Thank you for your interest in the 2009 Walloomsac Farmers’ Market! Along with the usual information included here, we would like to highlight three specific items:

• Smart Growth: The WFM is growing and growing each year. In the interest of maintaining a quality market as we expand, the board has come up with guidelines for growth, which will guide us as the applications come in. These make it particularly important to send in your application by the deadline of March 15, 2009. For a summary of the policy, please contact the market president, Steven Trubitt, at 447-1472.
• Change in Stall Fees: To cover increased costs, and to encourage a consistent market, we have revisited our stall fee structure, raising them slightly, and creating a three-tier system. Details are on the application, but the basic idea is this: In addition to the discount in paying for a full season up front, we have added a middle option of paying up front for four or more weeks. This too will be be discounted from the pay-as-you-go price.
• Winter Market: We are planning a monthly winter market for 2009/10. We are still in the planning phase, but have committed to finding an indoor space, and already have a couple of options to look at. Dates for this market will most likely be November 21 (the usual “Holiday” market), December 19, January 23, February 20, and March 20. Your normal membership fee covers these markets, but the stall fee structure will be determined as planning develops.

The application materials and important information about the market including the WFM Rules and Regulations are available on this website. Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself. If you understand the requirements of the Market and would like to apply for booth space, please send a completed application and appropriate fee to us for consideration by March 15, 2009. The application form is available on-line in Adobe PDF format by clicking here. (To view this document, you will need Adobe Acrobat reader—if you don’t have it you can download it from Adobe’s web site).

Fees and membership: Vendors who are accepted to the market pay an annual membership fee of $25 as well as stall fees. A standard stall space is 12’. Please see the application for fee details.

Vendor responsibility: Prospective vendors should be aware that the market is subject to various Vermont State regulations. Vendors are expected to adhere to all regulations and acquire all necessary permits, etc. We ask that you include with your application proof of organic certification, kitchen or catering license, or other appropriate paperwork.

The Walloomsac Farmers’ Market is a volunteer-run organization. WFM is a “producer only” market where consumers can purchase items directly from the producer, rather than buying products that the vendor has purchased for re-sale or has not grown her/himself. The primary focus of the market is on food-related items. Artwork and crafts will be selected through a jury process due to the limited space available for this category. To make the market a festive and inviting attraction for local food shoppers, scheduled activities take place on Saturdays including live music, and possibly cooking demonstrations, art projects, gardening activities, and more. An important component of the market is the active participation of the vendors. You are encouraged to share in the work of making the market a success and to participate in various market activities and projects.

If you have any questions about applications, set-up or logistics, please contact the Katherine Keys, Market Manager, at 688-7210 or Steven Trubitt, WFM President, at 447-1472. General policy information can be found on this website.

Thanks again for your interest in the WFM. We look forward to reviewing your application and will be in touch soon. We hope for another great market season in 2009!