For Vendors

Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking about vending at the Downtown Watseka Farmers Market? Here are answers to the questions we hear most. Still have one we missed? Just reach out — we're happy to help.

It's simple! Fill out our vendor application online or download the PDF version. We'll ask about your business, what you sell, and what type of vendor you'd like to be — Full Time or Occasional.

Applications are reviewed by the market committee and acceptance is not guaranteed, so we recommend applying as early as possible. For the summer season, the full-time application deadline is May 24, 2026.

Winter Market 2026/2027 applications are open now. The same application covers both seasons; just choose a winter option under Vendor Type & Fee. Winter spaces are first come, first served.

Ready to apply? Scroll down to the application section or email us at dtwatsekafarmersmarket@gmail.com with any questions first.

The Winter Farmers Market runs the third Saturday of the month, November through April, indoors at The Homestead Venue, 119 W Walnut St, from 9 AM to 1 PM.

The six dates for the 2026/2027 winter season are:

  • Saturday, November 21, 2026
  • Saturday, December 19, 2026
  • Saturday, January 16, 2027
  • Saturday, February 20, 2027
  • Saturday, March 20, 2027
  • Saturday, April 17, 2027

Spaces are $25 each, first come first served, or you can reserve your space for all six dates as a full season vendor for $150. A table and two chairs are provided, so no tent or canopy is needed.

Applying: Use the same vendor application and select a winter option under Vendor Type & Fee. Single date vendors can check exactly which dates they want. Setup times and any remaining details are confirmed with vendors once accepted.

It depends on the season and how often you'd like to join us.

Summer Market (Saturdays, June through October):

  • Full Time Vendor — $250/season (paid on or before May 23, 2026) — Attend all market dates with a guaranteed booth space all season. After May 23rd the rate increases to $300.
  • Occasional Vendor — $20/day — Single Saturday registration. Space is subject to availability and not guaranteed. Payment is due 5 business days before your market date.

Winter Market (third Saturday of the month, November through April):

  • Full Season Vendor, $150: All six winter dates, with your space held for the season.
  • Single Date, $25 per space: First come, first served. Sign up for as many or as few dates as you like.

Payment is accepted via Cash, Check, Money Order, or Venmo. Vendors will not be permitted to set up until payment is received in full.

The Watseka Farmers Market focuses on locally grown produce and handmade goods. Everything you sell must be produced or grown by you — in your home, on your farm, or in your business.

  • Fresh produce — Illinois-grown vegetables, fruit & farm staples
  • Baked goods — breads, pies, cookies & homemade treats
  • Specialty foods — honey, jams, salsas, mustards & other homemade items
  • Meat, dairy & eggs — farm-raised products
  • Plants & flowers — fresh, dried, potted & seeds
  • Handmade crafts — candles, soaps, jewelry, art & decor
  • Prepared & ready-to-eat foods
Not allowed: Mass-produced or franchised items — including Avon, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, and similar products. The market committee reserves the right to refuse any vendor or item not in keeping with market standards.

At the summer market, the market does not provide any equipment. You are responsible for bringing everything you need to set up and operate your booth:

  • Tent or canopy (required) with tent weights
  • Tables, chairs & display materials
  • Signage with your business name — must be neat, clear, and visible
  • Broom, dustpan & your own garbage bags for cleanup
  • A mat under your space if you're serving food (to protect the street from grease)
  • Your own payment processing (card reader, cash box, etc.)
Heads up: Watseka Farmers Market will not loan any materials to vendors. Come prepared!

At the winter market, a table and two chairs are provided and everything is indoors, so no tent, canopy, or weights are needed. You'll still want your own signage, display materials, cleanup supplies, and payment processing.

At the summer market, set-up begins at 6:00 AM each Saturday. The market officially opens at 7:00 AM and runs until Noon.

The winter market runs 9 AM to 1 PM indoors at The Homestead Venue. Setup times are confirmed with vendors ahead of each winter date.

Important: Vendors not fully set up by 8:00 AM may have their space reassigned. Please plan to arrive with enough time to be ready before the market opens.

Vehicles are not permitted in the market parking lot between 7:45 AM and 12:05 PM, so plan your load-in and load-out accordingly. If you're going to be late or can't make it, notify the Market Manager by noon on Friday at (815) 549-2657.

At the summer market, electricity is available, but it is limited. The majority of electrical access is reserved for prepared food vendors. If you need electricity, you must indicate that on your application.

You are also welcome to bring your own generator. All generators must be muffled to respect fellow vendors and customers — a Honda EU3000is or equivalent is recommended. The Market Manager may ask a vendor to leave if a generator is deemed too loud, without refund of vendor fees.

Occasional Vendors: Electricity access is not guaranteed for occasional/part-time vendors. Please plan accordingly.

Life happens — we get it. But consistent attendance is important for keeping the market full and vibrant for our community. Here's what you need to know:

  • Notify the Market Manager as early as possible at dtwatsekafarmersmarket@gmail.com, (815) 549-2657, or (602) 818-6709.
  • An absence is unexcused if you notify us after noon on the Friday before the market, or don't show up without any notice.
  • Three or more unexcused absences will result in a $15 fee. Your market fees will not be refunded, and further unexcused absences may result in removal from the market.
Occasional vendors: Only sign up for dates you can actually attend. Please don't request dates you're unsure about.

The Watseka Farmers Market is held rain or shine. Cancellations only occur in the case of severe weather that poses a genuine safety risk.

If a cancellation does occur due to severe weather, vendors will be notified via phone, text, and email by 7:00 AM on the day of the market. In the event of a market-wide severe weather cancellation, Occasional/Part Time vendor fees will be applied as a credit toward a future market date of your choice for that same season.

No-shows and cancellations: Vendor fees are not refunded or waived for missed dates, whether due to personal reasons, no-shows, or cancellations initiated by the vendor. Fees are only subject to review in the case of a market-wide cancellation declared by the Market Manager.

We'd love to hear from you! Reach out anytime and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Ready to Join the Market?

We'd love to have you. Applications are open for the Winter Market 2026/2027 season. Winter spaces are first come, first served, so submit yours early.

Apply to Vend Read the Full Policies

Contact the Farmers Market

📧 dtwatsekafarmersmarket@gmail.com

Have a question about the market? Send us a message.