17th Street Farmers Market Vendor Handbook 2012 Market Season

2012 Market Season Vendor Handbook

Dwight C. Jones, Mayor

1500 Main Street ▪ Main Street Station▪ Suite 400 ▪ Richmond, VA 23219

(804) 646-0477 (office) (804) 646-6793 (fax)

[email protected] http://www.richmondgov.com/farmersmarket

Page 1 of 11

17th Street Farmers Market Vendor Handbook 2012 Market Season

Historic 17th Street Farmers’ Market History The Historic 17th Street Farmers’ Market is one of America’s oldest public markets, dating back to 1737. It was formally established on the site in 1779 and the first structure, an open woodshed, was built in 1792. The shed was replaced two years later with a brick building with a colonnade. By 1854, the Marketplace had expanded and a larger Market edifice was built on the corner of Main and 17th Streets. During the Civil War, The First Market House, as it was originally called, served as a gathering place for Confederate soldiers and later as barracks for Union troops. The Market continued to prosper and undergo renovations until the mid-1800’s. It was during this time period that the Shockoe Bottom area began to decline, and The First Market House was razed in the 1960’s. During the 1980’s, there was renewed interest in revitalizing Shockoe Bottom and the Market. The current Farmers’ Market structure, the open-air pavilion you see today, was built during this time.

Mission Statement The 17th Street Farmers’ Market is operated and maintained in perpetuity as a public market where locally-grown and locally-made goods are sold directly by their producers. Independent local food producers, artisans, and crafts people are encouraged and promoted. The 17th Street Farmers’ Market serves as an anchor for community life by providing a setting for cultural and civic activities that complement the market and its location in Shockoe Bottom. These activities are family and communityoriented. Such activities have a positive and direct impact on the economic development of Shockoe Bottom merchants and neighborhoods, as well as for Richmond as a whole. Additionally, as a major tourist destination, the market raises both the local and state profiles of Virginia.

Page 2 of 11

17th Street Farmers Market Vendor Handbook 2012 Market Season

2012 Season Schedule Market Days Saturday/Sunday Growers’ Market **

April 14th–Nov 4th, 2012

8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

** Please note: Regular Saturday Market will not be held on Special Event Days. *** Please note: Participation in events requires advance registration ***

2012 Special Events Calendar 2012 Festival Schedules are (TBA) to be announced this spring

Page 3 of 11

17th Street Farmers Market Vendor Handbook 2012 Market Season Market Definitions Richmond’s Department of Economic Development and Market Management strives to achieve a healthy, community-oriented facility dedicated to showcasing high-quality local, regional and/or statewide products & goods that promote the growth of small and start-up businesses in the city of Richmond. To uphold this commitment, Market Management will attempt to ensure an appropriate balance of products offered on Market days, as follows: Farm-grown, homegrown, homemade and handmade goods. This Market day emphasizes, but is not limited to fresh produce, fruits, cheeses, meats, fresh flowers, plants, herbal products, specialty foods, baked goods and fine crafts. Eligible Vendors: Growers, Prepared Food Vendors and Craft Artists. Growers’ Market (Saturday’s-April 14th to November 4th) This Market day emphasizes but is not limited to fresh produce, fruits, cheeses, meats, fresh flowers, plants, herbal products, specialty foods, baked goods and fine crafts. Specialty vendors with cultural items for sale are highly encouraged to participate. Eligible Vendors: Growers, Prepared Food Vendors, Craft Artists, Antiques dealers and Others as approved by Market Management. Vintage Market This Market day is open to ALL vendors that qualify under our vendor definitions, with an emphasis on vintage & antique items. Eligible Vendors: Growers, Prepared Food Vendors, Craft Artists, Antiques dealers and Others as approved by Market Management.

Page 4 of 11

17th Street Farmers Market Vendor Handbook 2012 Market Season Definitions of Vendors I. Grower/Farmer Growers and farmers are defined as professional farmers, part-time farmers, and urban/suburban/rural growers. Growers’ products shall include, but not be limited to: vegetables, fruits, seasonal plants/flowers, meats, poultry, seafood, dairy products (milk, eggs, cheese, cream, etc.). Items that will enhance vendors’ products are permitted. For example, an herb grower might sell herbal subject books, and a soap-maker might use non-handmade baskets for soap display and sale. Products(s) must be homegrown, homemade and/or handmade by the vendor; safe and have a reasonable life expectancy. II. Craft Artist Craft artists are defined as those making handcrafted decorative and/or functional items, such as, but not limited to, metal works, wooden bowls, glass, pottery, cards, jewelry, leather, textiles and woolen goods. Fine art items, such as paintings, prints and photography are also included. Product(s) must be homemade, handmade and/or handcrafted by the vendor. Product(s) must be safe and exhibit quality of craftsmanship. III. Prepared Food Vendor Prepared food vendors are defined as those making foods that are ready to eat or serve. Such items include, but are not limited to, baked goods, sandwiches, lunch and breakfast foods, salads, ice cream, jams and jellies, honey, and canned goods. All prepared food vendors must be in possession of a valid (passing) inspection report for all prepared food items and/or be in compliance with all rules and regulations from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (hereafter referred to as VDACS) in order to participate as a vendor at the Market. Vendors are required to submit a copy of their passing inspection report to the Market prior to vending. These items must be produced, grown, gathered, or processed by the Vendor themselves. IV. Other Any vendor who does not necessarily fall into the above referenced categories whose goods must be pre-approved for sale at the discretion of market management.

Page 5 of 11

17th Street Farmers Market Vendor Handbook 2012 Market Season

Market Check-In Information Directions • From points North/West Head East I-64/South I-95, exit 74B/ Franklin St., cross Franklin through first light (exit becomes15th Street), left at next stoplight onto Main Street, Market will be on left at corner of 17th & Main. • From points South (I-95) Head North I-95, exit 74C/ Broad Street (US-33 East)/right fork onto N. 17th St./Oliver Hill Way, cross Broad through first light, right on Grace St., immediate left into Market parking lot. Market will be in front of the parking lot. • From points East (I-64) Head West I-64, take I-95 South exit towards Petersburg (left exit for I-95 South), follow “all points North/West” directions. Upon Check-In 1. Vendor fees must be paid upon arrival and prior to setting up. There will be no space assignment given until vendor fee is paid. NO EXCEPTIONS. 2. If you have not already done so, a completed 2012 Annual Vendor Contract is required to participate on regular market days. 3. Prepared Food Vendor: provide a copy of VDACS and/or Health Department Certification to Market staff. 4. Market staff will assign vendor space(s). Do not set up your station without prior approval from market staff! 5. Proceed to space(s) assigned & unload vehicle from the street or bay. 6. After unloading, proceed immediately to the vendor parking areas as directed by Market staff. Vendors may not begin selling until their vehicles have been moved to the parking lot. All vehicles must be removed from the Market no later than 30 minutes before Market opens. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Page 6 of 11

17th Street Farmers Market Vendor Handbook 2012 Market Season

2011 Weekly Markets Fee Structure, Placement & Reservations 1. $10 per space, per day, payable upon vendor check-in (cash, check or money orders made out to the 17th Street Farmers’ Market accepted). 2. Special event fees may vary per event. 3. There is a $25 service charge for all returned checks. If a check is returned, all future payments must be made by money order or cash only. 4. Spaces are reserved by telephone, email, or in person only at least 24 hours in advance at the numbers posted below. 5. Vendors returning from a previous season are not guaranteed space(s) from previous years but will do our best to help accommodate your needs. 6. Vendors committing to the entire 2012 season may request the same space assignment and will have preference for each market day. 7. During special events, vendors are assigned spaces based on event needs. Due to the special needs of these events, your usual space assignment is not guaranteed during special events. 8. For the health and preservation of the marketplace, Management may impose a moratorium on any category or subcategory of vendor to maintain balance and diversity in the market. 9. Please include electrical needs when making a reservation. Electricity costs $10 per day. Appliances are not to be directly plugged into outlets, therefore vendors using electricity must bring a 3-prong heavy-duty ULlisted outdoor extension cord. Household extension cords are prohibited as they are a violation of City Fire Code. Space heaters are also prohibited. 10. Farmers and growers may vend on contract on non-market days, yearround. Please contact Market staff for additional information and instructions.

Page 7 of 11

17th Street Farmers Market Vendor Handbook 2012 Market Season

Rules and Regulations for All Vendors 1. Space Assignments/Lease Agreements a. All vendors must contact market staff at (804) 646-0477 or (804) 6467001 before occupying a space at the market. b. Only vendors with a signed and approved participation contract will be allowed to sell products at the Market. c. Market management will determine assignment of all Market spaces. Market management reserves the right to change space assignments, at any time, as deemed necessary for the general benefit of the Market. d. Cancellations & Late Arrivals: Notify the Market immediately of all cancellations or late arrivals. Reservations are only guaranteed until the end of the vendor check-in. Spaces may be subject to being reassigned if a vendor has not informed the market of any difficulty in getting to the market on time. e. Rules may be modified at any time, as deemed necessary for the benefit of the vendors or the market. 2. Booth Rental Space a. Each space measures approximately 6 ft. x 7 ft. and contains a 5 ft. long, three-shelf wooden bleacher structure, each designated by an assigned color and coded number. 3. Suitability of Merchandise & Vendor Ratios a. Market management has the authority to approve or disapprove any items to be sold at the Market and reserves the right to refuse space to any vendor selling unsuitable merchandise. b. Please note, market management may approve or disapprove specific items and vendors to maintain desirable product ratios for sale. 4. No Refunds or Subleasing a. Once a vendor has paid a space fee, no refunds will be given under any circumstances. Vendors are not allowed to sublease Market spaces to another vendor or individual. 5. State Sales Tax a. The collection and filing of applicable taxes is the responsibility of the vendors. To obtain a Virginia State Sales Tax ID number, contact the VA Department of Taxation-Forms Office, at (804) 440-

Page 8 of 11

17th Street Farmers Market Vendor Handbook 2012 Market Season 2451, and request form R-1 and the form R-1 instructions guide. If you have internet access, you may also register on-line @ http://www.tax.virginia.gov (click businesses and choose the option “Register a New Business” online). b. When applying for your State Sales Tax ID number, be sure to state that all correspondence is to be sent to either your home or business address. The Market is not responsible for vendors’ mail. 6. Regulatory Requirements a. It shall be the responsibility of the vendor to obtain all necessary permits, licenses, seals, meet licensing requirements and pay all taxes, fees and other charges prescribed by Federal, State and Local laws in connection with the use of Market premises. 7. Inspections a. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), Fire Prevention, Health Department and Tax Department make frequent, unannounced inspections. Vendors are responsible for correcting all violations associated with their business operations. 8. Parking a. After unloading inventory, vendors will move their vehicles to the vendor parking area as directed. b. FREE lots are located directly behind the market office (entrance at 17th & Grace Streets) or in the lot at the corner of 18th & Grace Streets (overflow lot). c. To make parking space available for customers, vendors are asked to not park on North 17th Street’s east and west sides. 9. Homesteading a. Housekeeping or homesteading on the Market is prohibited. 10. Signs and Advertising a. Vendors are encouraged to create and display signs promoting their products. b. Vendors are also encouraged to advertise in the media to promote their products. 11. Holding Space a. No items shall be placed in an empty stand or space without prior approval of Market staff.

Page 9 of 11

17th Street Farmers Market Vendor Handbook 2012 Market Season 12. Conduct a. Courtesy Requested – Our Market emphasizes courtesy to all. Vendors are to assist customers with heavy or bulky items when possible. Customers may pull vehicles close to vendors’ spaces when leaving as long as traffic is not impeded. Vendor shall conduct himself or herself in a respectful manner with fellow vendors, Market staff, and the public. b. Proper Conduct – Lewd and/or inappropriate behavior or gestures vendor-to-vendor or vendor-to-customer will result in loss of ability to vend at the 17th Street Farmers’ Market. c. The City of Richmond strictly adheres to a zero tolerance policy with regards to acts of harassment. d. Pets – Vendors are not permitted to keep animals on the market without prior authorization. e. Customer Complaints – It is the responsibility of all market vendors to satisfy customer complaints within reason. Upon receipt of numerous complaints concerning the same vendor, market management may cancel the marketing privileges of the offending vendor. 13. Hazardous Property a. No materials, substances, equipment or objects shall be brought onto the premises that will endanger, or create a safety hazard to, life, limb or property. 14. Smoking a. Per VDACS and State law, smoking is prohibited in the retail sales and food preparation areas. 15. Sanitation and Safety a. The Market restroom is located on the first floor of the Market office building on Franklin Street, directly north of the market. b. Spigots for water are located on the West side of each Market bay. c. Only clear liquids may be poured down the drains. d. The city of Richmond code prohibits vendors from displaying or offering merchandise for sale on any part of the streets or sidewalks in the Market areas, except with prior approval of the Market Manager.

Page 10 of 11

17th Street Farmers Market Vendor Handbook 2012 Market Season e. Vendors are responsible for leaving their vending spaces clean and orderly at the end of each Market day. Repeated failure to do so may result in the dismissal of the offending vendor by market management. f. The Market will not be responsible for damage or loss of any personal belongings. g. Children brought to the Market must be kept within the vendor’s leased area and be under the supervision of a designated adult. 16. Expulsion from the Market a. The following are causes for expulsion from the Market: i. Leaving merchandise unattended, or leaving merchandise to be attended by a neighboring vendor for more than an hour ii. Sale of illegal merchandise iii. Loud or unruly actions and/or profanity, physical or verbal abuse iv. Lewd and/or inappropriate attire, behavior or gestures, either vendor-to-vendor or vendor-to-customer v. Consumption of alcoholic beverages or the use of illegal drugs vi. Failure to adhere to Market rules and Regulations 17. Comments a. All vendors are encouraged to interact positively with customers and other vendors on-site. Comments and complaints should be directed to the Market staff. Everyone’s cooperation in maintaining a positive atmosphere facilitates shared success at the Market! b. If you would like to meet with market management, please call ahead to schedule an appointment (804) 646-0477 or (804) 646-7001. 2012 Market Management Contact Information: George Bolos, Market Manager (Project Development Manager) Cell phone (804) 929-8165 [email protected] 17th Street Farmers’ Market 1500 Main Street (Main Street Station), Suite 400 Richmond, VA 23219 Phone (804)646-0477 | Fax (804)646-0673 City of Richmond | Department of Economic & Community Development www.richmondgov.com/farmersmarket

Page 11 of 11