Application Notice:

About the Market

The Cartersville Farmers Market is a food and agriculture market held Saturdays from 8 AM–Noon, May through September. Our mission is to support local growers and food makers while providing our community with high-quality, locally produced food.

Vendor space is limited, and the Market is intentionally curated to maintain a strong, diverse mix of products. Submitting an application or meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Selection decisions are based on the needs and overall composition of the Market.

Please read the following information carefully before applying. Applicants will be asked to confirm their agreement to these policies.

Vendor Selection

• Applications are not considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Returning vendors in good standing are given priority, leaving limited space for new vendors each season.

• We prioritize growers and food producers located within approximately 60 miles of Cartersville. When a product cannot reasonably be sourced within that area, or when local availability is limited, the Market may consider vendors from outside the 60-mile radius. Bartow County residency does not guarantee or provide priority for acceptance.

• Selection is based on available space, customer demand, product quality and uniqueness, category balance, reliability, professionalism, and overall fit with the Market.

• We intentionally limit the number of vendors within individual product categories to avoid oversaturation. Product exclusivity is not guaranteed.

• An applicant's previous interactions with Market staff, vendors, customers, or other market organizations may be considered when evaluating professionalism and overall fit.

• The CFM Advisory Committee has final authority over vendor selection, product approval, and product/category balance.

• Due to limited part-time seasonal staffing, we are unable to provide application confirmations or status updates. Please do not call or email to check on your application. We will contact you directly if we would like to move forward.

• Arts and crafts applications are not accepted.

The Cartersville Farmers Market reserves the right to decline an application when the Advisory Committee determines that an applicant would not be a good fit for the Market or could negatively affect Market operations, vendor relationships, customer experience, or the professional and welcoming environment we work to maintain.

Product Requirements

• All agricultural products must be grown within the state of Georgia.

• Vendors must list all products they intend to sell. Only products specifically approved by the CFM Advisory Committee may be sold.

• We seek vendors who specialize in high-quality products rather than offering a broad assortment unrelated to their primary business.

• Prepared-food vendors offering minimally processed foods and quality, all-natural ingredients that align with our Market mission are given preference.

• CBD products, herbal remedies, tinctures, dietary supplements, products making health claims, and products marketed to treat, cure, or prevent medical conditions are not permitted.

• Food trucks are considered through the same application process and are limited primarily to breakfast or coffee related items.

• Our Market serves approximately 3,000 customers on a typical Saturday. Vendors should have enough product and inventory to appropriately stock their booth and meet customer demand.

• Farms may be inspected to verify that products are grown at the location listed on the application.

Vendor Expectations

Accepted vendors are expected to:

• Provide their own tent, tables, professional business signage, and clearly displayed pricing.

• Use clean table coverings and properly secure tents with weights on every leg.

• Set up and break down their own booth without assistance from Market staff.

• Maintain professional, respectful conduct toward customers, fellow vendors, Market staff, volunteers, and our host property.

• Follow all CFM policies and ensure that any employees or representatives working their booth do the same.

• Use Slack as the Market's primary vendor communication platform and check it regularly.

• Anonymously report weekly sales for Market data collection and grant reporting.

• Reapply each year. Previous acceptance does not guarantee acceptance in future seasons.

Attendance & Market Operations

Consistent attendance and communication are important to customer trust and Market planning. Vendors who need to miss an assigned Market date should notify Market staff by the Wednesday prior whenever possible.

The Market is held outdoors in a parking lot throughout the summer. Vendors should be prepared for heat and direct sun.

Vehicles are not permitted within the Market during operating hours except when specifically authorized for an approved operational or accessibility need.

Vendor locations are assigned by Market staff based on product balance, safety, accessibility, and operational needs. Assignments may change throughout the season, and specific locations cannot be guaranteed.

No applicant may participate in the Market until they have received an official acceptance email, completed all required paperwork, and paid the applicable vendor fee.