The temperature was freezing, the air was sharp and as a light mist sprayed over the town, people gathered on Baraga Avenue to celebrate the annual Harvest Festival. Live music, parking spot painting, food trucks and a petting zoo were all available for families to enjoy. Kevin Pierfelice of Peace Pie Co. stayed bundled through his first Harvest Festival, selling pumpkin pie, and vegan gluten-free pumpkin muffins. 

“We sell a whole ton of cookies, muffins, cherry pie, pumpkin pie, blueberry pie, all very delicious,”  Pierfelice said.

The crowd definitely agreed, with pies flying off of the shelves and the popular vegan options selling out completely. 

The small-town vibe was in full swing, with families meeting up to celebrate the beginning of the fall season. Autumn in Marquette is an unparalleled experience, according to usatoday.com. The pumpkin harvest was not great this year, with the summer not bringing much rain, so there was an emphasis on assorted corn decor. 

Teeny, tiny calves were gaining the most attention and apples from the petting zoo crowd. Rowdy goats, ponies and sheep were also being pelted by corn thrown from small children. Large snow plows and tractors were also on display for people to take pictures on, making it a popular stop. 

There were several food trucks also staged around the avenue, owner of Rollin’ Smoke Barbeque Tom Curry, who has been in a vendor at the festival for five years, was serving up a warm brisket for the crowd. 

“Harvest Fest has always been one of my favorite events we do, it is a little more laid back than say Beerfest or Harbor Fest. This is organized well, and it’s a fun event to do,” Curry said.