Events
April 6, 2024 - Oct. 26, 2024
Vendor Eligibility: Participation in the Market is subject to approval by market management and must be in accordance with all market guidelines. Preference is given to farmers, prepared food vendors who source local ingredients wherever possible, and artisans that utilize agricultural products and/or create handmade sustainable goods. To participate in the market, a vendor must fall into one of the following categories:
- Growers: Must own or lease the land upon which foods are grown, and grow or raise 100% of what they sell at the Rogers Local Food and Art Market. Exceptions to this rule may be made at the discretion of Market Management.
- Prepared Foods: Preference is given to food crafters that source local ingredients whenever possible.
- Food Trucks
- Artisans and Crafters: Items must be handmade. Exceptions to this rule may be made at the discretion of Market Management.
- Non-selling Guests: These vendors are allowed space at the discretion of Market Management. Preference given to organizations and businesses that educate or engage market shoppers about issues relevant to agriculture, local foods, or food insecurity. Limited non-profit spaces are available at each market. Some sponsorship packages include vending opportunities - please contact Market Management to discuss options.
- Sponsors: Community Business Sponsors have the option of tabling at the market to reach new customers! Please contact [email protected] for information on sponsorship packages.
- All vendors participating in the Rogers Local Food and Art Market are required to carry general liability insurance, contact us for low cost insurance options.
- Vendors must check-in for each market the week before a date they are scheduled for (via Marketspread).
- All vendors must report sales (via Marketspread) following any attended markets. Our market does not charge commission, but we do aggregate sales and report economic activity of the market!
- Farmers are strongly encouraged to sign-up to accept WIC Farmers Market Vouchers and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Vouchers. Contact Market Management for applications.
- 10ftx10ft pop up canopy tent. I highly recommend purchasing the brand EZ-UP. Why? Because EZ-UP warranties their tents! I purchased three tents for market use three years ago and have already had to replace parts - because when you use them every week they do break down! The replacement process was easy as pie. ALSO, you can order a custom canopy with your business name on it. This is the model I use - and if you aren't looking for a customized one this is the frame model that I think is easiest to setup - especially if you are a one-person show!
- Tent weights. We require 40lbs on each tent leg. I use these - there are 4 weights that stack on each other and each disc is 10lbs. There are lots of options, so be sure that you select the ones that are 10lbs each for a total of 40lbs PER LEG. Weighs on tent legs is a measure we take seriously that keeps our vendors from having to utilize their insurance policies because of damage tents can do when they take to the sky!
- Banner across the back of your tent. I recommend at least a 2x6ft or 2.5x6ft size. Don't make it busy - just have your logo and maybe your business tagline and one way customers can contact you like your website. Make sure you order your banner with grommets and then you can secure the banner to your tent with bungee cords. I design my banners in Canva and order locally from a print shop. They are very inexpensive!
- A-frame sign for the middle walkway. One wonderful aspect of our market is that we have a wide middle walkway, so customers never feel cramped. This space is wonderful for putting up an A-frame sign to attract customers to your booth. I use some from Hobby Lobby (~$45) or you could order something like this. I also use chalk markers.
If you have questions about the Market, vendor eligibility, or guidelines, please contact Shelly at [email protected] or call 603-380-8980.
Vendors
About
The Rogers Local Food and Art Market is a seasonal farmers market in downtown Rogers - operating weekly from May through October in Frisco Plaza of Railyard Park and moving indoors to the Railyard Live Stage for every other week during the winter.
The Rogers Local Food and Art Market is held weekly in Frisco Plaza of Railyard Park in downtown Rogers, Arkansas. Parking is adjacent to the market along 1st Street.
Programs
Manager
Shelly Dare Smith
Shelly Smith partnered with the Arts and Culture Department of the City of Rogers in 2022 to reinvent and relaunch Rogers' downtown farmers market in the newly renovated Railyard Park. Shelly brings passion and enthusiasm to the local food system - she has previously managed large farmers markets as well as other programs supporting local agriculture including publication of a farm and farmers market directory, a mobile farmers market, SNAP incentive programs, and more. Shelly got her start in the local food system as a farmer of a diversified no-spray produce and pastured livestock and eggs operation, juggling a year-round CSA and farm store as well as vending at seasonal farmers markets. She loves vegetables, helping small producers find sustainable markets, and creating community around food.