The Downtown Marquette Farmers Market is looking to relocate the organization's Wednesday evening market to the 100 block of West Washington Street. The plan would be for the mid-week market to operate from 5 to 8 p.m. from June through August.

Under City Code (Secs. 12-108 and 12-109), farmers markets may only take place in areas that have been designated for such activity by City Commission resolution. When deciding whether to adopt such a resolution, the Commission "shall give consideration of the character of the neighborhood, the effect of the farmer's market on the neighborhood, the zoning of the area, especially the site for the farmer's market, other businesses located on the same site, the need for farmer's markets in the city, and the proposed organization which will be responsible for operation of the farmer's market."

The Downtown Development Authority, which sponsors the downtown market, has indicated that the new Wednesday location would create a unique environment and allow market vendors, downtown businesses, community members, and visitors to enjoy outdoor dining, and beverages, while shopping local goods made available by market vendors. DDA representatives state that Wednesday evenings historically are the slowest night for business, and a relocated market could improve business while simultaneously creating a festive environment. They have reported strong support for this change from both vendors and district businesses, and the DDA Board of Directors approved the move in concept during the March 9 regular meeting.