Farmers markets give small, family farmers a chance to sell their goods and the public a chance to connect with the people who grow or raise their food, organizers said.

They also tap into a trend, they say, of people wanting fresh food that they know where it came from, that is healthy and nutritious and that lets them be loyal to local farms.

A farmers market also provides a social outing for the customer, in a natural, open-air setting.

Although some area markets have been operating for weeks now, many types of produce are just now becoming ready for sale. The best weeks to be at a farmers market are soon to come, organizers said.

HEIDI HARWELL of Blue Jar Farm in Felch Township sells cut flowers that she grows herself at the Aurora, Wis., and Iron Mountain farmers markets. (Jim Paul/Daily News photo)

The area has several markets with local farmers and crafters:

AURORA, Wis.

The Aurora Parks and Recreation Committee sponsors a farmers market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays at the Aurora Pavilion on Cavalry Drive.

The market is off to a strong start in its first year and continues to grow, with 10 to 15 vendors every week.

Market organizer Nancie Pritchard said they are getting close to peak season and anticipates that vegetables such as cucumbers, lettuce and radishes will soon be available.

In addition to produce, visitors to the market can find farm fresh eggs, fresh fish, herbal teas, honey, maple syrup and allergen free/gluten free bakery. Non-food items such as fresh cut flower bouquets, metal decorations such as flowers, needlework and other crafts are all available.

Unique to the Aurora market is Jessica Maxon of Back Acre Eats, who is selling freeze-dried fruits and treats.

With no fee for vendors, it is a good place for first timers to try selling their products, Pritchard said.

For more information, contact Pritchard at nanciepritchard13@gmail.com.

IRON COUNTY

Iron County has two markets, both organized by Lisa Firnges of Firnges Farms.

The Iron River market is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays at the Windsor Center on Adams Street.

The Crystal Falls market is 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturdays on U.S. 2 between CoVantage Credit Union and Winks Woods Gift Shop.

Now in their fifth year, both markets have been steadily growing in popularity, with almost 10 vendors in Crystal Fall and more than in Iron River, Firnges said.

In addition to produce, the markets offer eggs, homemade breads and meat. Crafters of all sorts, including a soap maker, can be found, as well as direct sales people such as Scentsy on a regular basis.

Firnges anticipates that vegetables such as beets, zucchini, kale and other greens will be available soon at the market.

For more information, call Firnges at 920-228-0632.

IRON MOUNTAIN

The Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority hosts the area’s largest, most well-established market.

The market also is the oldest, with at least two decades of being in downtown Iron Mountain.

While it has had ups and downs, it has been rejuvenated the past few years and now that COVID-19 has passed, the crowds and vendors have returned.

The market operates from 8 a.m. until noon Saturdays on Iron Mountain Street across from the main Dickinson County Library.

The market features 20 vendors that are there every week and another 10 or more that are at the market intermittently. Those vendors sell produce, bakery, hand-crafted woodwork, plants, cut flowers, tie-dye items, steel art and jewelry.

Iron Mountain market is the only one that has Pleasant View Orchard and Bakery of Niagara, Wis., as a vendor, market manager Sara Wentzel said.

Cucumbers, berries, beans, peas and tomatoes are expected to be ready soon, she added.

Vendors come to the Iron Mountain market from throughout the Upper Michigan, but the fresh produce must be locally grown. For more information, email Wentzel at sara@phoenix-rising.com.

NIAGARA, Wis.

The City of Niagara this is sponsoring a market at Heights Park on Grant Street.

The Niagara market is 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays. A night market has been set for 4 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 17 as well, Audrey Fredrick said.

Attendance at the market has been good and area businesses have reported they have more customers when the market is open, Audrey Fredrick said.

Despite being in its first year, the market already has 10 vendors. This Wednesday will be the first Niagara market to have produce.

The market also has a bakery, used books, a photographer selling greeting cards and postcards, jewelry and art from repurposed silverware.

Also starting this Wednesday, the Red Brick Inn will sell pasties and hot sandwiches.

For more information on the Niagara market, call the Niagara City Hall at 715-251-3245.

Norway

Although not specifically a farmers market, the Norway Downtown Development Authority is hosting an open-air market from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays — to coincide with Music in the Park — that does have some produce available.

The market is on Main Street next to the band shell. As many as 10 vendors participate in the open-air market selling honey, jam, microgreens, jewelry and handmade dog treats.

The market also recently featured local children’s author Carol Shultz.

For more information, contact Deb Hood at 906-396-3913.

WAUSAUKEE, Wis.

Eden Restored Health Market will host a weekly market near their business at 536 Kenny Drive in Wausaukee from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. starting this Friday.

In its fifth year, the market draws between 10 to 20 vendors from week to week that sell produce, baked goods and craft vendors.

For more information, contact Eden Restored Health Market at 715-856-6111.