Vendor Rules for Crowsnest Community Market

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Once your vendor application process is completed and reviewed, the Market Manager will notify you regarding the status of your application and send you an invoice for the booked dates. 

The Crowsnest Community Market aims to feature a diverse array of food, craft, artisan vendors, and non-profit groups, along with a limited number of multi-level marketing businesses. 

The planning committee’s goal is to maintain a balanced mix of vendor types at each market event. Similar vendors will be assessed individually, and only one vendor type will be allowed for multi-level marketing businesses (e.g., Epicure, Tupperware, etc.). 

We recognize that not all applicants will secure space at our Market, and it is the right and responsibility of the Crowsnest Community Market Committee to allocate space accordingly. 

To ensure a relaxed shopping experience for our customers, vendors must adhere to the vendor code of conduct and ensure they have adequate products available at the market they attend.

We understand that emergencies happen, and if you cannot attend your scheduled market at the Crowsnest Community Market, we ask that you contact us as soon as possible to ensure your continued participation in future markets. Adhering to the vendor code of conduct is essential, as failure to attend a scheduled market without prior communication may result in the suspension of your market privileges. Refunds and/or transferring of market dates will only be issued with a minimum of 48 hours' notice that you cannot make your scheduled date. Any requests made after 48 hours will be evaluated at management's discretion, as part of the vendor application process.

Vendors at the Crowsnest Community Market will conduct themselves in a courteous and respectful manner towards the public and all market participants. As part of the vendor application process, it is required that vendors stay in their allocated space during market hours and have at least one person manning their space at all times. We foster a market family atmosphere where vendors support each other, so if you need to leave your space for restroom or food breaks, assistance is available.

Vendors must refrain from any behavior that interferes with the rights and selling opportunities of other vendors. Additionally, the vendor code of conduct prohibits the use of offensive, threatening, or intimidating language. Any form of harassment will not be tolerated, and any vendors who fail to comply will be asked to leave the market immediately, with all market privileges suspended permanently for all markets.

Vendors are not permitted to participate in the market under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Those selling items that are not family-friendly must display them appropriately and maintain respect in their displays.

Vendors are responsible for operating vehicles and/or equipment in a safe and responsible manner. Vehicles are only allowed in the park for approved food trucks or trailers.

It is essential for vendors to ensure compliance with the Rules and Regulations from Federal, Provincial, and Municipal governments, as well as respect and adhere to the rules established by the Crowsnest Community Market.

Items that may not be sold include, but are not limited to, used or second-hand items such as antiques. The suitability of any product offered for sale is at the discretion of the Crowsnest Community Market management.

This is a smoke-free market environment; please inquire about our designated smoking areas. The market is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged articles.

Vendors must keep their space clean and tidy, which includes picking up and removing all litter at the end of the market session. The Market Manager/Committee has the final say on all market-related matters.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us. These rules are subject to change, and any updates will be communicated to vendors in writing. Failure to comply with any aspect of the rules and regulations or the vendor code of conduct will result in expulsion from the Crowsnest Community Market.

All fees will be outlined on the relevant application forms for the Crowsnest Community Market. 

Non-Profit Organizations:

Indoor markets – Spaces can be provided at a reduced rate. 

Outdoor markets – Spaces are provided at a significantly reduced rate depending on the nature of the booth setup. Spaces are allocated at the discretion of the Market Manager.

Please note that all market fees must be PREPAID. Vendors need to ensure that payments are received by Tuesday prior to the attending market to guarantee their space. Our market manager will collect fees at the market, provided that those arrangements have been made prior. It’s essential for all vendors to adhere to the vendor code of conduct during their participation. 

We host special event markets throughout the year, and the pricing will be available on the relevant application forms as part of the vendor application process.

Tables and chairs are provided for the indoor markets at the Crowsnest Community Market. However, vendors must supply their own tents, tables, and chairs for the outdoor markets. The market manager will assign site locations during the season, so it's important to report to them at the beginning of setup to determine which space to use. Reserved spaces will be saved for vendors who have committed and paid ahead for the entire market season, as outlined in the vendor application process. Market managers reserve the right to re-assign tables and stalls at their discretion. Tents must be safely secured to the ground with either tent pegs or weights, and it's suggested to both weigh down and peg your tent since wind can come on suddenly. Outdoor market events will take place rain or shine, so be prepared for weather! Vendors are encouraged to utilize banners and sandwich boards for advertising. Those requiring electricity should indicate this on their vendor application, as there is a limited number of electrical sites available at our outdoor markets. Additionally, all vendors are expected to adhere to the vendor code of conduct.

Food and beverage products sold at the Crowsnest Community Market will be permitted at the discretion of the Crowsnest Community Market Association. All food vendors must adhere to Alberta Health Regulations and the Public Health Act Food Regulations! For more information, contact the health inspector at 403-562-5030. Additional details can also be found here. 

Only food vendors may sell food and drinks of any type at the market. As part of the vendor application process, vendors MUST provide copies of the appropriate licensing and permits upon signup. 

It is required that copies of licenses issued by Alberta Health Services, Alberta Agriculture, Health Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, or a health authority from another province are present on-site at the market. Furthermore, every vendor handling food must be certified with a Food Safe permit. Food Handling courses are available through Alberta Health Services. However, vendors selling unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and other produce, or eggs, or honey DO NOT need a valid Food Safe Permit. 

Vendors who require hand washing stations must bring their own, as the market does not provide hand washing stations for use. All vendors are expected to follow the vendor code of conduct to ensure a successful market experience.

In consideration of participation in the Crowsnest Community Market, the vendor shall indemnify and save harmless the Crowsnest Community Market Association (and all the members thereof), Municipality of Crowsnest Pass, Blairmore Railway Land Corporation, and all other groups working under the direction of the Market event, from all fines, suits, proceedings, claims, liabilities or actions of any kind (including, but not limited to, costs and reasonable lawyer’s fees) arising out of or in any way connected to the exhibitor’s operation of the exhibitor’s booth and general participation in the Show. As part of the vendor application process, we strongly recommend that you have a minimum of $2 million in general liability insurance for the duration of the show. It is your responsibility to protect yourself against litigation, as vendors are not covered under the Crowsnest Community Market’s insurance policy and must adhere to the vendor code of conduct.

Vehicles are NOT permitted on the grass at the Crowsnest Community Market except for approved food vendors in their designated areas. Once you have unloaded your items, please relocate your vehicle from in front of the park to one of the two designated parking areas! We have a large parking area just east of the park (the field next to the gravel strip after the park) as well as one block north of the Gazebo at the CN Community Hall.

Please remember to NOT break any laws while unloading! If you arrive and there is no parking available on the street, DO NOT stop in the crosswalks or in the middle of the street, as you will receive a traffic violation. DO NOT drive into the park to unload.

Furthermore, DO NOT park near the railroad tracks or behind the hedge! Our local Peace Officer has indicated that vendors violating this will incur parking tickets and potential fines from CP Rails. We want to avoid this situation, so please utilize one of the designated parking areas instead.

Safety is our priority! We appreciate your understanding regarding the safety regulations at the market, especially concerning parking and vehicle use.

This season, we will again be setting up No Parking signs and pylons in front of the park. This will help create an easier-to-use loading zone for our vendors, in line with the vendor code of conduct.

Vendors who do not comply with these parking rules will be asked to leave, and their market privileges may be revoked as part of the vendor application process.

Setup for both indoor and outdoor markets will begin at 12:30 PM. All vendors must have their space set up by 2:45 PM unless otherwise arranged. Late setups can be coordinated with the Market Manager on a case-by-case basis.

For outdoor markets, no vehicles will be allowed on the lawn. Vendors should park in front of the park to unload and then move their vehicles to a parking area. Street parking in front of the park is reserved for customers and food trucks only! Vendor parking is available next to the gravel drive at the far end of the park.

Additional parking is also available one block north of the park at the CN Community Hall. We ask all vendors to refrain from parking on the main street in front of the park, as this area is designated for food trucks and the public.

All vendors must be in attendance and remain set up for the entire duration of the market. Takedown will begin no earlier than 7 PM unless otherwise instructed or by special permission from the Market Manager.

The Crowsnest Community Market Association has permission to capture photos during all our market events. These images will be utilized to share news about our Crowsnest Community Market. They may appear in press releases, printed publicity, and on our Social Media pages, including Facebook and Instagram, as well as on our website. If you would like to obtain a copy of your images for the private and personal promotion of your business, please email info@crowsnestmarket.com at any time. For those interested in participating, please refer to our vendor application process and ensure adherence to our vendor code of conduct.

Each week, the Crowsnest Community Market will have reusable market bags for sale for the general public. Customers can make a one-time purchase of a bag, and at that time, their name will be entered in a draw for the weekly vendor basket. To participate each week, they must show their purchased bag to have their name entered. All vendors may enter a product each week to the free vendor basket that will be given away, and it is up to each vendor to decide whether to donate to the basket. This process aligns with the vendor application process and adheres to the vendor code of conduct.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Crowsnest Community Market's vendor rules and code of conduct policy, or if you need information about the vendor application process, please contact us in writing at info@crowsnestmarket.com.