FOR VENDORS

Applications, Resources & Important Information

Applications to join us for our 2024 Christmas Market are now CLOSED!

Thank you for your interest in our market.

Applications for our 2025 outdoor market will open soon, stay tuned.

Application Timeline

Are you interested in applying? Maybe you already have!  Check out the timeline for important information!

STEP ONE - Getting Ready

Prior to applying, please take the time to read through our market requirements and resources found below. Having pictures of your products and links to social media and websites will make the application more accessible to market management. The application for the 2024 St. Albert Farmers’ Market is now available.

STEP TWO - Applying

Please be sure to read the Rules and Regulations on the application carefully before submitting your application. Complete the application with as much detail as possible about your product, and include a complete product list. All products added later are subject to management approval.

Applications for the outdoor market dates will be processed between January 15 and March 31. You will be notified via email when a decision has been made on your application.

STEP THREE - Wait for Acceptance

STEP FOUR - Acceptance

Upon acceptance you will be sent information on the next steps by market management. Be sure to read carefully as there will be information and action items pertaining to insurance, and documents specific to your product.

Vendor Types

Seasonal vendors apply for all Saturdays of the outdoor market season. By committing to all of these dates, they are assigned the same stall for the duration of the market and receive one complimentary Saturday! The due date for seasonal applications is January 15, 2024.

Seasonal Vendors (Outdoor Only)

A weekly vendor can pick and choose which weekends they want to be in the market. On the form, they check off whichever dates they are interested in, and are placed based on product type and availability. For any dates we are unable to accommodate a vendor, they are placed on a waiting list and called upon when we receive cancellations. Weekly vendors are not guaranteed to receive the same placement each weekend or to be accepted for all of their requested dates.

Weekly Vendors

Non-profit vendors are organizations that want to take advantage of the crowds present at our market and spread awareness about their cause. Non-profit vendors must have their registration number present on their application to qualify. These vendors are not permitted to sell anything. Each applicant can only be in the market a maximum of twice a season, and in general, we only designate two spots for non-profits each weekend. These vendors do not have to pay to take part.

Non-Profit Vendors

Concession vendors are permitted to sell single-serving, ready-to-consume food and drink items in the concession areas of the market. The menus of each concession vendor must be reviewed in order to ensure there is product variety and inspected by the City of St. Albert Inspections Branch. A concession vendor typically needs to be available for all market days.

Concession Vendors (Outdoor Only)

Fee buskers charge a pre-set fee for the entertainment or artwork they provide at the market. An example of a fee busker is a face painter that charges per face they paint, or a bouncy castle operator where you pay for time spent.

Fee Busker

Buskers do not charge any fee for the entertainment or artwork they provide. They accept monetary donations rather than a payment. They are rotated throughout the market and not in a permanent location. The most common type of busker in the market is a musician that leaves a container out for market visitors to tip them as they play. Buskers are not permitted to drop into the market unannounced. They must submit an application form and have received an acceptance form in order to perform. The entire Busker market day fee will be going to a scholarship fund for young artists who may not be able to afford music lessons.

Busker

MARKET REQUIREMENTS AND RESOURCES

Food Safety Alberta Certification

Completion of a food safe course is mandatory for all vendors who sell any food items or non-alcoholic beverages. Information on, and links to online courses can be found here. Requirements for concession vendors can be found here.

Sampling Requirements

Sampling is an integral aspect of selling food at a farmers’ market. All vendors who wish to sample must do so in compliance with Alberta Health Services Guidelines. Information can be found here.

Personal Care Registration

Vendors who sell personal care products are required to register each product. The process is free and ensures that the products do not impose health risks to consumers. Proof of registration will be required upon acceptance. More information can be found here.

Labelling Requirements

All food products sold at the market must meet the appropriate labelling requirements. Information on labelling for farmers’ markets can be found here.

Liability Insurance

Insurance is required for all types of vendors at our market. Further information on insurance will be provided upon acceptance. Once you have been accepted, you will be required to submit insurance prior to your first scheduled market date.

Insurance can be purchased from the provider of your choice, we do recommend the provider Duuo insurance to our vendors as they offer daily, weekly, monthly and yearly insurance rates.

 FAQs

  • The market strives to build lasting relationships with vendors and works hard to promote returning vendors. However, due to the nature of the industry, changing trends, and changing market needs, spaces are never guaranteed for any vendors regardless of past participation.

  • While we understand that vendors can benefit from placement repetition, it is not always possible to keep the same placement as previous years. As market product trends change and new vendors come in, changes are often needed to maintain market balance and accommodate growing market needs. Placement requests can be made on your application and will be taken into consideration.

  • Every vendor must have a 10 x 10 foot canopy to participate in the market. No supplies or promotional materials are allowed outside of the space provided to ensure fair representation of each vendor and to keep a clear market space for patrons to walk.

  • No vendors have access to power. We do allow generators onsite, however they must have a noise reducing cover to keep noise levels down in our busy market.

  • The market has buskers playing throughout the market who have priority in the area. If there is no busker near you, and surrounding vendors do not mind, you can play low music appropriate for all ages. Please note, that if your music disrupts other vendors, or is deemed too loud or inappropriate by market management, you will be required to turn it off.

  • Vendors can sell products that are made, baked, or grown by them. We do not allow resale of goods, used products, or franchised products in the market.

  • There are ATM’s on site for patron use. You can accept any form of payment, but will provide your own means of collecting it. Many of our vendors take both cash and card at their stall.

  • We do not allow vendors to sell products made by others. Acceptance into the market is based on the products you make only.

  • We are a rain or shine market. Just as you expect to receive your space every weekend, we expect you to fill it. Visitor attendance remains high no matter the weather. No refunds are issued if you cancel due to weather.

  • Vendors must remain set up for the duration of the market day. Leaving early creates holes in the market and disrupts both visitors and surrounding vendors. Use the opportunity to speak with patrons about what you offer and encourage them to visit in following weeks.

  • Our market has a waitlist of vendors each year. If a vendor cannot attend, market management will fill the space with an approved vendor from the waitlist. You cannot authorize the use of your stall to anyone else.

  • Very few vendors have parking at their stall. Vendors are able to drive up to their stall to unload and then are directed to the vendor parking lots. Detailed information about parking is sent to vendors in their orientation package.