MARQUETTE -- The 9th annual Marquette Area Blues Festival is ongoing at Mattson Lower Harbor Park in Marquette.

The Blues Fest brings performers from as far as Chicago and Texas, as well as local U.P. performers. Thousands of visitors attend every year, some from as far away as the musicians. Many food and merchandise vendors were on hand, as well as silent auctions for prizes.

Blues Fest is organized by volunteers from the Marquette Area Blues Society, and this is their biggest fundraiser.

"This is a great festival," said Mark Stonerock, President of the Marquette Area Blues Society.

"We've got a super turnout for this early in the day. We've had a ton of people show up so far, more coming in at night, and the crowd just gets bigger as the artists get bigger in stature, and tomorrow is going to be fantastic. The weather is cooperating."

Sunday's schedule is from noon to about 10 p.m.