Marquette Blueberry Festival

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My First Time Experiencing a Yooper Tradition

Get Ready For This Year’s 15th Annual Blueberry Festival In Downtown Marquette! July 31, 2015 | 10am – 7pm

In Hammonton, New Jersey where the rural lands are known for their harvesting of blue berries it seemed important that I go and witness the Marquette Blueberry Festival. This year being my first festival in the Upper Peninsula or anywhere for that matter, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

Washington Street in Marquette, MI during the 2014 Blueberry Festival. (photo by Ron Caspi)

Growing up, I remember driving past large pastures filled with blueberries like grape vineyards in France. I wasn’t sure what else the town of Hammonton was about as a child but I knew once summer came, fresh blueberries and our renowned “Jersey Tomato” were just a few items that earned my home its Garden State nickname.

"Hot Men Eat Blueberries" according to one Blueberry Festival participant's shirt! (photo by Ron Caspi)

“Hot Guys Eat Blueberries” according to one Blueberry Festival participant’s shirt! (photo by Ron Caspi)

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Elaine Brown works on a blueberry still life painting. (photo by Ron Caspi)

As I approached Washington Street I saw a crowd of people, tents everywhere,and carnival food was in the air. I really enjoyed seeing people out and enjoying a nice day. The stands were different and offered a variety of choices beyond food stands. Handmade items like Jewlery and beads were among some of my favorites. Even stores like Getz’s participated in the event by having a sale on all different types of items under a tent.

Making my way through Washington Street towards the great view of Superior I noticed a live band entertaining the crowd. Families and couples surrounded the musicians as they kept the festival vibe alive.

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View of Blueberry Festival looking up Front St. in Marquette, MI. (photo by Ron Caspi)

As I continued onto Front Street I remember smelling fresh funnel cake which led me to the play zone of blow up bounces houses where the kids laughter blended together with the live band. I finished my walk by heading towards the water and away from the festivities.

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Kamea McMillan-Zilberman gets silly at the dress up booth for kids by Marquette Lion’s Club. (photo by Ron Caspi)

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Lots of people turn out to enjoy food, music, and fun at the 2014 Blueberry Festival in Marquette, MI. (photo by Ron Caspi)

If you are heading to the Blueberry Festival I suggest you bring some money so you can sample the variety of different foods available such as hotdogs, burgers, taco trucks, or snacks like fresh made kettle popcorn. Most food vendors start around $5 and up. There are plenty of treasures to be found and for the kids: pony rides and bounce houses.

Going into this event I was expecting to see blueberry everything. While there were some unique items that included blueberries in some way, I would have loved to see more. It would have been nice to see some blueberry jam and even blueberry ice cream. How about a pie baking contest or even better a pie eating contest…? There’s great fun to be had with room for more in the years to come!

Spending the day down at the festival brought back memories of my summers on the Jersey Shore which made me miss home. It was an experience none the less and I enjoyed my first Blueberry Festival in Marquette. I would encourage anyone who hasn’t gone to try it.