Occasional Vendor

This application is for vendors that will be in attendance for less than half of the season. Applicants will automatically be placed on a waitlist, and we will reach out to you if a space becomes available.    Thank you from the Historic Valley Junction Foundation (HVJF) for your interest in the Valley Junction Farmers Market, a tradition since the mid-1970's!   One of Iowa's largest Farmers Markets, we are the place to be in Central Iowa on summer Thursday evenings. Our vendors make our market not only possible but are the reason it's become one of the best in the state. Thank you for your loyalty and participation.   APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED THROUGH THE END OF THE MARKET SEASON - Applications received after February 29th at 11:59pm will be placed on a waitlist and, if a space becomes available where you would be a good fit, you will be notified by one of our staff.   OPENING DAY IS MAY 2 - Thanks to the partnership with our 2022 vendors, we operated a safe and successful market all season long. We are confident we can continue to do so in 2023.   NO MARKET JULY 4 - Independence Day lands on a Thursday, so we will not be having a market this day.   OCCASIONAL VS SEASONAL - If you plan to attend at least 9 markets, being a seasonal vendor is a better value.  If you're planning to attend almost all weeks, but, for instance, will just miss 2-3, apply as seasonal and add your missing dates in the application.  This is very important, as we process seasonal applications before offering space to occasional vendors. This makes the process efficient and helps keep costs lower for all vendors.   PAYMENT INFORMATION - If you are accepted, payment for the space is automatically charged on the card on file at time of approval. Please be aware there is an additional fee charged by Eventeny for using its payment service.    ACCEPTED CATEGORIES - Our market includes the following vender categories:

• Produce - Certified organic produce, chemical free produce and Iowa home grown produce.  (Produce grown outside of the state of Iowa will be allowed only when such items are not in-season locally.  Out-of-state produce must be pre-approved when such items are in-season locally.
• Plants & Floral Products - Fresh and dried flowers, seeds, and potted plants.
• Meat, Dairy & Eggs - Farm raised meat, dairy, and egg products, such as beef, chicken, turkey, cheese, milk, ice cream, eggs, etc.
• Baked Goods - Breads, pies, cookies, cakes, and other homemade baked goods.
• Specialty Food Items - Specialty homemade food items that are not considered baked goods, including honeys, mustards, salsas, jams, and other homemade food items.  
• Wine & Beer - Wine and beer products made in Iowa.
• Crafts - Homemade home décor items (candles, soaps, handmade jewelry, and other art items). Because the crafts category is very wide, it is important to maintain a high level of quality for our market.  All vendors in this category must upload adequate photos of each type of item that will be sold in each booth.
• Prepared Foods/Food Trucks - Ready-to-eat items such as sandwiches, cooked items, and snack items.   A complete menu must be submitted with the application and no additions may be made once approved by HVJF Board of Directors.  **Space is extremely limited in this category.
• Merchants - Valley Junction businesses who rent space to sell their store’s products. Merchant spaces may not be sublet and are subject to all other market rules. This category is only available to current Valley Junction merchants. Valley Junction merchants are given priority when requesting space numbers.
• Other - Vendor types that do not fit into any other categories.  Please note that vendors in this category are placed last.  Mass produced and franchised items are not allowed at the Valley Junction Farmers Market.  Our motto is "Make it, bake it, grow it!" - our focus is on Iowa products.

PARKING - Standard size spaces include parking directly behind the booths. Small size spaces include parking within the market area, however, parking is not guaranteed to be adjacent to vender space. See map.
 
MANY QUESTIONS CAN BE ANSWERED BY REVEIWING OUR MARKET HANDBOOK located in this application.

The Valley Junction Farmers Market is home to over 80 weekly vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, plants and flowers, arts and crafts, and prepared foods. Join your friends and neighbors in West Des Moines' favorite summer gathering. Special performances events are scheduled throughout the season.

By renting a space at the Valley Junction Farmers Market, all vendors agree not to hold HVJF, its members, staff, Board of Directors, or sponsors responsible for damage of any kind.  Vendors assume all responsibility for the operation of the rented booth space and any damages or injuries that may occur in that area during normal hours of market operation or from consumption of products or goods.  This includes all lawsuits, demands and claims including court costs, legal fees, and damages.  Vendors are also responsible for any loss or damages HVJF may incur on their behalf including, but not limited to court costs and attorney fees.  All merchandise will be handled and displayed at the vendor’s risk and HVJF assumes no responsibility for theft, accidents or natural disaster.  The undersigned agrees to indemnify and hold the sponsors of the Historic Valley Junction Farmers Market harmless in regard to all liability for any damages to personal property, for any loss of life or personal injury or theft of property that may be sustained in connection with this event.  I further give approval for HVJF to use photographs taken at this event, which might include my work, for publicity purposes. As a vendor at the Valley Junction Farmers Market, I understand...

1. that vendors are expected to have consistent attendance.  Failure to notify HVJF of an absence and repeat absences may result in removal from the market.
2. that space preference is not guaranteed for any vendor.
3. that vendors will not sublet their booth space.  It is the sole responsibility of HVJF to fill any vacant spaces. 
4. that I am responsible for my own set-up items such as chairs, table, canopies, and tents.
5. that electricity is NOT available at the farmers market. If you require electricity for your merchandise, you are required to provide your own generator. All generators must be muffled to respect Valley Junction residents, merchants and customers. (Suggested generator - Honda EU3000is or equivalent). Without refunding vendor fees, HVJF may request a vendor to leave if the vendor’s generator is deemed too loud. Vendors attempting to use electricity outlets located on or near Valley Junction trees or buildings will be immediately removed from the market without refund.
6. all vendors must provide HVJF with proof of current insurance.  Insurance requirements will not be waived for any Valley Junction Farmers Market vendors. 
7. that vendors are not allowed to smoke or drink alcoholic beverages within their booth space or outside of permitted areas.  Alcoholic beverages require a wristband and are limited to the beverage garden in Railroad Park during a concert. 
8. that pets (excluding service animals) are not allowed within the vendor’s booth space.
9. that vendors may not place garbage in city trash bins, private dumpsters, event trash boxes or on the curb.
10. that I must provide signage with the name of my business, which is neat, clear and visible within my booth space.
11. that set up begins each Thursday at 3:00 pm, and vendors are NOT allowed to set up prior to 3:00 pm. I understand that I will be forced out of the event area if arriving prior to 3:00pm.
12. Driving is not permitted on 5th Street between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm on market days. Violators will be subject to a $50 Reckless Driving Fine and will not be permitted back to the market until paid in full.
13. that only one vehicle is allowed per vendor within the vendor’s booth space.  That vehicle must be parallel parked at the back of the space (towards center of the street).  Be sure to keep fire lanes in the center of the street clear at all times.  For vendors with extra vehicles, parking is available in the public lots on 4th and 6th Streets. 
14. that it is each vendor’s responsibility to know if they are required to collect and remit Iowa Sales Tax.  HVJF does not accept responsibility for vendors who fail to meet this obligation.   
15. vendors are expected to have positive, friendly conduct towards customers, fellow vendors, market staff, and volunteers. 
16. that the burning of anything not related to prepared food is prohibited. (incense, candles, smoker chips, etc.)
17. Crafters: You are required to upload adequate product photos to your application for each product you indicate in your application.
18. that vendors are not allowed to set-up (or give free samples) on the sidewalks or against storefronts in order to provide proper customer walkway access.
19. that glass containers are unacceptable for items consumed onsite at the farmers market.
20. that vendors must request and receive written permission from HVJF before adding mid-season inventory.  HVJF reserves the right to limit inventory to be sold at the Valley Junction Farmers Market.
21. if a vendor is non-compliant, possible repercussions include vendor status being up for review with the Board of Directors, fines, suspension or expulsion from the market. 
22. the Valley Junction Farmers Market is held rain or shine! We do not issue refunds for weather cancellations. Please see our handbook for complete details.
23. that all vendors must comply with health code regulations, and that the Sate of Iowa receives a list of all vendors at each market.