This file photo shows the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market in a previous year. Vendors can apply to participate in this year's market. Spots are first come, first served.

By Journal Staff

MARQUETTE — The Downtown Marquette Farmers Market is looking for farmers, growers, food producers, artisans, musicians and local community organizations to be part of the upcoming market season.

With flexible commitment options for full-time, part-time and drop-in vendors, there is a wide array of opportunities for prospective vendors, the DMFM said in a news release. While there is no official deadline for applications, it is first-come, first-served.

The market application is available at www.mqtfarmersmarket.com.

The season offers three markets:

≤ Saturday Morning Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 20-Nov. 18;

≤ Wednesday Evening Market, 5 to 8 p.m. June 21-Aug. 30; and

≤ Holiday Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 2-16.

“As a true producers’ market, our vendors are an incredible reflection of our community. We look for applicants who are passionate about what they do and are looking to bring an idea to life,” market manager Sara Johnson said in a news release. “We have options that work great whether you’re a legacy vendor, in the process of growing or starting a business, or first-time applicants excited to test the waters.”

Interested participants can choose the dates they would like to participate. There’s no need to commit to every date in a market season. Daily rates range from $25 to $35.

Flexible commitment options include:

≤ full-time vendors: Typically reserved for legacy vendors, they commit to every market for a specific season. Benefits include reduced weekly fees and a dedicated booth for the duration of the season.

≤ part-time vendors: Vendors who have a seasonal product, or limited inventory supply, are ideal part-time vendors. Benefits included reduced weekly fees and prescheduled dates based on the vendor’s availability.

≤ drop-in vendors: New businesses, first-timers, visiting artists or someone testing an idea make a great drop-in vendor, said the DMFM.

The organization will notify potential vendors when openings arise.

All products sold at the market must be made by those selling them. No kits, imports or resale items are permitted.

Vendors who use local ingredients and products are given priority.

Examples of products eligible to be sold at the market include:

≤ Michigan agricultural products grown, raised or gathered by the applicant, including hemp and certain types of CBD products with appropriate licensing;

≤ made-from-scratch food products, including products produced under the Michigan Cottage Food Law; and

≤ originally created nonfood artisan products, created by the artist. No kits, imports or resale items are permitted.

For full details about who is eligible to participate and what products can be sold, refer to the Market Policies section on the market’s website.

The market also welcomes applications from nonreligious or nonpolitically affiliated community organizations to be featured at The Community Table during the Saturday Market season. New this year, the Free Community Table will be available for local entities whose mission aligns with local food system values or art.

Additional terms and conditions apply as laid out at www.mqtfarmersmarket.com/communitytable.

“We recognize that the farmers market is a central meeting place in our community,” Johnson said. “The Community Table is a great way for local organizations to connect with our community, educate them about their offerings or mission, conduct surveys or collect data, and more.”

Musicians are also central to creating a welcoming environment for market shoppers. This year musicians will be compensated for Saturday morning and Wednesday evening performances. Experienced, interested musicians are encouraged to submit an application.

More information about benefits, offerings and rates for the Community Table is available at www.mqtfarmersmarket.com.

To learn more about the DMFM, visit the website. To stay up to date with market happenings, follow the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market on Instagram at @mqtfarmersmarket or at www.facebook.com/mqtfarmersmarket.

For more information about the DMFM, contact Johnson at 906-228-9475 ext. 105 or farmersmarket@downtownmarquette.org.