Blueberry Festival Updates
Blueberry Festival 2017
Plans are still underway for the 2021 Blueberry Festival in Downtown Marquette, scheduled for Friday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Marquette Downtown Development Authority encourages downtown business owners will consider joining in as festival vendors. Those with a store located in the festival area will be able to set up in front of their businesses; those whose businesses are located outside of the festival area will be placed in locations between other businesses in the event area.
The MDDA has had many questions regarding this event taking place, so here is a handy Q&A regarding questions business owners may have:
Q: Is Blueberry Festival taking place?
A: Yes. As of now, the MDDA plans on going forward with Blueberry Festival. We are optimistic that current restrictions will relax enough by the end of July to allow us to go forward with an event. It will take place in the traditional location, which is the 100 block of W. Washington St. and the 100 & 200 blocks of S. Front St. Downtown Marquette businesses who wish to participate but from inside of their downtown business location may do so. Please be sure to complete the application so the MDDA has the applicable information to share with the public.
Q: Will the streets be closed?
A: Yes. The 100 blocks of E. & W. Washington St., 100 & 200 blocks of S. Front St., 100 blocks of E. & W. Main St. will be closed for the festival from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, July 30. Please be sure to notify any delivery companies so they can adjust their schedules.
Q: Who can participate as a vendor?
A: Any business located in Marquette's downtown district may participate in Blueberry Festival. All COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines from state and local authorities must be complied with.
Q: What is the cost to participate?
A: If your downtown business plans to have a booth OUTSIDE within the festival area, the charge is $35 per 10'x10' booth space, limit two spaces. If you would like to participate at your business location, INSIDE of your business, there is no charge. Please fill out the application and return it before the due date so your business can be included in all Blueberry Festival advertising. Please indicate if your business needs electricity for your booth.
Q: What are the current COVID-19 related restrictions and regulations for this event?
A: The May 15, 2021 Gatherings and Face Mask Order can be found here. Currently, the outdoor event gathering size is restricted to 300 people, but we are optimistic this will change by the end of July. If these guidelines change, the MDDA will adjust our plans for the event accordingly.
Q: Can I participate if my Downtown Marquette business is not in the festival area?
A: Yes. you can request to be placed in one or two 10'x10' booth spaces within the festival area, or you can participate from your physical business location. Businesses within the event area will be placed in front of their business, or as close as possible to the front of their business if there are multiple businesses in one building.
Q: What will Blueberry Festival look like?
A: Blueberry Festival will look very different than it did in non-pandemic years. in the interest of social distancing and COVID-19 safety, the MDDA has scaled back Blueberry Festival to focus on local downtown businesses. There will be no live music, which will discourage groups from gathering inside of the event area. Additionally, COVID-19 best practices will be required, including mask-wearing for the unvaccinated, eating and drinking while seated in designated areas, social distancing, frequent hand washing/sanitizing, and staying home if one feels ill or has recently been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Q: As a restaurant, will I be able to serve food and beverage outside?
A: Yes. Per current COVID-19 regulations, businesses will be able to set up designated dining areas outside of their businesses for Blueberry Festival. If your business currently has a liquor license, please request the appropriate license extension to serve alcohol outside. The MDDA has snow fencing that businesses can borrow if needed, so please note that on your application. All dining COVID-19 regulations must be maintained, which currently include keeping a mask on for those who are unvaccinated until seated for eating or drinking, limit six patrons per table, and each table distanced 6 ft. apart.
Q: What does the registration fee go towards?
A: The Blueberry Festival registration fee goes towards advertising the event, as well as purchasing items for COVID-19 compliance such as signage, hand sanitizer, masks, etc.
Q: Under what conditions will the event be canceled?
A: Please keep in mind that the festival taking place will be dependant on the COVID-19 conditions at the time and regulations set forth by state and local authorities. If cancellation occurs, the MDDA will refund all registration fees. The MDDA will notify all downtown businesses along with local news outlets if the event is canceled.
Q: Will there be free public parking?
A: Yes. Once again, the MDDA will be providing complimentary parking for Blueberry Festival. All time-related limitations and parking restrictions will still be enforced.
The business registration deadline is Wednesday, June 9
Business Application (fillable .pdf)
At Blueberry Festival, the MDDA will require all who attend to follow current state and local COVID-19 guidelines, including maintaining social distance, properly wear masks, frequently wash or sanitize hands, and encourage those who feel unwell to stay home. Public safety will remain the Marquette DDA’s top priority at any hosted event. While the MDDA will make every effort to ensure these events will take place in a safe manner, decisions and occurrences beyond the MDDA's control may prohibit Blueberry Festival from going forward, including limitations on the number of individuals who can gather at an outdoor event.
For more information, contact the MDDA office at (906) 228-9475, ex 104. Additional details are available on our website, https://www.downtownmarquette.org/downtown-events/blueberry-festival.
