Be a Vendor

Interested in vending at the Downtown Farmers Market?

Great! Check out the information below for application instructions and to submit your application.

Vendor Application Process

FAQs

How much is a space?

Artisan/Prepared Food/Pet Supplies Vehicle Large Stall (25’X15′) – $75/market date approved
Agricultural Vehicle Large Stall (25’x15′) – $60/market date approved
Artisan/Prepared Food/Pet Supplies Non-Vehicle Small Stall (10’X10′) – $55/market date approved
Agricultural Non-Vehicle Small Stall (10’x10′) – $40/market date approved

How does the selection process work?

The Selection Committee will begin reviewing applications in March.

Traditional market products (produce, flowers, meats, wines, etc.) are always given first priority. Additional vendors are selected based on quality, uniqueness and diversity of product, as well as booth/table presentation.

Questions about the application process should be directed to market staff at events@cedarrapids.org or 319-398-5317.

How does the Selection Committee pick vendors?

While type of product and product quality are of the utmost importance to our Selection Committee, there are a few things you can do to make it easier for our committee to select your application. Make sure you consider the following when applying:

– Complete & Updated Information- Your profile should have the correct information- business name, mailing address & email address.

– Correct Category- Make sure the business category you select reflects your primary products. For example: while you may sell a few tomatoes, if the majority of your products are cutting boards and wood products, please make sure to select “Artisan”, rather than “Produce & Flowers” or “Farm” when applying.

– Accurate Product List- Make sure your list is up-to-date and accurate. For instance, “Baked Goods” as a product isn’t as helpful as “pies” and a list of flavors, and “cookies” with several varieties listed.

– PHOTOS- This can make or break an application. Provide several photos of your products! Additionally, photos of your booth display are not mandatory, but suggested.

Downtown Businesses Located Within the Market Venue

Downtown businesses located within the market venue during market season can participate in the Downtown Farmers Market in one of two ways:

• NO CHARGE – Businesses planning to be open during Market hours will have space in front of their business left open to allow market patrons easy access to front doors. Businesses wishing to capitalize on this opportunity must notify Market staff no later than May 1 by emailing events@cedarrapids.org. Notifications made after this date may or may not be able to be accommodated.
• AS VENDOR – Businesses that wish to participate as a market vendor must meet all Market guidelines and should complete a vendor application on FarmSpread.com. All applicable policies, procedures and fees will apply. Businesses approved to vend will be provided space in front of their brick & mortar site.

Downtown Businesses Located Outside the Market Venue

Downtown businesses located outside the market venue during the 2024 season, you can participate in the Downtown Farmers Market as a vendor if the business meets all Market guidelines. These businesses should complete a vendor application on FarmSpread.com. All applicable policies, procedures and fees will apply.

I’m not like your other vendors. How do I fit in at the Downtown Farmers Market?

Please review the Vendor Handbook for information about franchise businesses, downtown businesses and sponsors.

I don’t remember my FarmSpread username/password.

Try using the FarmSpread tool here. If that does not work, please email support@farmspread.com for any account needs.

If I’m placed on the wait list, when will I be notified of a space available?

We make every effort to notify vendors as soon as possible when space becomes available. We attempt to fill booths with similar types of vendors. For example, if a painter isn’t available to fill their space, we look for a painter on the wait list.