Downtown Marquette Farmers Market’s 2019 Season Review

The Downtown Marquette Farmers Market celebrated its 20^th anniversary during the 2019 season, and what a fabulous season it was. Thank you to the Marquette Downtown Development Authority (MDDA) for sponsoring the market. Thank you as well to the shoppers, vendors and community partners for your support and participation; and a special thank you to the Saturday weather for its cooperation too. This was the very rare season that it was dry for each Saturday Market morning!

The Saturday Market season opened May 25 and ran through October 26, offering products from 57 seasonal vendors and 37 rotating daily vendors. The vendor offerings included fresh produce, eggs, meats, prepared foods, and artisan goods. The Late Fall Market consisted of 34 different vendors throughout the fall and was open through December 14.  New during the 2019 season was the addition of a Wednesday Evening market, held June 12 through September 25 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The MDDA was very pleased to be able to pilot a mid-week market. Look for continued growth in 2020.

UP North Roast generously sponsored live music during the Saturday Market. Throughout the 2019 summer season, the market also partnered with various organizations to provide food tasting and educational programming. The national Power of Produce program continued for its second season at the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market. Partridge Creek Farm provided volunteer staff to operate the program on a weekly basis through the end of October. Additional funding was provided by Partridge Creek Farm, ACHIEVE Coalition of Marquette County and Taste the Local Difference Local Food Event. Over 750 children participated throughout the season.
 
The Downtown Marquette Farmers Market participates in five food assistance programs (SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC Project FRESH, Senior Market FRESH and Hoophouses For Health). Over $45,000 was distributed in food access benefits during the 2019 season.

The Downtown Marquette Farmers Market has been listed as one of the “9 Best Farmers Markets in Michigan” by bestthingsmi.com and recognized by onlyinyourstate.com as one of the “10 Incredible Farmers Markets in Michigan That Are A Must Visit.” 

Planning for the 2020 Market season is currently underway. The Market Manager for the past 7 seasons, Myra Zyburt, will be leaving the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market in January. Under Myra’s watch, the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market has grown by leaps and bounds into the outstanding market we now have. A search is underway for the next Downtown Marquette Farmers Market Manager, and details about the position can be found at downtownmarquette.org.

Thanks again for an amazing market season. Warmest winter wishes to you all, and we’ll see you in the spring.

Checks presentation, Partridge Creek Farm and Taste the Local Difference to Power of Produce program at the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market

Marquette Local Food Event

2019 Vendor Applications

Vendor applications can be found here.

Thank You for a Fabulous 2018 Farmers Market Season

Wintertime, dreaming of summer favorite things. The Downtown Marquette Farmers Market is a favorite Saturday morning destination for residents and visitors. Those of us who operate or sell at the market are extremely grateful for all the support. Here is a quick review of the year  with some of our favorite photos.

	When we see the banners go up in the spring we know market opening day is not far away!
The opening market is filled with vibrant greens, the promise of delicious food and many warm days to come.
	The vendors have been preparing for months to be stocked and ready for the season. They are so happy to see the crowds and get the season off the ground.
There are more than edible greens at the market in early spring!
	Sweet maple syrup is actually the first product harvested of the year. While the snow is still on the ground and the nights are cold, but the day are beginning to warm the maple trees wake up from their long winter nap. With a tap, the sap flows. Heated ’til it glows, syrup emerges.
The first fruits of the season arrive before the fourth of July and their juicy sweet flavors are so welcomed and treasured.
	The Downtown Marquette Farmers Market is filled with fantastic farmers, 35 of them at least, and amazing artisans who showcase their talents in many ways.
Area musicians share their talents on Saturday morning to the delight of market visitors.
	As the temperatures heat up, so does the produce.
You can’t beet it, get to	the market any way you can!

When it is hot or even if its not, a frozen pop can’t be topped.The market is filled with locally produced food for you to use at home in meal prep, but when you are hungry at the market or don’t have time to cook, there is food ready to eat at the market and meals prepared with market sourced ingredients you can take home and heat up when it is meal time.
	Meat of all varieties are sold the the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market. Purchasing meat at the market allows you to talk to the farmer to choose the best cut for your meal and have confidence on how and where it was raised and processed.
A cold brew with your b-b-q, you betcha!
	More brews worth the queue. Actually, you can choose hot, cold or nitro coffee from various vendors at the market.
Coffee tastes better with a sweet accompaniment.
	Sweet not your style? These savory breadsticks let you chew on something while you make your first lap around the market.
There is nothing like tasting the produce to help you learn how to use something new to you.
	Produce is especially bountiful in the fall. Many shapes, colors, sizes and textures. Stock up to get you through the winter.
Kale for eating all season, kale for decoration in late fall.
	When the seasons change and you are looking for decorating greens and you want something lasting to get you through the winter, the market is the place to shop.

December 8 at the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market

There are still 2 weeks to shop at the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market. The market season continues every Saturday  9 am – 1 pm at the Marquette Commons through December 15. The market has moved into the Commons building. Shop directly from the grower/producer each week for your fresh Upper Peninsula grown food and beautiful artisan goods to stock up for winter and prepare for delicious holiday meals and fabulous, unique gifts. Power of Produce, children’s programming. All children ages 4-12 are invited to participate.  Children will receive $2.00 to shop for their own choice of produce. Power of Produce is sponsored by: Upper Peninsula Health Plan, Orthodontic Specialists of Marquette, Lions Club of Ishpeming and Lions Club of Negaunee, ACHIEVE of Marquette County. We are very grateful for our sponsors and are excited to pilot this program at the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market this season.

Black River Blades Dan Choszczyk, Artist Handcrafted knives of all varieties, culinary, hunting… hand-crafted from re-purposed steel.
End of the Road Winery Robin Barker, owner Cold Climate, Upper Peninsula grown fruit used to make wine and wine jellies. Perfect for holiday meals and gifts.
Ever Yielding Acres Charles and Miriam DeVooght, Farmers All varieties meat, eggs, maple syrup. Also, Christmas Trees, sold in Downtown Marquette! How convenient.
For Goodness Cakes Kathleen Heinonen, Baker Variety of delicious small cakes.
Full Plate Farm Laura Brosius and Joe Franich, Farmers Hoophouses for Health Farm. Full Plate Farm is a small, chemical-free farm located in Skandia, Michigan specializing in mixed produce and fruit production.
Good For You Kay Presensky, Artist Warm mittens made from upcycled wool sweaters, Upper Peninsula decorated hot pads, driftwood art.
Hannah’s Garden Hannah Brisson, Farmer Jam, garlic, fresh cut wreaths and greens. Saffron bread and cardamon bread. Selection of Christmas cookies.
Heritage Farm: Tom and Rebecca Ferrell, Farmers Lotions and soaps, made with goat milk from the goats on their farm. Socks and hats made using the wool from their llama and goats.
Jeffrey Heidtman Jeff Heidtman, Farmer Flowers, centerpieces, wreaths and arrangements made with flowers and fauna grown on his farm.

Marquette Expressions: Maggie Haupt, Artist Hand-made greeting cards and gift labels.

Mighty Soil Farm Kathryn Debs and Joe Newman, Farmers Local produce grown at the MSU Experimental Farm in Chatham.

Pea Pickle Farm Leslie Allen, Artist Hand crafted Beeswax and Bayberry wax candles. May sizes and shapes, including tapers, votive and tea lights. Enjoy the bright flame  bees wax produces.
Rock River Farm Rowan and Shailah Bunce, Farmers Seasonal produce, flowers, wreaths and arrangement created with flowers grown on their farm.
Ronnie’ Art Ron Morgan, Artist Paintings of Marquette landmark buildings and landscapes. Originals, prints and note cards of his work are available.
Seeds & Spores Family Farm Jeff, Leanne and family, Farmers Seasonal produce, meat, eggs and mushrooms. Everything is grown from seed to harvest at the farm using authentic farming techniques. Soup, muffins and hand pies from the farm kitchen.
Tonella Farms Ryan Leary, Farmer Variety of cultivated mushrooms, winter squash.

Touchstone Susan Morse-Olson, Artist Flower pedal products created using historic processes with apothecary roses. Products include flower pedal jellies and handmade rose-bead jewelry.
Treated With Love Mandy Mosley, baker Vegan treats for dogs.
Winter Sky Wool Company Karen Valley, Farmer Yarn and knit product from Karen’s Sheep’s award winning wool.
Wooly Mama Libby Buchler, Artist Hand-made, felted, apparel made with the wool from the sheep from their Shady Grove Farm. Items include, dresses, hats, mittens and footwear.

December 1

Power of Produce children’s programming continues. All children ages 4-12 years old are invited to participate. Each week kids receive $2.00 in Power of Produce bucks to make their own choice of fresh fruits and vegetables, meet the farmers and explore the market. Power of Produce will be distributed at the Market Cashier window inside the Marquette Commons building.	Sponsors of Power of Produce: Orthodontic Specialists of Marquette Lions Club of Ishpeming Lions Club of Negaunee
ARK Wood Products Ron Klumb, Artist Household, toys and garden products made from cedar.
Bandolier International Jeffrey Pruitt, Artist Original paintings, acrylic on canvas.
Borealis Bakery Anja Wiedenhoefer, Baker Providing goods made with wholesome ingredients to fuel and nourish every body!
Davin’s Chocolates Davin Makela, creator Bean-to-Bar chocolate bars, hot chocolate.
Ever Yielding Acres: Charles and Miriam DeVooght, farmers Produce, all kinds of meat, eggs, maple syrup. Order your turkey for Christmas. Whole and half birds available. Naturally cured hams and other meats also available. Christmas trees, too.
For Goodness Cakes: Kathleen Heinonen, Baker Scones, brownies, carrot cakes, chocolates cakes-small and medium size.
FreshWind Farm Kerry Sherbinow, Farmer Microgreens. Hoophouses for Health Farmer.
Full Plate Farm Laura Brosius and Joe Franich, Farmers Full Plate Farm is a small, chemical-free farm located in Skandia, Michigan specializing in mixed produce and fruit production.
Hannah’s Garden Hannah Brisson, Farmer Homemade jam, garlic and wreaths

Heritage Farm Tom and Rebecca Ferrell, Farmers Goats milk and honey lotions and soaps, made with ingredients from their farm.

JB Crafts Jim Boxer, Artist Bird houses, bird feeders, games and fishing flies.
Jeff Heidtman, Farmer Wreaths and centerpieces created with greens and dried flowers from his farm.
Marquette Expressions Maggie Haupt, Artist Handmade greeting cards.
Mighty Soil Farm: Kathryn Debs and Joe Newman, farmers Seasonal produce.
Rock Metal Fire Jewelry by: Jean Sinervo, Artist What if … What if I used rocks, metal, and fire to make something … and you liked it and wanted to wear it? … Just wondering …
Rock River Farm Rowan & Shailah Bunce, Farmers Wreaths, paperwhite planters, bulb kits, centerpieces, potters herbs and holly.
Ronnie’s Art Ron Morgan, Artist Original artwork and prints and notecards.
Seeds & Spores Family Farm: Jeff and Leanne Hatfield and family, Farmers Variety of upper peninsula grown produce, eggs, pasture raised meat and delicious, ready to eat treats from the farm kitchen.
Superior Culture Alex Rowland, Owner, We’re all about producing tasty health beverages made from fermented teas and organic raw fruit juices without the wheatgrass and superciliousness.
Treated With Love Mandy Mosley, Baker Vegan dog treats.

Tonella Farms Ryan Leary, Farmer Tonella Farms is a small, diversified farm established in March 2017. Our current focus is mushrooms, establishing a mixed fruit orchard, and annual vegetables. Hoophouses for Health Farmer.
Touchstone Susan Olson-Morse, Artist Scented geraniums, African violets, Sweet Bay Trees, jellies, Michigan stone jewelry.
UP North Roast Jacob Cass, Roaster/Owner Whole bean and ground coffee. The green beans are roasted, fresh in Escanaba. Roasted nuts.
Winter Sky Wool Company Karen Valley Farmer Yarn and knitted products made from her sheep.

It’s Time, Market Season Begins Saturday, May 26

	The banners are going up, opening day is Saturday May 26
Hours 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
	Spring Color
Spring Crunch, just hanging around
	Spring in a carriage.

Vendor Applications for the 2018 Season

Applications for the 2018 season of the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market will be accepted throughout the season and accepted vendors scheduled as space is available.  The applications are set up in three parts, pages 1-6 are for vendor reference, please read carefully and keep. Pages 7-10 are designed to be filled in electronically and e-mailed back to the Market Manager, please fill out completely. The W-9 only needs to be filled out and returned by new vendors. We are looking forward to a spectacular season.

vendor App p 1-6 2018

vendor App fillable 2018

W9 fillable

2016 season wraps up

What a fast year! Thank you for your support. The Downtown Marquette Farmers Market 2016 season was open May 21-December 17. During those 31 weeks , more than 75 independently owned small business participated, providing employment for over over 200 people. Farmer vendors sold Michigan grown small farm produced fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, honey and maple syrup. Food producing vendors sold Michigan produced mustard, pickled vegetables, baked goods, locally roasted coffee beans, chocolate and jams. Artisans made bees wax candles, personal care products, wood crafts, custom knives. jewelry, stationary products, fiber goods, rain barrels, metal art, water colors, decorations, bags. $31,000. worth of food assistance was distributed through 5 types of programs at the market throughout the season, SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC Project FRESH, Senior Market FRESH and Hoophouses for Health. 20 programs were offered including food preparation demonstrations, nutrition information, wood turning and corn shelling. Variety of musicians played for 22 weeks.
Applications for the 2017 season will be available by early March. A workshop on Michigan Cottage Food Laws will be offered in April. There is always room for new vendors. Participation in the market can be as little as 1 week, to full season. give some thought to being self employed or making a passion of yours become a small business. Contact Myra Zyburt, Market Manager at 906-362-3276 for additional information.

Some snapshots of the year.