Marquette DDA Hires New Farmers Market Manager

The Marquette Downtown Development Authority (MDDA) is pleased to announce the hiring of the new Downtown Marquette Farmers Market Manager, Sara Johnson.

Sara is a Milwaukee native who lived in Chicago for nearly a decade before making the move to the true North. In college, she studied advertising and marketing to fuel her entrepreneurial drive. Following that, she spent a handful of years working in advertising agencies focusing on media planning and digital project management.

However, Sara's true passion and focus has always been around food. She made a career pivot and became a private chef and co-owner of an events and catering company. She has competed in the World BBQ Championships in Memphis and traveled the US with a pick-up truck and 20 foot custom built smoker.

Sara moved to Marquette, MI almost 2 years ago with her partner so they could start a small business. The transition to a more rural area also allowed her to connect with food on an organic level, working towards her dream of owning a homestead bed and breakfast. For the past few years, she has volunteered at a permaculture farm, worked at a farm to table restaurant and wine bar, and organizes the Silent Auction for Marquette’s Local Food Fest. She enjoys getting to know Marquette's local food system, it's growers, producers and supporters.

"We are pleased to welcome Sara to the MDDA team as the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market Manager. Her enthusiasm and passion for agriculture and local food systems will help propel the market's continued growth and vibrancy as we prepare for its 21st season and beyond," said Rebecca Salmon, Marquette Downtown Development Authority Executive Director.

Sara can be reached at the MDDA office at (906) 228-9475, on the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market phone at (906) 362-6276, or at farmersmarket@downtownmarquette.org.