Summer has finally arrived, and we can all rejoice as blistering beach days, long nights, and s’mores on the fire once again become our norm. While these popular accompaniments of the summertime tend to absorb most of our waking hours, there is an often-overlooked custom of the warm months that deserves more of our attention.

On a select day of the week, acoustic music and voices can be heard flowing from the downtown area, whether in Escanaba, Gladstone, or Marquette. Colorful tents line the city plaza, protecting local artisans, farmers, and creatives from the elements as they look to sell their goods. Shoppers carrying reusable canvas bags eagerly scout out produce and merchandise, knowing that they will not be leaving empty-handed.

The local farmers market is one of my favorite places to visit during the summer months. As someone who despises going to the grocery store, the farmers market allows me to shop for fresh food (and other handcrafted items) while enjoying the wonderful Upper Peninsula weather. Aside from the communal environment and overall good vibes, there are countless benefits to visiting your local farmers market.

To start, market produce is simply the best there is. Buying directly from local farmers eliminates the middleman in grocery shopping. Rather than purchasing food that has been transported thousands of miles (current average is 1,500), stored for extended periods of time, and riddled with preservatives, farmers’ market food is the closest you can get to farm-to-table deliciousness.

Supermarkets seem to carry every type of product imaginable, which at face value may seem like a good thing. On the flip side, farmers’ markets will only provide products that are in season. This limited selection is a much better alternative to the overabundance seen in grocery stores. By selecting farm-fresh produce, you are protecting yourself from highly processed out-of-season products – being grown with pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics.

And because produce at the farmers market skips out on these unnatural modifications, they are much more nourishing. According to Melinda Cater, a registered dietician at Johns Hopkins University, “the shorter the time and distance from farm to sale, the higher the levels of vitamins and minerals.” Because this product has spent more time being grown, and less time being transported via semi-truck, you will get better-tasting food that is incredibly nutritious. 

Knowing the source of your food also helps you foster better relationships, whether it be with the environment, your community, or your daily meals. By chatting with farmers and area locals, you will not only learn more about the fruits and vegetables, but also the best way to prepare and enjoy them. You may even learn a few tips and tricks for starting your own at-home garden, and how to do so in a sustainable way.

My most recent market experience took place at a small produce stand that rests beside US-41 on the outskirts of Negaunee. I grabbed all of my favorite vegetables that were in season, cucumbers, asparagus, and carrots to name a few. I left with enough produce to feed a small family and was eager to try out some new recipes.

The best part of the entire excursion was the price point: $17 in total. The produce was fresh and delicious, and it lasted much longer than supermarket produce.

But most markets contain much more than farm-fresh food. At the Marquette Farmers Market, small businesses will display their handcrafted products, including jewelry, soaps, and oils. It is hard to walk out of the market without picking up a homemade good, which is both a blessing and a curse considering the current state of my bank account.

With that, I implore you to enjoy the summer market season. Support a local farmer by trying something new, like rainbow carrots. Support a local artist by purchasing a one-of-a-kind piece, whether a necklace, painting, or wood carving. The goods at the market change every week, so you are always in for a surprise when visiting!

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Andie Balenger is a native of Gladstone and is currently attending Northern Michigan University. Her column focuses on college life and runs Thursdays in the Daily Press.