The Bellingham Farmers
Market is a membership
organization. Full members,
in good standing (who have
paid current dues and who
reside in Whatcom or Skagit
counties), have voting
privileges. Below is a
description of the membership
categories. Please refer to the Bellingham Farmers Market Handbook
for a complete description of membership categories and the requirements
of each.
Farmer Member
Farmers are persons who raise
produce (vegetables, fruits),
herbs, flowers or nursery
crops from seed or plants
and care for, cultivate and
harvest the crops offered
for sale at the Market. Also
in this category are beekeepers,
egg farmers, shellfish growers,
poultry and livestock producers
and farmers who process their
own raw product into “value
added” items;
which are not juried. The
location of the farm and
residence must be within
Whatcom or Skagit counties.
A farmer vendor can sell
crafted items (that have
been successfully juried),
made from raw materials not
produced themselves, totaling
no more than 20% of yearly
gross sales.
Craft Member
Crafters are persons who craft with their own hands the
products they offer for sale at the Market. To qualify as a crafter,
a majority of the tools and equipment used by the crafter to
produce the products must require skills, personal handling,
and/or guidance by the crafter. A crafter, to qualify for and
maintain Market membership must be successfully juried.
Contract Vendor Member
Eastern Washington Produce Reseller: vendor selling fruits
and vegetables from Eastern Washington that locally can not be
grown reliable in quantity; limited to not more than two stalls.
Fresh Seafood Vendors: vendors
offering fresh seafood caught in area waters.
Prepared Food Vendors: vendors
offering fresh food products that they have processed themselves
into products being offered for sale at the market. These products
are ready-to-eat, they may also sell packaged food. Upon approval
of the board, these vendors may also offer items that they do not
process. Such non-processed items are specifically limited so as
not to compete with locally handmade processed items.
Processed Food Vendors: Vendors
offering fresh food product that they have processed themselves
into the product being offered for sale at the market. These products
are prepackaged. Upon approval of the board, these vendors may
also offer items that they do not process. Such non-processed items
are specifically limited so as not to compete with locally handmade
processed items.
Service Providers and others:
vendors offering special services and other non-food items to customers
at the Market (i.e. Massage, face painting, plant fertilizer, etc.).
Partial Membership?
Bellingham Farmers Market is pleased to offer a trial membership for first time vendors. New vendors can try out the Market for three days during the season and pay only half of the membership fee. If you enjoy being a vendor during those three days, and then decide you would like to expand your involvement with the Market, we will welcome you to join as a full voting member. Applicants must reside in Whatcom or Skagit Counties.
The Market offers a wonderful opportunity to explore starting a business without committing to the significant overhead of permanent commercial selling space. You can determine what types of products people are interested I buying and find out how to appropriately price items to sell most effectively. You can learn from other vendors about what sells and what doesn't and get to know what the public is willing to spend their money on. This practice works: The Bellingham Farmers Market is proud to have been the launching site for many successful businesses and we look forward to working with you to have a great first market experience.
Are you a Busker?
Performing (Busking) at the Market
Thank you for your interest in performing at the Bellingham Farmers Market. The Farmers Market welcomes buskers to play/perform at the Market. Music and other types of entertainment typically enhance the Market atmosphere and contribute to the festivities. It is important, however, to ensure that all buskers adhere to the Market policies as outlined in the Bellingham Farmers Market Handbook. Please see the Handbook excerpt below that pertains to performers.
Thanks for considering the Market as a nice place to perform.
Bellingham Farmers Market
Handbook, Section 10
ENTERTAINMENT APPLICATION ACCEPTANCE GUIDELINES
10.1 Prospective performers must register with the Market Manager on their first visit to the Market. Performers will check in with the Market Manager each Saturday to receive their location assignments. Performers will not be charged a space fee.
10.2 Types of entertainment that will be accepted within the Market include: acoustic (non-electric), percussion and vocal musicians; children’s puppet theater, clowns, improv performers, jugglers and magicians.
10.3.1 Performers cannot ask for money but may place a donation basket in one location; it cannot be passed around.
10.3.2 Entertainers will be limited to one hour per location. The Market Manager has the discretion to limit or extend the playing time of entertainers. Playing from the curb is prohibited, or from Market owned benches and tables. Entertainers must bring their own props (chairs, etc.).
10.5.1 Any performing group with over three (3) members or amplification must be located in designated areas only and not circulate throughout the Market.
