Farmers Market

I. OBJECTIVE AND LOCATION

A. The Idabel Farmers Market will serve as a place where growers can sell fresh produce and homemade products to consumers. Consumers may purchase fresh, high quality produce and homemade products. Our priority is to provide fresh, locally grown and/or made products.

B. Market is held at the Idabel Farmers Market pavilion located on Main Street across from Carl Sherman Plaza.

II. WHO MAY SELL AT THE IDABEL FARMERS MARKET

A. Any person who is interested in selling their locally grown produce and products and who agrees to follow the Idabel Farmers Market guidelines may sell.

B. In the event space becomes limited for vendors, overflow may be placed at the Carl Sherman Plaza across the street.

III. WHAT MAY BE SOLD

A. Fresh produce and agricultural related products may be sold.

B. Crafts, agriculture in nature, may be sold and must be crafted by the vendor. ALL CRAFTS SOLD MUST HAVE MARKET MANAGEMENT APPROVAL.

C. The sale of livestock or any live animals will NOT be approved.

IV. HOW PRODUCE MAY BE SOLD

A. Produce may be sold by weight, volume, or count. Containers must be provided by the grower. If selling by weight, scales are subject to inspection by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture.

B. Produce should be mature but not overripe, void of decay, have a good external/internal appearance and be clean and free of contamination and pests.

C. Each vendor must clearly post prices on the product(s) being sold.

D. Market Management will not tolerate price wars.

E. Produce items must be sold whole (No halves or slices).

V. LICENSE, SANITATION, AND TAX REQUIREMENTS

A. Local growers may sell fruits and vegetables without a license from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture or the Oklahoma Department of Health.

B. Honey, nuts, grain, plants, flowers, processed food, and prepared food vendors must have proper licensing from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture and/or the County Health Department.

C. No food preparation is allowed at the market, except for promotional and educational events as approved by market management.

VI. FEES AND SPACE

A. Market vendors will pay a fee of $5 per week per space or $40 per year.

B. Any local school organizations or 4-H clubs may sell their produce and products with no vendor fee. Junior vendors must also follow the Idabel Farmers Market Guidelines.

C. Booth/vehicle space will be on a “first come/first serve” basis.

D. Market vendors will supply their own items for their market space (Tables, chairs, tablecloths, canopies, etc.).

E. Each vendor assumes responsibility for any and all losses from his/her market space. Safety should be a top priority.

F. All vendors are responsible for maintaining their area in a clean, neat manner, cleaning up the area before departing at the close of market. This means picking up all produce, flower parts, paper, customers’ trash, etc. Failure to do so may result in a forfeiture of the right to sell at the market.

VII. OPENING AND CLOSING PROCEDURE

A. Vendors should be set up and ready to sell by market opening time.

B. No produce or product may be sold before market opening time.

C. Vendors may leave market when all produce and products are sold. For safety reasons, vendors are encouraged to stay until market closing time.

VIII. DATES AND HOURS OF OPERATION

A. Market hours will be from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. every Tuesday and Saturday starting the 2nd week in April and ending the last week in September. Vendors are allowed to set up and sell their products every day but the Idabel Farmers Market will only promote markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays. There may be additional market dates announced in off-season months.

IX. MISCELLANEOUS

A. Any complaints or disagreements arising from a consumer or vendor must be immediately reported to market management. Market management reserves the right to take any action deemed appropriate.

B. Clean and appropriate clothing is required.

C. No tobacco, drugs, alcoholic beverages, or profanity will be tolerated.

D. Bathroom and hand washing facilities will not be available.

X. ENFORCEMENT OF RULES

A. Market management has the authority to enforce the Idabel Farmers Market Guidelines. Market management will decide any dispute as to the meaning or intent of any language contained in the guidelines.

B. These guidelines may be revised as necessary by market management, which has the authority to revise all rules at any time they deem necessary.

C. Market management: Idabel Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Idabel Historic Heart