Ed. Note: This article from January is no longer the current data. Due to coronavirus concerns, changes have been made as reported here on April 13, 2020.
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Original article published January 7, 2020:
The “Call for Vendors” is open for Zebulon Farm Fresh Market, returning for its sixth year.
“ZFFM” began in the Spring of 2015, after receiving a grant from The John Rex Endowment to cover the first three years of market start-up. The market continued with town funding, starting with the 2018 season. Initially, the market was hosted at the Zebulon Community Center, moving to the current location at the Town Municipal Complex (1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC) in 2016.
The Farm Fresh Market hosts local farms, business owners, creators, and nonprofits. Shoppers may find a variety of seasonal produce, hemp products and CBD, jam and pickles, baked goods, honey, candles, health-products, home decor, yard items, gifts, art and photography, crafts, and more.
Vendors accept cash and, sometimes, credit/debit cards. To facilitate shoppers using cards, ZFFM sells tokens which may be accepted at any market stall.
ZFFM tentative dates (subject to change) this year include regular market Saturdays, special themed days, plus Wednesday pop-up markets — new for 2020:
- Wednesday, April 22 (Pop-Up Market)
- Saturday, May 2 (May Day Festival)
- Saturday, May 9 (Opening Day)
- Saturday, May 16
- Saturday, May 23
- Saturday, May 30
- Saturday, June 6
- Saturday, June 13
- Saturday, June 20
- Saturday, June 27
- Saturday, July 4
- Saturday, July 11
- Saturday, July 18
- Saturday, July 25
- Saturday, August 1
- Saturday, August 8
- Saturday, August 15
- Saturday, August 22
- Saturday, August 29 (Closing Day)
- Wednesday, September 23 (Pop-Up Market)
- Saturday, October 10 (Hay Day Festival)
Holiday Craft Market dates, usually in November, have not yet been announced.
Follow Zebulon Farm Fresh Market on Instagram and Facebook for updates.
Pre-season Workshop
Wondering what’s in store for the market in 2020? Have ideas you’d like to discuss? A “Growing Your Market Workshop” will be held in-advance of the market season. Those interested in becoming vendors, current vendors, small business owners, and farm market managers are invited to take part in this workshop on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, noon-1:30pm.
During the Workshop: “ideas will be shared in regards to building a market framework that is more sustainable in the long run, and will better support market vendors, especially farmers and growers.” Two presentations are planned:
“Growing Your Market” with Jessica Stygles, Holly Springs Farmers Market Manager
Will discuss growing a successful farmers market. Jessica will explain how the Holly Springs Market has evolved, the changes they have undergone in the past year, and what she has found to be successful over the years.
“Successful Market Vending” with Tami Purdue, Sweet Peas Urban Gardens
Will discuss from a vendors perspective, what she has found to be successful over the years. Market etiquette, booth displays, and speaking with customers, etc.
The workshop schedule includes time for Q&A and breaks for individual discussions. This event will be held at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC. RSVP to the event via google docs registration form.
Vendor Applications 2020
Dates and activities are subject to change, vendor Applications are being accepted. Vendors applying may choose from several packages:
Full Season: 21 Days — $100
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- Days may be selected from 2020 regular season Saturdays, May Day, Hay Day, Tree Lighting, and Holiday Craft Market
Half Season: 11 Days — $65
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- Days may be selected from 2020 regular season Saturdays, May Day, Hay Day, Tree Lighting, and Holiday Craft Market
Partial Season: 6 Days — $45
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- Days may be selected from 2020 regular season Saturdays, May Day, Hay Day, Tree Lighting, Holiday Craft Market
Single Market Day: 1 Day — $10
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- Days may be selected from 2020 regular season Saturdays, pop-up market Wednesdays, Tree Lighting Festival, Holiday Craft Market
Daily Commercial Vendor Options
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- Choose any single market event — $25
- May Day only — $15
- Hay Day only — $15
To participate in ZFFM in 2020, vendors must have either a Tax ID from the NC Department of Revenue or have a farm-products tax exemption number.
To access the vendor Application, visit www.townofzebulon.org/…/farm-fresh-market. This year, vendors may apply online at RecDesk or apply with a hand-written Application.
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Additional information provided by Hannah Blische, Zebulon Parks and Recreation Department
