Charleston, W.Va. – Farmers with winter production capabilities are invited to participate in the Ninth Annual Winter Blues Farmers’ Market in the North Hall of the Charleston Civic Center on Feb. 12, 2017, from 1-5 p.m.
The market is being organized in conjunction with the annual West Virginia Small Farm Conference, sponsored by the WVU Extension Small Farm Center and the WVDA.
“This is a premier event where West Virginia farmers, in the dead of winter, bring in a vast array of farm products to show off what rural West Virginia has to offer,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Walt Helmick. “It’s a great opportunity for both producers and consumers here in the Capital City.”
Last year’s event netted nearly $25,000 in total sales for 40 vendors. This year’s market will have even more spaces available, according to organizers.
Vendors must apply for a space no later than Friday, Feb. 3, 2017. Applications must also include the applicable $25 fee (for one booth space). All signage must be free standing. Be prepared to bring easels or materials to attach signs to your tables. No signage may be posted onto walls. Please follow all WV Farmers Market rules as to packaging and dating.
Vendors must make their own change. Two ATMs are located in the civic center and Wi-Fi service is also available.
Setup will be the day of the event and must be completed by 12:30 p.m. If vendors have freezers they need to note on their application that they need electricity and storage space (not locked) for their freezer if they are staying for the conference.
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) wants to highlight a wide array of items – including produce, meats, dairy and value-added products – and reserves the right to refuse applications on this basis. Any fees will, of course, be refunded in that case.
Contact Connie Tolley at ctolley@wvda.us or 304-558-2210 for more details, or visit http://www.agriculture.wv.gov/SiteCollectionDocuments/2017%20Winter%20Blues.pdf to download a complete information package.
MARKET GUIDELINES
Winter Blues Farmer Market is a producer only market.
We do not allow resale of non-West Virginia artisan products.
All market participants must have the application and booth fee submitted no later than Friday, Feb. 3, 2017.
Vendors must be on time and follow the assigned time/door schedule.
Booth space includes one 6′ table. Vendors may bring additional tables, skirting, signage, coolers, extension cords, etc. (If you require electricity, note it on your application).
We expect vendors to stay and participate for the entire market unless you are sold out.
All vendors must follow federal/state/county rules and regulations concerning their products and have all required documentation for your products with you during the market.
The WV Egg Law and Meat Law must be followed. If you need forms, please email ctolley@wvda.us and they will be forwarded to you. All eggs must arrive at the market in a cooler. Egg temperatures must be 40 degrees and below. Eggs may be tested to make sure they are at correct temperatures.
Vendors are expected to keep their areas free of debris, respect the space assignments and not infringe on anyone else’s display. All displays must be kept within your allotted space and not in the aisle. All vendors must clean their areas at the end of the market removing any trash or empty boxes.
All vendors MUST submit their total gross sales at the end of the market (anonymously on form provided).
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture reserves the right to reject any application.