Castlegar Farmers Market: Market Policies Supplement

Every Saturday July 17th to September 11th: 8 am to 12 noon

809 Merry Creek Rd., Castlegar


Welcome to the third year of the Castlegar Farmers Market! This is an event organized by the United Church of Castlegar and sponsored in part by the Columbia Basin Trust, the RDCK, and the City of Castlegar.

This market is for vendors selling home-grown produce and home made items: anything that is made, baked, grown or raised. Imported or used products are not eligible for sale. The aim of this market is to provide a service for the community, enrich our knowledge in growing, baking and making, and to encourage responsible environmental choices.
We hope that this market will provide a positive and valuable resource to vendors and the community alike.
In order for this event to be a success, the organizers would like you to be aware of the following information. This information applies equally to all participants. It is expected that vendors will follow the policies and communicate in a responsible and cooperative manner with the public, peers and market staff in order to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the market.

1. OPERATING HOURS: The market  is open to the public from 8 AM to 12 noon. Set-up time: 7:00 AM – 8 AM. All vehicles must be removed from vendor area by 7:45 AM. Setting up before 7:00 AM is prohibited.

Vendors at the Castlegar Farmer’s Market are expected to be present during the market opening hours from 8 AM to 12 PM. Vendors can not begin dismantling their booths before 12:00 noon. This policy is in effect so that the market can flourish, enhancing vendors’ and customers’ experience.
The only exception to this policy is for vendors who have sold out of their product. If vendors expect/usually sell out before market’s end, please let the market manager know so that they can plan accordingly, with minimum disruption to other vendors and customers.

2. ASSIGNED SPACES: Market managers will have a lay out of the site and assign spaces. Tailgate sales will be allowed only in an allocated area. Season vendors will have a dedicated spot, drop in vendors may be moved from week to week, on a first come, first served basis.

3. BATHROOMS are located in the hall of the United Church.

4. PARKING: There is LIMITED parking at this site. Access to the market for customers should be easy: if they can’t find a space to park, they won’t come. For this reason we ask that after unloading, vendors park away from the main market, leaving most of the main parking lot for customers.

5. BE PREPARED: the market has almost no shade and is located on pavement. All participants are responsible for their own canopies, chairs, umbrellas, tables etc. None of these items are available from the organizers.

6. ELECTRIC and OUTSIDE WATER: There is no electricity available. There is a water tap outside.

7. FEES for drop in: There is a fee of 5$ per space. All spaces are 10 ft. x 10 ft. If a vendor would like to rent 2 spaces, they may do so. In order to maintain adequate walkways and in consideration of your neighbors, please keep within your assigned space. Vendors should be ready to pay for their spot by 10 AM. Any vendors refusing to pay their fees will be banned from the market.
There is no fee for a non-profit group.
8. SEASON PASS: is available for $25. Season vendors have dedicated spots assigned for the duration of the 10-week market, please discuss with the Market Manager if there are concerns or changes to be made. If unable to attend, you must notify the Market Manager at least a day beforehand, so that someone else can use your space.

9. FOOD PRODUCTS: Vendors must contact BC Ministry of Health to get a Temporary Food Vendors Permit before coming to any market. A copy of this permit must be available to the Market Manager.
Unless selling only cookies, sweets or bread, vendors will also need a Food Safe Certificate. All food handling must comply with safe food practices.
Please Note: PRODUCT RESTRICTIONS:
Foods that are deemed to be higher risk foods: dairy products or items containing dairy products, meat, fish, poultry or products thereof, cakes, pies, tarts or bread products that have syrup, frosting or topping on the surface or that have cream cheese filling are not acceptable for home preparation and sale at the market. The local Health Authority may approve these products if they are produced in an approved, commercial food premises.

10. HOUSEKEEPING: All persons occupying stall spaces are responsible for keeping their stall space and surrounding area clean and tidy during and upon departure of the market. Please take your garbage with you.

11. RESTRICTIONS:
The Market Manager(s) reserve the right to limit the sale of any commodity and the distribution of literature, political or religious material, or any article deemed not to be in the best interest of The Market. The Market Managers may, at their sole discretion, prohibit any person from renting stall space and may require persons to leave The Market in the event that that a participant fails or refuses to abide by these Market Policies.

12. To BOOK a SPACE: call 250.399.4439 or email castlegarmarket@gmail.com

13. Produce Vendors: your customers want to know what they are getting: please be ready to answers questions and label your produce clearly: are you certified organic, transitional, naturally grown, spray free?
Produce that is purchased by a vendor must not compete with produce which is grown by another vendor.
Prices are up to the vendors. Produce prices at the market may vary from vendor to vendor depending on quality grades. Produce should have prices visible.

14. BOUNDARIES: while the Castlegar Farmers Market does not have prescribed geographical boundaries, we do encourage as local as possible. A limit of 100 miles is a rough guide. It is within the Market Managers discretion to allow products/produce beyond the local boundaries.

15. SMOKING: in consideration of others, there is no smoking on the market lot.

16. PETS: all animals must be on a leash.

There will always be a Market Manager on site during market hours. If there are any problems or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Market Manager immediately.
If there are any additional questions, please contact Heather at castlegarmarket@gmail.com or phone 250-399-4439.

Thank you for your participation. We hope that the 2010 Castlegar Farmers Market will be a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone!

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