The popular outdoor market will be open from 8 a.m. to noon each Saturday through Oct. 10 in the parking lot at the corner of Iron Mountain and A streets, across from the Dickinson County Library.

This year’s Farmers & Artisans Market is sponsored by IncredibleBank of Iron Mountain.

The weekly market has become a staple of the downtown district, drawing hundreds of visitors each week and providing a venue for local farmers, food producers, artisans and crafters to showcase their products.

DDA Program Coordinator Tim McCauley said more than 75 vendors have committed to participating this season, including many returning favorites and several new additions.

Debbie Tompkins of Shabby Chicks offers a large variety of sola wood floral arrangements at the Farmers & Artisans Market in Iron Mountain. (Courtesy photo)

“Similar to last year, some vendors will be with us the entire season and others will participate on a weekly basis,” McCauley said.

Typically, about 40 vendors are on site each Saturday, offering a wide variety of locally grown and made products.

“The first couple of weeks are the busiest times for vendors,” he said. “If you want to know what the markets are all about, that’s a good time to check it out.”

Shoppers can browse a wide selection of fresh produce, seasonal plants and flowers, and along with locally produced items including honey, maple syrup, baked goods, jams, jellies and sauces, coffee, and dog treats.

They also have a variety of handcrafted items and unique artisan creations such as jewelry, arts and crafts, knitted items, garden decor, 3-D printed toys, soaps, candles, body products and much more.

Locally produced honey will be available from Stag Farms. (Courtesy photo)

“We have so many unique businesses taking part,” DDA Event Coordinator Katherine Mentel said. “Kutsara Philippine Cuisine LLC will be joining us throughout the year, which is a fun addition.”

She said the first week the Dickinson County Conservation District will have native plants for sale. “Even if you didn’t pre-order plants, they will have extras you can purchase that day,” Mentel said.

“They’re going to be coming back on a monthly basis and have a limited variety throughout the summer,” McCauley added.

In addition to the DCCD, several other non-profits will be appearing throughout the summer.

Fresh produce is expected to become more widely available as the growing season progresses, with many local growers bringing their harvests to market beginning in early July.

The weekly Farmers & Artisans Market runs from 8 a.m. to noon each Saturday through Oct. 10 in Iron Mountain. (Courtesy photo)

“Isaac Begres grows in a greenhouse, so he’s going to have his stuff from the get-go,” McCauley said.

Mentel explained that several of the produce and food vendors accept UPCAP vouchers.

“This is a great way for the Farmers Market to address food insecurity in the community and connect people with local produce,” she said.

He noted shoppers can follow the Iron Mountain Downtown Farmers & Artisans Market Facebook page for information on weekly vendors or event updates.

In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy live performances by local musicians throughout the summer. Returning performers are expected to include Alyssa Jorgensen, and Crystal and Dawn, weather permitting.

“They provide relaxing background music and help create a great atmosphere for the market,” McCauley said.

More than 10,000 people visit the market throughout the season, making it the DDA’s largest annual event. “Depending on weather conditions, attendance generally ranges from 500 to 800 shoppers each week,” he said.

Ample parking is available throughout the downtown area, including along Iron Mountain Street and in nearby public parking lots.

“Come down to the market the first or second week to have an opportunity to win a free admission ticket to our new Summer Roll Out taking place on June 20,” Mentel said.

McCauley encourages residents and visitors to make the market part of their Saturday routine and explore the surrounding downtown businesses while they’re there.

“There are many businesses within a short walk, including coffee shops, restaurants and retail stores,” he said. “The market is also a great gathering place for the community, bringing together people of all ages.”

Businesses and individuals interested in supporting the market or other Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority events or festivals can contact the DDA office for sponsorship opportunities.

“We are excited to have IncredibleBank join as our market sponsor this year,” Mental said. “We appreciate all their support in bringing such a great community event to the downtown.”

For more information, go to the DDA website at downtownironmountain.com.

All funds generated by the market are reinvested into the event each year to help support operations and future improvements.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.