Along the edges of U.S. 41 in south Marquette, where only a few months ago there were snowbanks piled higher than we care to recall, the bright colors of spring have replaced the white heaps to usher in a new season.

Friday marked the beginning of the 27th annual Petunia Pandemonium here in Marquette.

Students from North Star Academy and Bothwell Middle School teamed up with members of the Marquette Beautification and Restoration Committee to kick off the planting of around 25,000 flowers in the nearly mile-long stretch of road entering the city.

The effort is continuing today, as well, and volunteers are needed to help plant the more than 24 varieties of different flowers on the west side of U.S. 41 South between Hampton and Jackson streets.

Since the pandemonium began, nearly 14,000 students from all the local school systems have volunteered their time, while others from the community ranging in ages from 2 to 94 have dug into the dirt, as well.

Each year the flowers bring a welcome reminder that spring has arrived and summer is coming up just around the corner.

Moreover, as the tourist season kicks off, the colorful floral display offers a feast for the eyes of travelers coming to the area, which, no doubt for many, is more pleasing than the whitewash of winter we’ve come to expect for several months of the year here in the Upper Peninsula.

Obviously, we include ourselves in the group of people who enjoy the winter activities this area has to offer, but there’s nothing like the summer season along the shores of Lake Superior.

Barb Kelly, vice president of the Marquette Beautification and Restoration Committee Inc., said captains will be on hand to provide safety vests and instructions to volunteers, who are asked to show up by 10 a.m. today with a trowel or large spoon.

Volunteers are also encouraged to wear old clothes and sunscreen, and to bring a pair of gloves if desired.

During the planting, refreshments including complimentary hot dogs, ice cream cones, a lunch of pizza, salad, beverages, cake and cookies will be served to volunteers.

We encourage the community to volunteer in the Petunia Pandemonium effort, and to take an hour out of their day to help make Marquette even more beautiful than it already is.