

She hopes the community will support them more than ever.

“After the last two years we went through a drought and very hot weather, then last year we lost so many nights here that we had to close because of the amount of rain we had, and now with the fire to start our season, we invite people to come and support us. Bring your family, bring your friends, it's a great place for all ages.