Hinesville Downtown Farmers Market will be conducted on Thursdays:

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1 201 Application Established in 2010, the Hinesville Downtown Farmers Market is a thriving outlet for fresh farm and agricultural goods as well as crafts and prepared foods. It has quickly become the Thursday night place to be in Liberty County. The open-air, outdoor Market is conducted each Thursday (May through October from 3 to 7 p.m.) in beautiful Downtown Hinesville. Vendors are invited to offer goods in the following categories: fresh produce, agricultural/farm items, baked goods, specialty foods, floral & plants, arts and crafts, and prepared foods. Live music/entertainment performances are scheduled most weeks. Special events are planned to coincide with Market activities throughout the season. Non-profit booth space is available each week Farmers Market Vendors Meeting will be April 5, 2018 at 3 p.m. in the Hinesville Room on the third floor at City Hall (115 E. MLK, Jr. Drive) ~Receive booth assignments and meet Market personnel~ HINESVILLE DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET MISSION The Hinesville Downtown Farmers Market is designed to strengthen the local economy and enhance quality of life by providing opportunities to purchase fresh, homegrown produce and products from area growers and local artisans. Hinesville Downtown Farmers Market will be conducted on Thursdays:, to 7 p.m. Ma df4oo11gg Staff: Michelle Ricketson Catie Fanucci Crystal Caines Executive Director Program Assistant Main Street Coordinator 115 East M.L. King Jr. Drive Hinesville, Georgia Fax: (912) Telephone: (912) mainstreet@hinesvilledowntown.com

2 2018 HINESVILLE DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET GUIDELINES By submitting the 2018 Hinesville Downtown Farmers Market Application, applicants acknowledge they have received, understand, and agree to follow all policies and procedures set forth by the Hinesville Downtown Development Authority (herein referred to as HDDA) and the Hinesville Downtown Farmers Market, (Herein referred to as Market ). HDDA reserves the right to remove any vendor at any time for failure to comply with the Farmers Market Policies and Procedures. Disregard for any guidelines and policies established in this document may be just cause for action to be taken. HDDA retains the right to prohibit a vendor from participation in the Hinesville Downtown Farmers Market for violation of the policies, without refund. PRODUCT AND MERCHANDISE GUIDELINES The primary focus of the Hinesville Downtown Farmers Market is locally grown, fresh produce and agricultural items. Merchandise available for sale must be produced or grown at local farms and gardens or businesses. Brokered produce and produce grown outside of the counties surrounding Liberty County will be allowed only when such items are not in-season locally or not being offered by other local producers. Out-of-state produce and brokered item must be pre-approved by the market manager and each brokered item must be clearly indicated as such through signage. Crafts must be original creations crafted by the vendor and are subject for approval by market management based on type and quality of product. Mass-produced items or franchised items such as Avon, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef and Tupperware, etc. are not eligible vendor products. HDDA reserves the right to deny acceptance of any vendor or item that is not in keeping with the rules, quality, or expectations of the Hinesville Downtown Farmers Market. CATEGORIES - The Hinesville Downtown Farmers Market includes seven categories as defined below: 1. Produce: Fresh, home-grown local produce; organically grown products encouraged. 2. Floral & Plants: Fresh cut and dried flowers, seeds/seedlings/flats, potted plants, bushes, and herbs. 3. Baked Goods & Specialty Food Items: Baked goods include: breads, pies, cookies, cakes and other homemade foods. Specialty Foods include: jams, jellies, honeys, and granola. 4. Crafts: Homemade items (candles, soaps, handmade jewelry, garden arts, textiles, and other art/craft items). 5. Other: Agricultural/farm items that do not fall into the above categories (meats, eggs, cheese, poultry, seafood, nuts, wine, etc. subject to appropriate certification as required by local/state/federal regulations). 6. Prepared Foods: Ready-to-eat items such as sandwiches, grilled items, and snack foods. 7. Merchant: Downtown Hinesville businesses may rent space to sell store s merchandise. Merchant spaces may not be sub-let and are subject to all other market rules. This category is only available to locally-owned and operated Downtown Hinesville merchants. (Application must be on file prior to first market attended). To maintain a vibrant, appealing, and produce-focused market, the following vendor mix will be used as a general guide for selecting participants: Produce, farm/agricultural products: 40% minimum (no cap) Floral & Plants: 10% (up to 20%) Baked Goods/Specialty Foods: 20% (up to 30% if varied product) Crafts: 20% (preference for crafts complimentary to farm products: candles, soaps, garden /yard items). Prepared foods: 10% (Health Dept. permit required, vendors are selected based on product variety). Downtown Merchants: No limit. (Weekly participation based on space availability). In addition to maintaining the appropriate vendor mix, vendor selection is based on quality of product, date of application, and previous experience with the vendor. Application acceptance is not guaranteed! Applicants not selected as seasonal vendors may be placed on a waiting list for weekly vendor openings or fulltime spots as vacancy in category occurs.

3 2018 HINESVILLE DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET GUIDELINES ATTENDANCE: In an effort to maintain a full and active farmers market, all Market vendors are required to notify the HDDA office of any absences by noon on the day of the Market. Advance notification of vendor absence prior to the day of the market is appreciated, to allow timely notification of weekly vendors. Vendors should limit absences to three (3) per season. Excessive absences may result in loss of assigned space for the remainder of the season and will render a vendor ineligible to receive any discounts. CLEAN-UP AND TRASH REMOVAL: Vendors are responsible for collecting and removing all vendor trash. Vendors are prohibited from using the park trash receptacles. Roll carts in the alley are available for vendor use. Booth space must be cleaned at the end of each Market. Food vendors must place a mat or tarp under any areas where food is cooked to protect the ground surfaces. PRODUCTS & LABELING: Vendors are required to comply with the State of Georgia Department of Agriculture guidelines for food products sold at events sponsored by non-profit organizations. All vendors are strongly encouraged to display product pricing in a clear and visible manner. All brokered produce must be declared through signage/labeling at every market. Vendors are responsible for obtaining all necessary licenses and certifications required by the State of Georgia. For more information on product and labeling guidelines, required licenses, and certifications please contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture at (404) SALES TAX: It is each vendor s responsibility to know if they are required to collect and remit Georgia Sales Tax. HDDA is not accountable for vendors who fail to meet this obligation. Contact the GA Department of Revenue at (877) ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH: All Farmers Market vendors are required to comply with the State of Georgia Public Health regulations governing the preparation, handling, and presentation of food. Health Department staff will inspect booths during the set-up period to ensure standards are met. Vendors are responsible for obtaining all necessary licenses and permits required by the State of Georgia. Prepared-food vendors must contact the Liberty County Environmental Health Department at (912) Note: Baked goods are governed by the GA Department of Agriculture (see contact information above). EBT / SNAP: Eligible vendors may accept EBT/SNAP customers for purchases. Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) is an electronic system that allows a recipient to authorize transfer of their government benefits from a Federal account to a retailer account to pay for products received. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps helps low income individuals and families purchase healthy foods they need. Contact Department of Family & Children Services at (877) FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (FMNP): Vendors seeking certification in the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) for the first time must be certified through classroom instruction scheduled by the WIC District Office at (912) LIABILITY: All vendors are required to sign the Hold Harmless Clause included in this application. Vendors assume all responsibility for the operation of their booth and any damages or injuries that may occur in that area during normal hours of market operation or from consumption of products or goods. All merchandise will be handled and displayed at the vendor s risk and HDDA assumes no responsibility for theft, accident or natural disaster. Vendor insurance coverage is not provided by the HDDA or the Hinesville Downtown Farmers Market staff therefore, each vendor must carry his or her own liability insurance. Vendors should contact their insurance providers to ensure proper coverage for Market participation and to obtain a certificate listing the Hinesville Downtown Farmers Market.

4 2018 FARMERS MARKET POLICIES & PROCEDURES SPACE RESERVATIONS: Each market space is approximately 20 by 15. Seasonal vendors enjoy a significant discount and are assigned a booth location for the entire season. Double spaces are allowed (no more than two spaces are allowed per vendor). Market management recommends submitting application as early as possible, as a limited number of spaces in each non-produce/agricultural category are available. Vendors may not sublet or share space. GENERAL VENDOR PREPARED-FOODS VENDOR Regular Seasonal $ (Save $340) Regular Seasonal $ (Save $530) Monthly (4 consecutive wks) $60 (Save $20) Monthly (4 consecutive wks) $80 (Save $40) Weekly Vendor $20.00 Weekly Vendor $30.00 Downtown Merchant 50% of weekly rate Downtown Merchant 50% of weekly rate A deposit of 50% of the vendor fee (per space) is required with the submission of seasonal applications to secure space reservations. Applications submitted without a deposit are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed for acceptance. The remaining Seasonal vendor fees must be paid prior to the May 31, 2018 Market. Completed applications will be receipt dated to be used in vendor selection / booth assignment requests. Deposits will be returned to vendors not accepted to the Market. Once accepted, vendors withdrawing after May 31, 2018 (for any reason) will not receive a deposit refund. Weekly and Monthly vendors will be accepted according to vendor type, product quality, category availability and previous experience with vendor. Once accepted, selections will be made on a first-come, first-served basis a requests and payments are received. Weekly and monthly vendor payments must be pre-paid no later than noon on the day of the market. All vendors must check in with the Market Manager for booth assignment. There is no guarantee a weekly/monthly space and/or a particular location will be available. VENDOR OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES Official Hinesville Downtown Farmers Market hours are from 3 to 7 p.m. each Thursday, from May 3rd through October 25 th. Set-up time is from 2 to 3 p.m. Vendors may not enter market area prior to 2:00 p.m., unless the street has been cleared AND staff guides you into market. Booths must be set-up and ready for sales by 3 p.m. Vendors not checked-in by 2:30 p.m. may be relocated. Sales must be between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. No early sales or early tear-downs are permitted! Vehicles must enter the Market area from MLK Drive, and exit away from MLK Drive. No exceptions! One vehicle per vendor may remain in the Market area. Extra vehicles must be relocated to public parking by 2:45 PM. Vendors arriving late to market MUST check-in with the Market management prior to entering the market and may be denied permission to bring vehicle into the Market area, for public safety reasons. Vendors are responsible for all set-up items such as tables, chairs, canopies, and hand-washing stations (no water outlet available on site). Shade during summer months is highly recommended. Tents must be secured to sustain wind gusts as required by the City of Hinesville Inspections Department and is a condition of our event permit. (Suggest: Large, filled containers or cinder blocks secured with bungee cords). Use of electrical outlets for light use only (such as fans) may be available upon request. Must be pre-approved! Only whisper-soft/quiet generators such as the Honda EU series inverter models or equivalent are allowed and must be pre-approved by HDDA Staff. All prepared food vendors must have a 5 pound fire extinguisher with appropriate tagging. Vendors will not be permitted to bring children to the market. If bringing a child to the market is unavoidable, the child must stay at the booth and be under direct supervision at all times. Vendors using electrical outlets or operating generators without pre-approval are in violation of policy and will be required to discontinue use. Vendors may be asked to leave the Market without refund of vendor fees.

5 2018 HINESVILLE DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET APPLICATION Name: Business Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Telephone (Daytime): (Evening): Cellular Telephone: Social Security Number or Sales Tax Permit Number: Please mark your primary product category: Produce Floral/Plant Baked Goods Packaged / Specialty Goods Crafts Other Farm items (please list): Prepared foods (list items): CHECK ALL PRODUCT CATEGORIES you would like to sell at the Hinesville Farmers Market: The terms home-grown and home-made indicates product grown or made by the applicant. Brokered items are any item not produced by the applicant, obtained for the purpose of resale at the market. Produce: GEORGIA home-grown produce Certified Organic produce Broker, selling locally grown produce Broker, selling produce from a wholesaler Floral/Plant: GEORGIA home-grown bedding plants GEORGIA home-grown flowers Broker, selling flowers from a wholesaler Broker, selling plants from a wholesaler Other Farm/Agricultural Items: GEORGIA home-made bakery goods GEORGIA home-made bread GEORGIA raised eggs / other dairy GEORGIA raised meat/poultry/seafood Miscellaneous: GEORGIA made original artwork GEORGIA made original crafts Downtown Hinesville Merchant FOOD prepared & sold at market Other: If you are a broker, selling goods from a wholesaler and you are also selling GEORGIA home grown or made items, please specify the percent of your inventory that is GEORGIA home-grown / made:. Vendors must request and receive approval from HDDA staff before adding mid-season inventory. HDDA reserves the right to limit inventory to be sold at the Hinesville Downtown Farmers Market.

6 Please submit all of the checklist items below. The application is not considered complete until all items are received: Completed Hinesville Downtown Farmers Market Application Deposit (50% of current rate at time of submission) Remaining balance must be paid in full by May 31, 2018; $20 per space / weekly vendors; $60 per space / monthly vendors Make checks payable to Hinesville Downtown Development Authority. Food Service Permit (required for prepared foods vendors only) Growers Certificate (provided by your local UGA Extension office) Other certificates, licenses, and permits as required for product to be sold. Photographs of each craft type* (required for craft vendors only) *Because the crafts category is very broad, it is important to maintain a high level of quality for our market. All vendors in this category must include three (3) photos of each type of item that will be sold in each booth. Photos will not be returned and will be kept on file with a vendor s application. WIC certification number (if applicable): EBT certification number (if applicable): Years certified in WIC: Years certified in EBT: To assist HDDA with appropriate space assignments, please describe booth set-up (canopy, tables, selling from truck (specify truck size: pick-up, commercial, etc.), carts, display walls, ground displays: Please reserve 1 or 2 spaces(s) for my product. Preferred location: (circle) PLEASE READ, SIGN, AND DATE All authorized vendors participating in the Hinesville Downtown Farmers Market are independent operators and not partners or joint ventures, and shall be individually and severally liable for any loss, personal injury, deaths, and/or any other damages that may occur as a result of the vendor s negligence or that of its employees, agents, and associates. In consideration for being allowed to participate, all vendors agree to indemnify Hinesville Downtown Farmers Market, Hinesville Downtown Development Authority, City of Hinesville, Liberty County, affiliates, and volunteers harmless from any loss, costs, damages, and other expenses including attorney s fees, suffered or incurred by Hinesville Downtown Farmers Market by reason of vendor s negligence or intentional misconduct or that of its employees, agents, and associates; provided that the vendor shall not be liable for nor required to indemnify Hinesville Downtown Farmers Market, Hinesville Downtown Development Authority, City of Hinesville, Liberty County, affiliates, and volunteers for any negligence of any of them or that of their servants, agents, employees or associations. I further give approval for HDDA to use photographs and/or video images taken at this event, which might include images of personnel, affiliates, and products for publicity purposes. Signature: Date: Completed applications with deposit may be submitted in person, or mailed to: HDDA, 115 East M.L. King Jr. Drive, Hinesville, GA HDDA office on the 2 nd Floor of City Hall