Vans, trailers, and tents accompanied by the aroma of food being prepared filled the parking lot at 421 Michigan Street for the first time this year. Also joining in from the start of the market season were artisans and crafters showing off what they spent the off-season creating. Sturgeon Bay Public Works Director Mike Barker said it’s nice to be back and to be as close to normal operations as they can be this year. Last year, the market started out as produce only and this year Barker was excited that there was produce and more from the beginning. He also mentioned that the produce only gets better throughout the season.
Business even started happening before the official start time. Barker explained that it wasn’t unordinary, as sellers typically flock into the market quarters around 5:30 AM to set up. Once they are set up, they can part with their merchandise before the actual opening time. Also excited for the first market of the year is one of the craft vendors, Martha Bennett. She talked about last year’s season and the varied times throughout the summer that certain communities allowed art and craft vendors back in. At the markets she was able to sell at, masks were the big-ticket item.
This year the Sturgeon Bay Farm Market won’t skip a Saturday up to mid-October unless there is inclement weather.
