Farmers Market Guidelines and Policies

I. Welcome & Introduction
Welcome to the American Academy of Wellness Farmers Market a community-centered gathering held at St. Paul Parish and School’s parking lot in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Under the leadership of Natalie Breland, this market invites local farmers, crafters, food makers, and neighbors to come together and celebrate wholesome, locally sourced products. These guidelines ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and lawful market season for all involved.

II. Our Mission
We are committed to nurturing community health and regional resilience through a vibrant, inclusive market experience. By supporting local producers, we aim to foster trust, education, and sustainability while celebrating the creativity and nourishment that flow from our land and hands.

III. Our Values

• Strengthening regional agriculture and small-scale food systems

• Encouraging artisan expression and cultural traditions

• Promoting food safety, nutrition, and honest labeling

• Supporting entrepreneurship, especially among youth and small businesses

• Prioritizing environmental care and community reinvestment

• Fostering cooperation, transparency, and community family values

• We are a Christian faith-based organization

IV. Market Schedule & Location
Our seasonal market will be held on the following days:

• Day of week and times: [To be announced]

• Day of week and times: [To be announced]

• December Holiday Market: Dates announced in advance
  All events occur at the St. Paul Parish and School parking lot, hosted with permission and partnership from the parish.

V. Future Market Dates
A schedule of upcoming market dates will be published online and distributed to vendors before the season start.

VI. Vendor Participation
We welcome:

• Member Vendors are Full- or part-time participants who invest in the market’s growth. Members receive priority space selection, voting privileges, and profit-sharing, if applicable.

• Guest Vendors: Non-members who participate occasionally. Maximum participation: seven times per season.

• Youth Vendors are entrepreneurs 15 years or younger selling handmade or homegrown goods. They must comply with all policies. The booth fee is $50 per event date.

VII. Types of Vendors
We embrace four main groups:

• Growers: Local farmers and gardeners cultivating produce, flowers, meats, eggs, or grains. Farming methods (e.g., organic, pesticide-free, conventional) must be disclosed via affidavit and signage.

• Artisans: Local creators of hand-crafted goods from pottery to textiles to fine arts. No kits or mass-produced goods permitted.

• Value-Added & Cottage Food Producers: They must comply with the Colorado Cottage Foods Act, which requires proper labeling and safety training.

• Concession Vendors: Vendors (Mobile Food Vehicles) offering ready-to-eat meals or beverages must meet health code requirements and show evidence of liability insurance.

VIII. Food Safety & Cottage Food Act Compliance
Vendors selling food under the Colorado Cottage Foods Act must:

• Only offer non-potentially hazardous foods (e.g., baked goods, dry spices, jams)

• Take a Colorado-approved Food Safety course (e.g., CSU Extension)

• Clearly label each item with:

• Product name

• Ingredients (in descending order by weight)

• Allergy disclaimers

• Producer name, contact info

• The required statement: "This product was produced in a home kitchen that is not subject to state licensure or inspection and may also contain common food allergens."

• Maintain liability insurance for each product category sold

IX. Vendor Approval Process
A jury panel of board members and community representatives reviews all vendors. We aim for a balanced market:

• 30% produce and raw farm goods

• 30% processed foods and packaged items

• 30% artisan/crafts

• 10% prepared foods and beverages Applications are accepted through 2025. Decisions will be sent after document proof is sent at sign-up and payment is received.

X. Stall Set-Up & Expectations

• Vendors receive a 10’ x 10’ space and must bring their tents and tables.

• Tents must be secured with at least four 25 lb. weights (one per leg).

• Vendors must be fully set up at least 15 minutes before market open.

• Clear signage is required, including business name and origin of products.

• No sales before market opening or after the market closes. Early or disruptive activity is prohibited.

XI. Vehicles & Parking

• Vendors may unload vehicles near booths before setup, then park in designated vendor areas.

• Vehicles may not re-enter until the market officially ends and breakdown is complete.

• Please respect the school grounds and church property by maintaining safety and cleanliness.

XII. Clean-Up & Zero Waste Commitment

• All vendors are responsible for removing trash, sweeping their area, and taking packaging waste.

• We encourage compostable containers and reusable bags.

• Styrofoam and single-use plastic water bottles are not allowed.

XIII. Absences & Accountability
To keep the market reliable:

• Notify us 72 hours in advance if you must miss a scheduled day.

• Absences without notice may result in:

• 1st: $10 fine

• 2nd: $25 fine + warning

• 3rd: $25 fine + final warning

• 4th: Dismissal without refund

• Late arrivals or missing tent weights will be fined $10 per occurrence.

XIV. Sales Reporting & Fee Collection

• All vendors contribute $50 plus 5% of daily sales to support market operations.

• Round daily sales to the nearest dollar and report accurately.

XV. Legal Compliance & Required Permits
To operate legally in Colorado Springs:

• All vendors must have a Colorado Sales Tax License and a City of Colorado Springs Sales Tax License.

• Food vendors must obtain:

• A Retail Food Establishment License (for on-site prep)

• OR a Special Event Food Permit (temporary, for events)

• Mobile food vendors must register with the City Clerk and comply with spacing, utility, and health codes.

• All businesses must show proof of liability insurance and meet city signage ordinances.

• The market organizer holds a Special Event Permit and insurance policy on behalf of the parish.

XVI. Community Conduct

• Please be kind, respectful, and helpful to fellow vendors, volunteers, and guests.

• No smoking, alcohol, or music players are allowed during the market.

• Children and pets must be supervised at all times and are welcome.

• Our market operates in all-weather unless safety is at risk. 

XVII. Gratitude
Thank you for being part of something that nourishes more than just the body. With your participation, we cultivate a thriving local economy and a joyful gathering place for our community.