Mostly sunny, low 60’s, crisp-fall air, laughter, chatter, music. These are only a few elements that make up a bigger picture created downtown, painting a scene of the Marquette Farmers Market. From bright orange pumpkins to hand-carved sculptures, to homemade coffee and handspun yarn, this weekly event has something for everyone, no matter the age or size. Some even non-human, like an Alaskan malamute, or a golden retriever, all enjoy the company just the same.
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, local farmers, growers and artisans make their appearance in downtown Marquette to share produce, creations and conversations.
“I actually came here because I like Borealis Baking Co. I like how they have local bakers here and of course the farmers, but I really like how they have things other than vegetables here,” community member Elli Morin said. “This is our first time here and I really like it. It’s the only other farmers market I’ve been to, and this one is much bigger.”
Live jams from the Marquette-born and raised Troy Graham added soft acoustic sounds that complimented the freshly-roasted-coffee smell and the sweet scent of sugary treats lingering through the breeze.
“I like cookies,” one of Morin’s twin daughters said.
She danced with exuberance. Her hands waving in the air woke up the excitement in her shy sister. “Cookies, cookies, cookies!”
Though each vendor offers something unique in their own way, one thing is for sure: a lot of time and energy is spent on each piece to make sure its the best it can be.
Specifically, J R Scott of Red Metal Jewelry said it takes an “eternity” amount of time to make each individual piece, and he does it all by himself. He added that it’s this uniqueness that keeps him “sane.”
“Red metal is what Native Americans called copper because they made arrowheads from it,” Scott said.
Scott continued with his history lesson, leaving his handmade creations to speak for themselves, red metal glistening all around him.
The majority of the U.P. copper that Scott uses to make his jewelry is recycled, he said, adding that the hardest part of making his rings is finding a nugget that will fit.
Averaging the price for Scott’s products would make his practice a job rather than an art.
Another local vendor seemed to be making “pretty solid” business that day as well. Clair Morgan-Heredia and her husband DJ Morgan-Heredia are the bakers and creators of “Doozers.”
The name “Doozers” derived from a family inside joke, where all pastries and treats were nicknamed “doozers,” Clair said, for no particular reason other than the thought of it being a cute name.
“It’s short and simple,” Clair said.
The couple run their homemade baking business out of their apartment and operate under the Cottage Food Law, Clair said, adding that one of their most popular treats—or “doozers”—are Oreo-looking cakes called “Definitely not Oreos.”
Another popular pick from attendees are Doozer’s sugar cookies and their homemade snacks that are similar to Cheez-It’s.
The Downtown Marquette Farmers Market is located on 112 S. Third St. and its weekly event will continue for the season until Dec. 14, according to their Facebook page. For more information, visit their website mqtfarmersmarket.com, or call 362-3276.
