Thank you for your interest in the 2023 Aurora Farmers Market season. The Aurora Farmers Market strives to provide a large variety of vendors for our patrons, with a primary focus on local producers. A strong preference will be given to small, individually-owned family farms and businesses. If you have received your official participation confirmation from the City's Community Events team, you may begin completing this application.
Saturday's Aurora Farmers Market at Water Street Square will begin on June 10 through October 14, 2023. Hours of operation are 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM.
Thursday's Aurora Farmers Market at West Plaza will begin on July 13 through August 17, 2023. Hours of operation are 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Once your application is submitted, you will receive instructions on how to submit your vendor fees, certificate of insurance, and other necessary information and paperwork.
If you have any questions, please contact Farmers Market Manager Karla Thomas at [email protected] or 630-256-3370.
Saturday's Aurora Farmers Market at Water Street Square- 65 S. Water St.
Thursday's Aurora Farmers Market at West Plaza - 1999 W. Galena Blvd.
Saturdays- June 10 through October 14, from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thursdays- July 13 through August 17, from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
1. PUNCTUALITY: Please be considerate to the other vendors and the market volunteers. Failure to be on time may result in re-assignment for the day. Those vendors arriving late will receive one warning, then a $10 late fee per market. Each area must be cleaned and restored to order by the end of each Market day, no later than 1 p.m.
2. ATTENDANCE: Vendors who are unable to attend a specific market date in which they initially signed up for MUST inform Market staff within 48 hours of the market they will miss. A non-refundable $25 fine will be issued to any vendor who cancels less than 48 hours prior to a specific market OR who does not show up entirely.
3. SPACES: Seasonal vendors are assigned permanent locations. Each space is approximately 10 feet for single spaces and 20 feet for double. Weekly vendors are assigned an available space by the Market Manager when they arrive on Saturday morning. The market and vendors benefit from consistent location of vendors within the market from week to week. However, AFM does not guarantee a vendor's location and changes to the Market layout can be made at the Market Manager's discretion. Vendor's late arrival, changes in the number of vendors attending on any given day, and changes in the market layout may result in changes to vendors' locations. Our policy is to refuse space to all groups wishing to promote a religious, political, or advocacy position. Such groups are welcome to apply to bring a product (as cook books, plants, crafts or baked goods).
4. SET-UP: Saturday set up time is 6:00 AM to 7:45 AM . Thursday set up time is 8:00 AM. Vendors may unload their merchandise on site, but MUST move their vehicle (except those using vehicle as part of display, see #8) before set up as to avoid congestion for Saturday Market only. Vendors arriving after 7:45 AM are not allowed to pull their vehicles past the barricades to unload unless permitted by the Market Staff (Saturday market only). Late arrival may forfeit vendor's assigned space. If you are running behind, please notify Market Manager immediately.
5. VEHICLES: Vendors MUST move their vehicle for the parking lot to be blocked off by a Market manager at 7:45 AM ALL VENDORS MUST PARK IN THE VENDOR PARKING LOT- next to PNC bank *Saturday Market only.
6. CLEAN-UP & CLEANLINESS: Trucks and any other equipment used for transportation or display shall be kept clean at all times. No unwholesome or spoiled articles may be offered for sale. Prior to leaving the Market, vendors must remove all waste and refuse from their market space. The area must be returned to the same clean condition as found upon the vendor’s arrival.
7. BOOTH OPERATION: Vendors are expected to stay until the end of market hours. If they are sold out, they should leave their tent and tables up. Vendors may not leave before the market closes without approval of the market manager.
8. DISPLAY: Goods may be sold directly from trucks (Farm Vendors ONLY) but must fit into one 20’ parking space. Vendors must furnish their own tables, chairs or other display arrangements. In the event of rain, vendors must furnish their own protection, as the Market has no shelter. A tent or canopy is also recommended for protection from the sun and weather. As the Market’s popularity is increasing, it is imperative that each vendor use only his or her allotted space. If there is any infringement upon another space or extension into the street further than the parking lines, the vendor will be charged for the use of additional space/s. Under no circumstances may any space be shared, leased, re-sold or given away to another vendor without the express, written approval of the Market Manager/Committee. Spaces are not transferable.
9. TENTS: All tents must be adequately secured for wind with 25lb of weight on each corner. Those vendors with inadequately secured tents or coverings may be required to dismantle and remove them.
10. PRICING: Scales and other weighing/measuring devices must be registered as legal for trade in the State of Illinois. Prices for items must be clearly posted, either on the item, individually or at a location near the product. The Illinois State Sales Tax number must be displayed prominently in any Market stall from which goods are sold.
11. LABELING: Vendors are to display signage with the name and location of their operation. Products for sale are to display clear pricing. Farm Vendors are encouraged to display the type of growing practices that were used in their food production i.e. IPM, Certified Organic, pesticide-free, etc. Processed and Prepared Food Vendors are encouraged to display properties of their products i.e. organic, gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.
12. CARRYING: A vendor may not sell products at Aurora’s Farmers Market unless at least 75% of the product offered was grown or processed by the vendor. A product not grown or processed by that person must have been purchased directly from another vendor meeting market standards. Vendor’s application shall state what products the vendor will sell at the Aurora’s Farmers Market, and any exceptions must be approved by the Market Manager, and/or the Committee.
13. GRIEVANCE POLICY: All disputes of any nature shall be agreed upon by all parties to be settled at the discretion of the Market Manager, Committee, and/or Special Events Manager. Any altercation , be it verbal, physical or otherwise, will not be tolerated and may be cause for immediate expulsion from the market that day and may further result in permanent expulsion from the Market. Any further disciplinary action will be determined by the Market Manager, Committee and/or the Special Event Manager. Occupant of space at this market must conform to the market rules at all times. The Market Manager has full authority to enforce all rules. Any occupant failing to comply there within will have their space declared vacant at the discretion of the Market Manager and no refunds will be given. It is the mission of the Aurora’s Farmers Market to provide a service in the best interest of the community. The Market Manager is empowered to enforce the regulations and make discretionary judgments to that end, and in the best interest of the Market.
14. NECESSARY DOCUMENTS & PERMITS: All Vendors are required to comply with their Individual Vendor Policies as outlined below. Vendors are required to submit with their application any required proof of insurance, health permits/licenses, Farm and Production plan and Declaration of Products for sale.
15. PRODUCTION SITE: Vendors must post their production site locations. The Market reserves the right to visit the locations of growers/producers to confirm that the products brought to the market are their own.
16. DISCIPLINE & REMOVAL FROM THE MARKET: Vendors who do not comply with the market rules and regulations shall forfeit selling privileges and may be subject to fines and penalties. Vendors may be removed or suspended from any market for; causing or maintaining unsafe or unsanitary conditions, repeated failure to attend markets, or behavior that obstructs any other vendor's commerce or ability to transact business.
Have you been approved to complete this application by the City of Aurora’s Community Events Division? If you haven't, please contact [email protected]
The Market will authorize vendors offering atypical goods or services on a case-by-case basis.
1. Farm Vendors
a. Definition of Farm Vendor: 75% of products sold must be grown or produced by the vendor. Food vendor must be an active owner/operator of the farming operation and may not be operating the business under a franchise agreement or as a wholesaler. Vendors selling non-food plants may act as wholesalers provided they grow their product locally, work as both a wholesaler and local seller, and submit to visits to their facilities. Acceptance is up to the discretion of the Market Manager, Committee and Special Event Manager, "Vendor" shall be defined as the farmer of produce sold and shall include the immediate family and employees of the applicant who assist in the cultivation of the same property listed in the application under the "name of the farm facility." Produce grown or produced at a location not listed on the application is not eligible to be sold. The resale of items purchased by the vendor shall not be permitted with the exception of “Carrying” as outlined in Rule 12. Farm Vendor’s application shall state what products the vendor will sell at the Aurora’s Farmers Market.
b. Permitted Items for Sale: Only vendors selling as farmers may sell items from this category. Items eligible for sale include: raw vegetables and fruits including cut, washed and unwashed bagged vegetables; mushrooms; edible plants; eggs; apiary products (honey); garlic; spices; grains; herbs; bedding plants and nursery stock; fresh cut and dried flowers; raw and frozen meats (beef, lamb, mutton, pork, goat); raw and frozen poultry; raw and frozen game bird and rabbit; raw and frozen fish; fluid milk and fresh dairy products. Vendors are only permitted to sell items that the Market Manager has approved.
c. Samples: Sampling of any item by the Vendor to the public is strictly prohibited without proper permit from Kane County Health Department. Contact Brisia Davila at (630) 208-2177 or email [email protected] with any questions.
2. Processed Food Vendors
a. Definition of Processed Food Vendor: All products sold must be produced by the vendor. Vendor must be an active owner/operator, which includes immediate family and employees of the applicant. Processed Food Vendor’s application shall state what products the vendor will sell at the Aurora’s Farmers Market. Exceptions to this definition are subject to the approval of the Market Coordinators.
b. Permitted Items for Sale: Baked goods-breads, pastries, cookies, cakes, pies; chocolates; fresh pasta; preserves- fruit syrups, jellies, jams, herbal and vegetable spreads, pickles, and herbal vinegars; herb and spice blends; juice and cider; wine and beer; cheese; cured meat and sausage. Vendors are only permitted to sell items that the Market Manager has approved.
c. Packaging and Labeling: Any processed product must have packaging and labeling that conforms to the Kane County and State of Illinois Public Health and Marketing standards. Each vendor is responsible for securing the appropriate permits/health licenses to sell said processed foods. Homemade baked goods and homemade food, such as honey, will be accepted under the conditions that goods are made, or packaged/bottled by the Vendor’s immediate family.
d. Samples: Sampling of any item by the Vendor to the public is strictly prohibited without proper permit from Kane County Health Department. Contact Brisia Davila at (630) 208-2177 or email [email protected] with any questions .
e. Vendors shall be responsible to collect, report and remit taxes at the appropriate rate to the Illinois Department of Revenue.
3. Prepared Food Vendors
a. Definition of Prepared Food Vendors: All products sold must be prepared by the vendor. Vendor must be an active owner/operator, which includes the immediate family and employees of the applicant. Prepared Food Vendor’s application shall state what products the vendor will sell at the Aurora’s Farmers Market. Exceptions to this definition are subject to the approval of the Market Manager.
b. Permitted Items for Sale: Prepared foods are ready-to-eat and take-away items such as snacks and meals; Non-alcoholic beverages (note that sales of bottled beverages are not allowed); ice cream; soups; sandwiches; snacks and treats. Vendors are only permitted to sell items that the Market Manager has approved.
c. Health Regulations: Prepared Food Vendors are subject to all Kane County Health department regulations and must comply with said regulations. It is the responsibility of the Owner/Producer/Manager of the respective vendor to produce appropriate permits/health license at the request of a Kane County or State of Illinois Official. Failure to produce required documentation upon request will be cause for immediate expulsion from the Market until proper documentation is produced. Once you are accepted as a vendor, we will send you instructions and forms necessary to comply with all City of Aurora regulations, which, depending on the nature of your business, may include fire prevention permits, Food and Beverage Tax registration and others.
d. Samples: Sampling of any item by the Vendor to the public is strictly prohibited without proper permit from Kane County Health Department. Contact Brisia Davila at (630) 208-2177 or email [email protected] with any questions.
e. Fire Department Regulations: Aurora Fire Department needs to inspect your truck for food vendors. Please contact Fire Prevention at [email protected] to arrange a time to have your truck inspected.
f. Note: With respect to our environment, no bottled water or bottled beverages may be sold or given away at the Market.
4. Artisan Vendors
a. Definition of Artisan Vendors: All products sold must be produced by the vendor. Vendor must be an active owner/operator, which includes the immediate family and employees of the applicant. Artisan Vendors shall state what products the vendor will sell at Aurora’s Farmers Market. Selections will be made based on originality, quality and space available.
b. Permitted Items for Sale: Artisan items are non-edible products and vendors are only permitted to sell items that the Market Manager has approved. Emphasis is on farm, garden, educational and ecological inspired and related products based on plant, fiber and animal products.
c. No items made from kits, reproductions of artwork not created by the vendor, and commercially manufactured clothing, unless substantially altered and enhanced by the vendor will be allowed. The starting material must be significantly altered and enhanced by the vendor, and the finished product should artistically dominate any commercial components used in the product. Items that involve the consolidation of two or more commercial products without any artistic or creative input from the vendor do not qualify.
5. Educational or Not-For-Profit Booth
Definition of Educational or NFP booth: No products may be sold at this booth. The participant will use the Market information booth. Participants are restricted to educational demonstration, community groups and not-for-profit groups using the space to educate. Sign up for the space will be through the Market Manager, is limited to no more than twice in one season per group, and is free of charge. Booth space is not available for services, political or faith-based organizations.
Complete all applicable questions carefully and completely. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Vendors with unpaid balances due to the City of Aurora will not be considered until their balance is paid in full. Applications must be submitted by May 12th, 2023.
All vendors must submit supporting documents such as your Illinois Department of Revenue Sales Tax number certificate and certificate of insurance to [email protected]
Please select
Please indicate whether you plan to be at the Market every week, or only on certain dates, as well as how many spaces you would like to reserve. A space is about 11 feet wide, intended for a 10' tent (no cars). Farmers/producers may request 2-3 spaces.
Payment - Payment can be made after receiving acceptance into the 2023 market from Aurora’s Farmers Market. Notification of acceptance will be made by March 3, 2023.
Rates - Please note payment for full seasonal spaces are due by 5/16/2023, with priority given to past vendors for placement. After May 19th space will be allocated based on availability and on a first come first serve basis. All payments should be made out to: City of Aurora, 44 E. Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60505. For questions call 630-256-3370 or email us at: [email protected] *Payment MUST be paid in full to attend market*
WEEKLY VENDORS, please pick the dates in which you would prefer to participate. *PLEASE NOTE- Weekly spots are limited and are available on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE basis. If you choose a certain date that is not available, the Market Manager will contact you directly and ask you that you choose a different date. Please contact the Aurora Farmers Market Manger with any questions.
I agree to sell or offer for sale at the 2023 Aurora’s Farmers Market, only items approved by the Market Committee. I hereby affirm that I have read and understand the market rules and agree to comply with said terms of this permit. I do agree to hold harmless the City of Aurora, their owners, agents, volunteers, employees or management and do hereby agree to hold harmless and indemnify the City of Aurora from any claim or suit resulting from the sale or consumption of goods or products sold at the Farmers Market including, but not limited to, any claims, charges, judgments, damages for personal injury or property damages, incidental and consequential damages and the cost of defense including reasonable attorney's fees, court costs and expenses. Please state you name and business below with your signature, date and your IL tax ID#. Payments can be made payable to: City of Aurora, 44 E. Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60505 or you can visit the website at https://www.aurora-il.org/events/farmersmarket.org
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