The SoWa Farmers Market serves as a center of activity in the South End neighborhood of Boston by providing a variety of locally grown produce and specialty food products from the New England area. Vendors seek to create an enjoyable atmosphere that serves not only the market but also contributes to a prosperous neighborhood and promotes a sense of community within the SoWa District of Boston.

LOCATION:
The SoWa Farmers Market is currently located at 500 Harrison Ave, in a large parking lot adjacent to the SoWa Open Market at 460 Harrison Ave in Boston Massachusetts.

SELLING SEASONS—MONTHS, DAYS OF THE WEEK, AND HOURS OF OPERATION:
The SoWa Farmers Market operates May 6, 2012 through October 28, 2012. Selling day is Sunday. Selling times are from 10AM-4PM.

MANAGEMENT:
New England Open Markets is responsible for the overall management of the Farmers Market. Dave Gilson has been appointed as market manager to oversee the daily operations at the market. The market manager has full authority to enforce these rules and refuse acceptance of any vendor or item that is not in keeping with the rules and quality of the market. NEOM has the right to change market rules as needed and will notify participants concerning these changes. The market manager will make vendor booth assignments in a fair and equitable manner based on the needs of the market. In addition, the market manager will have the authority to work with vendors to assist in their success and to address any disputes or complaints.

VENDORS:

• Should prominently display a sign with the business name and City of Boston Health Permit.
• Will grow or process at least 80% of saleable items.
• Will sell processed foods only from a approved licensed facility.
• Shall provide their own booths/tables/tents and sun/rain covers.
• Shall provide their own tent weights, at least 40lbs per tent leg, click HERE to read more.
• Will clean their assigned area at the end of each market day.
• Will conduct their business in a professional manner.
• Will hold NE Open Markets. LLC and its employees/agents harmless from any liability, expense, claims, damages or suits related to participation at the SoWa Famers Market.

VENDOR FEES:
The fees are as follows:

SPACE RESERVATION FEE:
Farm Vendor Weekly $40
Specialty Food Weekly $60
Payment required a minimum of 10 days prior to the date requested.

UN-RESERVED SPACE FEE:
Weekly $75.00

“Un-reserved space fee” applies to any vendor who arrives at the market and has not prepaid for that date. Any booth not occupied 15 minutes before the market is to open will be considered an open/available space for use by un-reserved vendors unless the reserving vendor has contacted the market manager about a later arrival time. These spaces will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. Any vendor wishing to obtain an un-reserved space must first complete our online application and obtain the necessary Boston Health Permits.

ASSIGNMENT OF VENDOR BOOTHS:
Setup emails will be sent to all paid/reserved vendors the Friday prior to each scheduled market date. Upon arrival, the market manager will make vendor booth assignments in a fair and equitable manner based on the needs of the market.

TAXES, LICENSES, AND PERMITS:
Vendors must have visibly displayed in the front of their booth any licenses, certifications, and permits required by the City of Boston Health Department. The collection and filing of all related taxes is the sole responsibility of each individual vendor.

HEALTH, SANITATION, AND SAFETY:
Any person using the market for the purposes of selling or offering for sale of any items on the premises must comply with all federal, state, and local health ordinances.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
Cash refunds will not be granted for paid dates, instead a credit may be applied toward a future market date (credits will not be extended to the following season or other market locations). All cancellations must be received in writing 10 days prior to each reserved market. Please include the day you are rescheduling for. If you miss the 10 day deadline, you are still responsible for payment regardless if you attend or not. In order to receive a credit, please read Switching Dates below.

SWITCHING DATES:
In order to switch a date we need at least 10 days written (by email) notice. Vendors are permitted one date switch per season, so please choose carefully. Send date switch request to: info@sowaopenmarket.com

WEATHER:
The SoWa Farmers Market is a rain or shine market. Please be prepared by bringing the required set-up materials (tents or awnings). In the event of a cancellation due to severe weather, credits or refunds will not be granted.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

• Behavior by vendors judged to be disruptive or detrimental to the peaceful operation of the market shall not be allowed.
• New England Open Markets, LLC and its representatives are not responsible for damage or loss of any personal belongings.
• Any unsafe or unsanitary conditions should be brought to the immediate attention of the market manager.

Need help? Email us, we’ll be happy to help!
info@sowaopenmarket.com