Although temperatures aren’t supposed to get very deep into the 50s today, come hell, high water and snowflakes, the curtin goes up on the15th consecutive farmer’s market season in downtown Marquette today.

A page one story in Friday’s Mining Journal authored by Journal staff writers Christie Bleck and John Pepin had full details.

According to the Downtown Development Authority, which operates the market, a total of 43 vendors have signed up for the season. Of that number, 36 are returning from last year.

One new addition will be a wine tasting booth operated by the Marquette-based St. Charles Brewhaus & Winery, LLC.

Farmer’s markets are supposed to be positive places that showcase a wide variety of goods produced in the area it serves. Last year, regrettably, a controversy developed over what type of vendors should be allowed to sell their wares in the market.

In response, the DDA approved new policies for the market, one of which was increasing vendor fees from $60 to $125 for the season, assisiting the DDA with expenses.

The policies also will allow vendors within Michigan to have a booth at the market as long as they grow or produce their goods to comply with state guidelines. One organizer noted that the DDA can’t legally limit produce and goods sold at the market to just those made in the Upper Peninsula.

We trust this season will be a happy and joyous one for the Marquette farmers market.

Now, if only summer would show up.