Garden City Farmers' Market
Northeast corner of Ford Road and Middlebelt

Interested in being a farmer/vendor at the Garden City Farmers' Market? Here are a few things you need to know:

Information for farmers/vendors who wish to participate in the Garden City Farmers' Market are located within this page. Information on the Rules and Regulations, including the various stall/rental space sizes. A printed version of

the rules, regulations and rates may be obtained in the Chamber office or by calling 734-422-4448.

All information on the Farmer/Vendor Application must abide by, including the current rates and copies of insurance/licenses requirements.

Introduction
The Garden City Farmers' Market is operated by the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce is the owner and operator of the Farmers' Market and will be considered the Market Master. The Market Master and the Farmers/Vendors are expected to perform related duties to maintain and operate an efficient market in the best interest of the City of Garden City, all vendors, and the general public. These responsibilities are in addition to, but not limited to the Garden City Farmers' Market Rules and Regulations, Application Requirements or the Governing By-Laws of the Garden City Farmers' Market.

     The Market Masters' Responsibilities
     Farmers/Vendors Responsibilities

Note to all Farmers/Vendors
You must have an application on file with the Chamber of Commerce to be considered for space rental. You must present current Michigan licenses and permits (as required) before permission to sell or space assignment

is granted at the Garden City Farmers' Market. All applications are accepted at the discretion of the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce.

Table of Contents
     I. Introduction
    II. Rules and Regulations
   III. Farmers/Vendors Application
   IV. The Market Masters' Responsibilities
    V. Farmer/Vendor Responsibilities
   VI. Rental Rates
  VII. Stall/Space Standards
 VIII. Waiver of Liability
   IX. Advertising

    X. Craft, Flea Market and all other vendors, please contact the chamber office

        for application information.


Who makes up the Farmers' Market?
The Garden City Farmers' Market consists of Farmers, Greenhouse Vendors, and Specialty Food Vendors.

The market is composed of annual/yearly renters, some of whom have been with our market since the beginning. Some farmers/vendors only have space at peak seasons, while others might only rent space once a month for the season.

 

What is the Market Season and hours of operation?
Garden City Farmers' Market season is every Wednesday from May until October. For the season of 2011, the first market is Wednesday, May 4, 2011 and the last market is Wednesday, October 26, 2011. The hours of operation

are from 11:00am to 6:00pm. Occasionally the market will stay open later at the request of the farmers/vendors with accordance to the by-laws of the market.

Rules and Regulations
The following products are permitted for sale and must be made or grown by the participating farmer/vendor:

  • Fruits, Vegetables and Vegetable Plants; Flowers, Potted Plants and Hanging Baskets
  • Food Items must have the original license and must be prominently displayed on site. A copy of the all appropriate licenses must accompany your application. (Certificate of Insurance, Accord Form 25, must be attached to the application)
  • Only the approved products listed on your application will be allowed. No resale items are allowed. All products must be 80% homegrown and/or a by-product of the farm.
  • Market hours will be from 11:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. All vendors must be set-up by 10:50a.m. Any vendor not completely set-up by this time will not be permitted to participate in the market for that day. All markets take place rain or shine!
    • Any farmer/vendor deciding to stay later than posted market hours must get permission from the market staff.

Stall/Space Standards

  • Space/Stalls are the size of one parking spot, (12 x 12). Please note that a 10ft. x 10ft. tent will fit in this space. If using a tent sign up for a vehicle parking spot. Please see map for spaces with/without vehicle parking.
    • Spaces/Stalls without vehicle parking are one parking spot, (12 x 12).
    • Spaces/Stalls with vehicle parking consist of two (2) parking spots, (12 x 20).

Please Note:
      All tents must be safely secured and weighted down
      Annual spaces require 80% participation to maintain spot
      Seniority of farmers/vendors are considered for first option to spot location or change

  • The police and fire departments need room for emergency vehicle access. It is important that you keep your displays and vehicles within your allotted spaces.
  • Once you have committed to the market you are expected to stay for the duration of the market, (11:00a.m.to 6:00p.m.). Your market space must be attended at all times. If you cannot abide by this rule, you may not rent space at the market.
  • No farmer/vendor may sublease his or her assigned space/spaces.
  • Customers are not allowed to drive anywhere inside the vendor/market area . If they purchase heavy items, it is the responsibility of the farmer/vendor to help them carry the product to their vehicle or to have a cart available for the customer's usage. If a customer drives their car to your reserved space, (during market hours), you will be assessed a $50 fine . This is a safety issue!
  • Exchange of products or refunds is the responsibility of the farmer/vendor.
  • All farmers/vendors must clean their area and dispose of their trash. Farmer/vendor display areas need to be neat and tasteful in appearance. No drilling of holes is allowed in display area. Please note that no electric or water is provided.
  • Displays/trucks may not block the view of nearby spaces.
  • All farmers/vendors will be given an identification sign that must be attached to their site at every market. The sign will read:
    • Name of Farmer/Vendor, location of farm and space/spot number
  • The Market Master reserves the right to reject a farmer/vendor application, if in the Market Masters' judgment, the products, goods and services are not compatible with the overall concept of the market.
  • The Market Master may exclude from the market any farmer/vendor who fails to comply with the rules and regulations of the market.
  • Vendors shall be required to maintain their space so as to provide for the safety of all customers, and shall not hold the Downtown Development Authority/City of Garden City or the Chamber of Commerce responsible for any injuries sustained during the market hours.
  • You will receive instructions and maps at least two weeks prior to the first day of the market. The map will denote spaces with/without vehicle parking.
  • Customer safety is our number one concern , if for any reason you cannot abide by the rules of the    market you will be assessed a $50 fine.
  • All applications must be completed and mailed to the Garden City Chamber of Commerce, 30120 Ford Road, Suite D, Garden City, MI 48135. (NOTE: all farmers/vendors must have a current copy of their certificate of insurance and all related licenses attached to applications.

The Market Masters' Responsibilities

The Market Master will perform all related duties to maintain and operate an efficient market in the best interest of the city of garden city, all vendors, and the general public. The Market Master will maintain order in the market and:

  1. Enforces days and hours of operation.

  2. Handles the direct assigning of all farmer/vendor stall/space.

  3. Collects all rental fees, maintains records and accounts, and will coordinate all financial activities with the city of garden city.

  4. Directs the distribution/arrangement of all vehicles on the market premises.

  5. Upon closing, will inspect all stalls/rental spaces to ensure all farmers/vendors have left the area in a clean  and orderly condition.

  6. Will verify that all local, state, and federal laws are observed, all licenses and permits are valid and current for each vendor, and maintain files of the same.

  7. Will locate new farmers/vendors as stalls are available and register goods to be sold by these farmers/vendors in order to provide a select variety of merchandise to the public.

  8. Will inform all farmers/vendors of any violations of the rules and regulations.

  9. Will enforce all rules and regulations set for the operation of the Garden City Farmers' Market.

Farmer/Vendor Responsibility
The Farmers/Vendors have a responsibility to the Market Master as well. Each Farmer/Vendor shall be permitted to use the premises in strict accordance with the market rules and regulations, application requirements and standards that have been set by the Market Master and well as:

  1. Keep the Market Master informed of their concerns.
  2. Keeps the Market Master informed of any changes in licensing procedures and pertinent laws.
  3. Any attempt by a Farmer/Vendor to establish abnormal or artificial prices by unfair or irregular means are prohibited.

Farmer/Vendor Application
Market Dates: Every Wednesday, May 2011 through October 2011 from 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

     Business Name:_________________________________________________

     Address: ______________________________________________________

     City and Zip Code: ______________________________________________

     Vendor Name: (print clearly)________________________________________

     Vendor Signature:  _____________________________________________

     Vendor Phone Number: __________________________________________

     E-Mail: _______________________________________________________

     Type of Space Required: All tents must be safely secured and weighted down

     _________(12 x 12) without vehicle _________ (12 x 20) with vehicle

Please check the payment plan you prefer:
All checks payable to: Garden City Chamber of Commerce and must accompany your application

Rental Rates
Annual Rate : $520.00  (26 Markets for the year of 2011)
   
Payment:
    ____ Pay in full ($520) ___ Two Payments ($560): Mar 1, and Aug 1, ($280 each)
                          
Amount Paid ____________________ Check Number __________

Monthly Rate :$100 per month:
   Please check month(s) you will be participating
   
___May ___June ___July ___August ___September ___October
                          
Amount Paid ____________________ Check Number __________

Daily Rate : $25 per day:
   
Please check below all dates that apply
                          
Amount Paid ____________________ Check Number __________

 May 4  June 1   July 6    Aug 3    Sept 7   Oct 5

 May 11 June 8  July 13  Aug 10  Sept 14  Oct 12

 May 18 June 15 July 20 Aug 1s Sept 21 Oct 19

 May 25 June 22 July 2s Aug 24 Sept 28 Oct 26

                  June 29                 Aug 31

Please list the products or by-products of your farm that you will sell at the Farmers Market:

________ Fruits _____ Vegetables _____ Flowers ______ Bedding Plants

Details:__________________________________________________________________________________

Waiver of Liability

In consideration for the foregoing, I myself, my executors, administers, and assignees, do hereby release and discharge all sponsors, coordination groups, volunteers, individuals, and all parties associated with the activity, for

all claims of damages, demands, actions, and whatsoever in manner arising or growing out of my participation

in said event.

Vendors Signature: ________________________________________________

Date: _________________________

Please make sure that all of these items are included with your application:

1. A current proof of $500,000 Liability Insurance on an Accord Form 25. The following additional insured definition shall be shown on Certificates of Insurance and attached to Farmer/Vendor Application: “Garden City Chamber of Commerce, Garden City Downtown Development Authority, and the City of Garden City, Michigan.”

2. A signed copy of the Waiver of Liability (included at the top of this form)

3. A check made out to Garden City Chamber of Commerce for the market space fee.

I have read and agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the Garden City Farmers Market. I understand that

my market space payments to the Farmers' Market are non-refundable. Please sign below.

Vendors Signature: ­________________________________________________

Date: ­­­­______________

Advertising
Farmers/Vendors may singly or in co-operation, may advertise at their own expense. Any advertisement using the Garden City's Farmers' Market name, location, hours, logo, etc. must be approved in advance by the Garden City Farmers' Market, Market Master (Chamber of Commerce).

 

For further information about participating in the Garden City's Farmers' Market, or for official copies of

the rules and regulations, farmer/vendor applications, contact Peggy Sexton at Garden City Chamber of Commerce, 734-422-4448.

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