There will be plenty of zucchini found at this Saturday's Downtown Marquette Farmers Market. (Courtesy photo)

MARQUETTE — As Northern Michigan University students start classes for the fall semester on Monday, new visitors, students and their families are encouraged to stop by the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market on Saturday.

The market is sponsored by the Marquette Downtown Development Authority and is held every Saturday until Dec. 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Marquette Commons, located at 112 S. Third St. The goal of the farmers market is to support local farmers, growers and artisans by making wholesome, quality food and goods available to the Marquette area.

Market Manager Myra Zyburt said summer produce is in and even the beginning of fall vegetables are beginning to show up at the market. An abundance of sweet corn, cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, onions, carrots, pumpkins and other veggies can found at the market this weekend.

“We, of course are hoping the prediction of rain will change before Saturday,” Zyburt said. “Even if it does not, the market is open and will be full of vendors who have worked hard all week and season to be at the market with their products. August is quickly coming to an end and that means a change of schedule is coming for many people with schools starting and a different pace of activities. Sourcing your food from the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market is a great way to provide fabulous, fresh, delicious tasting breakfasts, lunch, dinners and snacks for your family. The summer produce is very convenient to wash, slice and eat raw.”

There will be about 60 vendors at the market, including End of the Road Winery of Germfask, which will have its popular fruit and cold climate red and white grape wines available Saturday. Other notable vendors include Pea Pickle Farm, U.P. North Roast and Superior Culture.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Upper Peninsula Barber Shop Quartet and Variety Show — an a capella group whose mission is to increase harmony in communities — will entertain shoppers with live music, and for those needing a midday snack, Copper Crust will be serving freshly made pizzas that are cooked in a wood-fire pizza oven.

Yarn Winders Fiber Guild will be at the market on Saturday as well.

“We are delighted they will be demonstrating the traditional fiber arts of spinning and weaving. There will be woven rugs for sale at the market as well,” Zyburt said.

Power of Produce program is in its fourth week and will run through Sept. 22. All children ages 4 to 12 are invited to participate. Each Saturday there will be a featured produce to taste and an activity. Children will receive $2 to shop for produce and make their own choice or vouchers can be saved and combined for a later use.

This week, the Power of Produce feature will be zucchini, the bountiful summer squash. Many farmers will have a variety of sizes.

Power of Produce is sponsored by: Upper Peninsula Health Plan, Orthodontics of Marquette, Lions Clubs of Ishpeming and Negaunee, ACHIEVE of Marquette County, Partridge Creek Farm.

The market accepts cash, credit/debit cards, SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC Market FRESH, Senior Project FRESH and Hoophouses for Health.

For more information about the farmers market , visit https://mqtfarmersmarket.com.

Jaymie Depew can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206.