Policies & Procedures

HobNob Events and Festivals 
Farmers Market Policies and Procedures 

‍Thank you for your interest in becoming a vendor at one of the vibrant Farmers Markets  managed by HobNob Events in the Denver area. We are proud to serve as a small business  incubator for the many incredible farms, and local vendors our area has to offer. Every vendor  is carefully screened with a commitment to creating a diverse marketplace with the highest  quality of locally produced products available. The Farmers Markets produced by HobNob Events strive to support and enhance the  surrounding communities by providing a Farmers Market experience where a great variety of  fresh and wholesome products are available. We believe it is important to support our local  community, therefore, all products must be grown, raised, produced or gathered by the vendor  in the State of Colorado or in counties bordering the State of Colorado (although rare, a few  exceptions may apply). These Markets reserve unconditional discretion to accept or refuse anyone as a market vendor,  the selection process takes into consideration many factors including product quality, sourcing,  growing practices, presentation, seniority, safety, compliance, grandfathered vendors,  customer service and the right product mix to ensure a successful market for everyone. 

‍VENDORS:

See If You Qualify First and foremost, our Farmers Markets focus on providing fresh and wholesome local food  and food related products. We strive to support the communities and surrounding brick and  mortar businesses, by having vendors that complement their businesses, but do not directly  compete. These are producers’ markets, showcasing locally grown and directly sourced / produced foods.  The South Pearl Street Farmers Market will NOT accept the following items; other Markets may  accept these vendors on a VERY limited basis only: • Crafts/jewelry/clothing outside of businesses on the street • Overly processed foods • Nationally distributed packaged foods • Businesses that operate under a franchise agreement • Food items not grown and/or processed by the vendor (there are a few exceptions) • Infomational/non-profit organizations Farmers, growers, ranchers and fishers may be asked to go through a phone interview or site  visit before final acceptance Please see the list below for more guidelines on specific vendor categories.

‍FARMERS

 Farm products that can be sold at the market include vegetables, fruits, berries, herbs, nuts,  flowers, plants, honey, seafood (under specific qualifications), meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy  products. In an effort to support local farmers, we discourage products from out of state. We  find our patrons understand and accept the non-availability. However, if local farm products are  not available and you would like to bring products in from out of state, you must contact the  Market Manager for prior approval and handling procedures. They will be accepted on a limited  basis. ALL NON-LOCAL ITEMS MUST BE CLEARLY IDENTIFIED IN YOUR DISPLAYS. 

‍PRODUCE, PLANTS, AND FLOWERS

 Our markets accept certain value added items which are grown and/or made by the vendor  such as baked goods, preserves, cheese, sausage, and smoked meats. All processed foods must  be appropriately labeled with product name, ingredients, net weight, price, vendor’s name and  address. We encourage sampling of your products to our patrons. 

‍HAND CRAFTED ITEMS/JEWELRY/INFORMATIONAL

 Jewelry, Craft items, and informational booths are NOT ALLOWED at our Farmers Market. There  will be no exceptions.  

‍PREPARED FOODS

 The Market Manager and the Farmers Market Committee must approve prepared food  vendors. Vendors are responsible for procuring the correct permits. Please reach out to the  Health Department for those requirements as requirements change often. Prior to selling at the  Market, all prepared food vendors must show appropriate Health Department certification to  the Market Manager. These permits must be displayed in public view during Market hours. All  prepared food processor equipment/trailers must comply with Denver County Health  Department regulations. 

‍VENDOR SELECTION 

‍The Market Manager and the individual market committees select vendors annually. Selection  will be based on product quality, sourcing, growing practices, presentation, seniority, past  attendance, safety, compliance, grandfathered vendors, customer service and the right product  mix to ensure a successful market for everyone. No vendor will have guaranteed return rights  to the Market from season to season or from Market to Market. The Market generally does not  offer exclusive rights to vendors to sell any one product. Market customers generally benefit  from having a choice. However, if the Market Manager believes the number of vendors offering  the same or similar products is excessive, duplicate products may be denied entry. When filling out the application, please give examples of where you source (or plan to source)  your ingredients, listing the names of farms or other local-direct sources where possible. After entry deadlines, new applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis.

‍LEARN THE MARKET RULES & REGULATIONS

 As a prospective vendor, you have many questions about how to join our Farmers Markets and  what they require. To learn the answers to our most frequently asked questions (FAQs) and for  additional information about the requirements and expectations of participating in one of our  markets, please read thru this document as well as the FAQs found on our website – please do  not email us for answers found in these documents. We receive several hundred applications  and our inbox can get pretty crowded, so please use the resources available to answer any  questions. Each individual market is overseen by a Farmers Market Committee that has adopted these  Policies and Procedures. At any time, these Policies and Procedures may be amended, deleted,  or modified.
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 Miscellaneous Market Information Booth Fees, Sales Reporting, And Payment 
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‍The Market Manager and Committee will establish a fee schedule for all Market booths and  commissions prior to each market season. Vendors are required to honestly report all sales  made by the

vendor or vendor’s agents at each Market. FAILURE TO ACCURATELY REPORT ALL  SALES WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE EXPULSION FROM THE MARKET WITH NO RETURN RIGHTS. Payments will be collected at the conclusion of each market. Failure to comply with fee  payment on Market days will result in a $20.00 fine. Vendors will not be allowed to set up until  past obligations have been cleared. 

‍Punctuality - Please Note: 

‍All vendors with assigned stalls must be at their stall 30 minutes prior to the start of the market  or have made prior arrangements with the Market Manager. After that time the stall will no  longer be held for assigned vendor. Violations of this policy could result in loss of assigned stall  on the day of the violation. Repeat violations may result in loss of assigned stall space or  expulsion from the Market. If you cannot attend the Market on a day you have committed to,  please contact the Market Manager 48 hours in advance. Failure to do so may result in a $50  fine. Please be considerate of your fellow vendors, patrons and Market Manager and Staff. If  day of emergencies arise, please TEXT the Market Manager (number will be shared with future,  confirmed Market information). 

‍Stall Assignments

 The Market Manager will make all stall assignments. Vendor locations and other considerations  are made at the Market Manager’s discretion taking into consideration product mix, customer  flow, special promotions, prior attendance and vendor seniority. While we will try to keep your  space consistent, your space is subject to change.

‍Set-Up And Tear-Down 

 The street will be closed to all “through” traffic 2 hours prior to the start of the market and 2  hours following the conclusion of the market. Vendor set-up will begin 2 hours prior to the  opening of the market and conclude 30 minutes before the market opens. Vendors should  unload promptly, then move vehicles offsite. A clear and drivable lane must be kept open at all  times. A Vendor may not begin setting up his or her stall spaces until his or her vehicle is moved  offsite. NO VEHICLES WILL BE PERMITTED TO ENTER THE MARKET SITE 30 MINUTES BEFORE  OPENING. All vendors are required to remain at their stall spaces until the closing of the market  even if they have sold all their goods. NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE MARKET  SITE UNTIL AT LEAST 20 MINUTES AFTER THE CLOSE OF THE MARKET or whenever the street is  free of Patrons. Vendors should not leave the Market to retrieve their vehicles until they have  completely taken down their stall space(s) including packing up all remaining product,  collapsing canopies or tents, and cleaning up any debris. 

‍Stall Clean Up

 Each vendor is responsible for cleaning his/her stall area to the satisfaction of the Market  Manager. This includes removing all debris, sweeping and, if necessary, washing down the stall  site. Vendors are expected to remove all waste generated by the sale of their product. Vendors  must not dump oil or oil debris into flowerbeds, garden areas, streets, sidewalks, or storm  drains, sinks, toilets or anywhere else within the Market Site. All vendors must bring containers  suitable for waste removal, including oily waste. Prepared food vendors must have an  impermeable tarp or mat under the entire stall to protect the sidewalks and streets from grease  and food waste and as well as overhead coverage if required by the Denver County Health  Department. Vendors not adhering to this policy risk cleaning fines. 

‍Garbage/Recycling

 All vendors must haul out their trash at the end of the day. On-site trash receptacles are for  customer use only. Vendors may request permission from the Market Manager or designee to  use customer receptacles at the end of the Market day if space permits. In an effort to be  environmentally friendly we request vendors use recycled goods and recycle waste whenever  possible. 

‍Canopies/Umbrellas 

‍All vendors who wish to erect canopies on the Market site during a normal period of  operations, including set-up and takedown periods, are required to have their canopies  sufficiently and safely anchored to the ground from the time the canopy is erected to the time  it is taken down. Any vendor who fails to properly anchor his or her canopy will not be allowed  to sell at the Market on that day, unless the canopy is first taken down and stowed. A rule of  thumb for weights is 40# per leg of your canopy. 

‍Attendance: 

‍Consistency is critical in attracting buying customers to the market. It is important that vendors make a commitment to attend the market at least 90% of their season or more.

‍Pricing

 Pricing of goods sold at the Market is solely the responsibility of the individual vendor.

 Permits And Licenses

 Please see FAQs for more information on obtaining a temporary retail food license. Vendors are required to comply with City and County of Denver and State of Colorado policies;  all taxes, licenses, permits and liability/product insurance are the responsibility of the Vendor.  All Vendors are required to have a State of Colorado Sales Tax License, visit www.denvergov.org  for more information. Vendors selling food must have a temporary restaurant permit of the City and County of Denver  (if you have a temporary restaurant permit from another City you are required to obtain a  permit from the City of Denver as well.) Vendors may take completed paperwork (Temporary  Restaurant License application, Acknowledgement letter, Affidavit of commissary form, both  pages) to the Department of Health for approval, their offices are located at 200 W 14th Ave  (southwest corner of 14th and Bannock), 2nd floor between the hours of 8am and 5pm,  Monday through Friday. It is recommended to call in advance and confirm someone will be  available to process your request. Upon approval from the Health Department, participating  restaurants will need to take the completed paperwork to the Department of Excise & Licenses  located at 201 W Colfax Ave, 2nd floor. Please be advised that Dept. of Excise & Licenses closes  at 4 pm. For more information on temporary restaurant licenses please visit:  http://www.denvergov.org/DEH/. If you will have an open flame at your booth please contact the City of Denver Fire Department  for information on receiving an open flame permit. Vendors are required to have all  documentation and permits on site during the Farmers Market. It is the sole responsibility of  the vendor to comply with special event city policies. Please visit www.denvergov.org for a  complete list of requirements. The Colorado Cottage Foods Law: Passed in 2012 allows for the manufacture and sale of some  baked goods without any licensing or regulatory requirements. See this link for more  information under the “Guidance on Colorado Cottage Foods Bill” heading: http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDPHE-DEHS/CBON/1251586894464 Operating under this law will have a number of requirements that must be adhered to,  including education requirements and a cap on the amount of revenue generated. Also these  foods can only be sold retail—not wholesale. In order to operate under this law at a temporary  event, a vendor must have all their food prepackaged (no open food handling at the event) and  labeled according to the requirements in the law (see the link for more info). 

‍Smoking Policy 

‍Vendors are not permitted to smoke in or around their booth area. You must move away from  the marketplace.

‍Signage

 Each booth space must prominently display a sign clearly identifying the farm or business by  name and location. Signs must be in place by the opening of the booth. All product descriptions  must be accurate. Signs may not be placed in the walkways. “Flag” signage is not allowed. 

‍Vehicles

 Only select produce and nursery vendors will be allowed to sell from their vehicles, all others  will be required to park their vehicles off site.  

‍Organic Labeling

 Vendors advertising products that are “Organic”, “Unsprayed” or “Natural”, etc. are not  required to be certified by any recognized certification agency. All vendors are required to  advertise truthfully and to respond to customers’ questions in a like manner. 

‍Weights, Measures, And Labeling 

‍All weighing or measuring instruments or devices used for commercial purposes must be  correct. Pre-packaged products must be labeled with the quantity and/or amount. Vendors in  violation of this policy will be expelled from the Market with no return rights. 

‍Vendor Behavior 

‍Vendors shall dress appropriately and engage with the Market Manager and patrons in a  courteous manner. Please limit selling to inside your booth, all vendors and employees must  remain inside the booth. “Hawking” is strictly prohibited. 

• Integrity:

‍Vendors represent their products with honesty and transparency. Language  used to describe cropping systems, ingredients, sourcing, and production methods is  clear and accurate. The FM staff acts in a manner that is consistent, reliable, and fair to  all vendors. 

• Respect:

‍The FM staff, vendors, and customers communicate and interact with each  other in a respectful manner. Patronizing and degrading language, yelling, and  demeaning behavior are not tolerated. If vendor or employee(s) should become unruly  it may result in immediate expulsion from the market, at the Market Manager’s  discretion. If the conflict continues, Market Manager has the right to reach out to law  enforcement for assistance. 

• Community:

The FM staff and members understand the market is a collaborative effort that works to the benefit of all participants 

‍Spirit of the Market: 

‍The success of the market is the result of a collaborative partnership between HobNob Events, the vendors, and the market’s customers. Our mutual objective is to continue to increase the availability  of high-quality local foods and increase the customer demand for those foods. In order to support  this objective, preference is given to those vendors who clearly demonstrate adherence to the  principle of being local.

‍Market Manager 

‍The Market Manager (or designee) coordinates all the activities of the weekly functioning of the  Market and implements Market policies, including oversight of the Market set-up and cleanup,  daily assignments, collection of stall fees commissions and sales information, and assuring  vendor compliance with all Farmers Market policies. The Market Manager also acts as a conduit  of information from the vendors and customers to the Farmers Market Committee. The Market  Manager has complete authority to interpret and implement Market policy. 

‍Grievance Policy

 The Market Manager or his/her designee has the right to impose disciplinary action at the  Market site. In the event of customer dissatisfaction, the dispute must be resolved to the  satisfaction of the customer and Market Manager in a timely manner. Failure to do so will result  in expulsion from the Market. The Market Manager has the authority to grant exceptions to  Market policies on an individual basis for reasons of dire need. Should any vendor, at any time,  occupy the premises in a manner contrary to this agreement, upon request of Market Manager,  the vendor shall immediately cease such offending conduct.. Upon revocation, vendor shall  promptly vacate premises. Upon failure to vacate, the Market shall have removed all property  of vendor from the premises at vendor’s expense. The Market is relieved and discharged from  any/all loss or damage caused by such removal. The Market shall not be responsible for storage  or safekeeping of property so removed. 

‍Liability

 Vendors must obtain general liability insurance additionally insuring HobNob Events and the  individual Market they will be attending. HobNob Events and the Markets are not responsible  for any loss or damage incurred or caused by vendors. 

‍Policies and Procedures

 Please keep a copy of the Market Policies and Procedures for your records. 


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