Signs of spring and summer in Superiorland are here. The last few weeks have brought more warm weather, an influx of tourists, and of course, the joyous return of foliage and flowers.

The annual Petunia Pandemonium planting in south Marquette by the Marquette Beautification and Restoration Committee is hallmark of summer in Marquette, with the petunias gracing nearly a mile along South Front Street.

It’s a beloved area tradition that beautifies the area for residents and visitors alike, and is always a highlight of the summer.

However, with the current major road construction project along Front Street, the committee was not able to plant in that area nor at the roundabout as it normally would.

However, organizers adapted to the challenge and found a way to continue the petunia planting this year, as the Marquette Beautification and Restoration Committee still planted one small section of Petunia Pandemonium at the former Lake Superior Community Partnership building next to the Father Marquette Park.

This will be the first time in 33 years that Petunia Pandemonium will not grace the south gateway into Marquette, organizers said, noting that the north end of the nearly mile-long stretch is normally beautified by the group for five months each summer.

Due to the construction, the $100,000 irrigation system installed and maintained by the committee is being removed. The committee has begun a fundraising campaign to replace it so flowers can come back next year.

We commend organizers and volunteers for adapting to a challenging situation and hope readers will consider donating to the fundraising campaign, as it’s efforts like this that make our community a beautiful place to live, work and visit.