About the Market

This year the Mitchell and Area Farmers Market will celebrate 16 years. My how time has flown. The Mitchell and Area Farmers Market originated in 1994 under the Guidance of Clarence McDougall. Among some of his counterparts were Hugh McCaughey and George Roonie. This market was nestled under the pavilion in the Lions Park. The product of choice for Clarence was his frozen pork products. Clarence is still playing a part in our market by providing the large advertising sign on the corner by Hwy 23 each week at no cost. George Roonie was a supplier of Maple Syrup. With the market originally opening in Mid March when temperatures were pretty chilly at times, one could say the Maple Syrup was literally "Fresh from the Bush" Isabell and her husband Arnold Harper took over the management operations of the market after Clarence. They had been involved since the beginning of the market helping with day to day work for the market. Their products of choice was jams and jellies, baking and some crafts Some of the vendors that were at the market since it's conception in 1994 were - Hockey Moms - They sold baked goods as well as other crafts etc. to help raise money for the hockey team to travel to Sweden. - Dianna's Baking - While Dianna herself was not always at the market her baking was. As she ran a Restaurant in St. Columbian and sent a representative to market with her baked goods. - Mr. McCarther - offered crafts as well as sporting equipment - Mr and Mrs. Bill Elliot - carried a selection of wooden cut outs suitable for the garden - Laurie Neubrand - was a supplier of farm fresh fruit and vegetables - Helen Phaill - supplied Baking as well - Joe and Mary Ryan - Sold BBQ foods. These are just some of the vendors that have taken part over the years at the market. They were not necessarily all at the market in the same year.

The market has now been under the management of Dianna Weirmier since 2007. Bert Vorstenbosch played an important part of the history of our Market as well. As he owned and operated a food trailer through the Rotary Club, where many were able to enjoy the scenery of the surrounding park while enjoying lunch hot off the grill. Today the Farmers Market offers "hot off the BBQ" delicious hot dogs, hamburgers as well as Sausage on a bun. This is provided by John and Susan Aasman. While the Market has always been held on a Friday the hours have changed over time to best meet the needs of the town and surrounding area. The hours of operation varied over the years from evening ( 1- 6 p.m.) or mornings ( 9 a.m. till 1 p.m.). Presently the markets hours are from 9 a.m. until 1p.m. We are also now located in the op en space closer to the highway beside the tourist information building and fountain. We are easily seen as the vendors provide their own tents and umbrella's which offer shade for their products. However when the weather is inclement you can still find us, but we take shelter in the pavilion back further in the park. This allows protection for consumer as well as vendors

How to become a Vendor

Vendor form - Click here for Printable PDF form

Please Read the Farmers Market Handbook below for rules and regulations

if you wish to print a copy off use this PDF format

If you would like to become a vendor for the 2011 season

Please contact

Dianna Weirmier

            (519) 229-6440       or email her at diannasbakery@live.ca

2011
MITCHELL FARMERS’ MARKET
VENDOR HANDBOOK

ISSUED MARCH 14, 2011

www.mitchellfarmersmarket.com

The Mitchell Farmers’ Market Handbook

1. The Mitchell Farmer’s Market is an entity of the West Perth Tourism & Community Beautification Committee. (Noted throughout as the “said committee”.) which is under the direction of the Council of the Municipality West Perth.

2. There is a designated Market Clerk. They take direction from the said committee.

3. Price for space at this Market comes from the said committee.

4. All vendors old and new must first report to the Market Clerk before set up.

5. All vendors and existing vendors must complete a vendor’s application form and return it to the Market Clerk before set up is given. These forms are kept for record keeping.

6. The Market Clerk designates setup and assigns spots to all vendors, which in turn must operate within their assigned space.

7. A vendor who wishes to change their assigned spot must do so in writing to the Market Clerk.

8. The Market Clerk shall report all concerns or problems back to the said committee, who in turn will respond with a solution to the Market Clerk.

9. Payment of space will be collected by the Market Clerk at the beginning of the month. A list of when the Market Clerk will collect fees is attached. The price is $6.00 per week or $20.00 per month. Vendors must plan ahead for the month and are committed for the number of weeks paid. No exceptions. Fees paid will not be refunded or transferred to another week. Vendors must pay fees or will not be allowed to set up that day. Payments may be made by Cash or Cheque made out to “Municipality of West Perth”.

10. Dates and Hours: The Mitchell Farmer’s Market runs each Friday morning from 9:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m., from May to October.

11. Location: The Market is located at the entrance to Lion’s Park at the corner of Hwy 23 & 8. Vendors are also asked not to park on the street in front of the Market. Drop off is expected.

12. Rain or shine the Market will run. During inclement weather the Market will be relocated to the park pavilion. Signs at the Street corner will be posted.

13. Hydro hookup is available through request.

14. Vendors are responsible to:
a. Supply their own table(s)
b. Obtain all permits, licenses, inspections and certificates, where applicable for the sale of their products is required.
c. Each vendor will be responsible for their own sales tax collection.

15. West Perth Tourism & Community Beautification cannot be held responsible for any vendor’s loss of goods or equipment resulting from fire, theft, loss of refrigeration or act of God.

16. Vendor’s booth should have an attractive and professional appearance, enhanced by good presentation and cleanliness.

17. Food Safety: All vendors and their staff handling food products must maintain a very high standard of personal hygiene and cleanliness. This practice of standards will prevent the transfer of pathogens between vendor/staff and therefore food. Each vendor is responsible for keeping their product at the proper temperature.

18. The Mitchell Market will be primarily for the sale of:

a. Food: Meat, fish, poultry, honey, cheese, eggs, butter, maple syrup, fruit, vegetables, dairy, goat, sheep, elk, EMU products
b. Horticultural: flowers, shrubs, plants, etc.
c. Other: home baked goods, preserves, home- made crafts, wood products

19. Food Terminal products can only be sold with the approval from the Market Clerk and must be of high quality standard.

20. Food Terminal product cannot be sold when local, seasonal produce is available from our local farmers/vendors.

21. Food vendors must advertise where their produce is from. (Their farm, country, food terminal, etc.)

22. Only articles listed on application forms can be sold. Additional items need to be reapplied in writing for approval from the said committee.

23. Pricing - All items for sale must have prices prominently and clearly displayed. Vendors must not practice stress pricing by under cutting other vendors or dumping products at bargain prices. Please show respect to fellow Vendors when selling products.

24. Storage is not available anywhere in the park area. Vendors must set up and take down stand immediately before and after the market opens and closes.

25. General garbage containers are available at the back of the information booth. Vendors are responsible to keep their areas clean at all times, and remove all garbage before they leave their area. All cardboard must be taken home with the vendor.

26. All suggestions or complaints must be given to the Market Clerk in writing.
27. Eviction from the Mitchell Market: The Tourism & Community Beautification Committee is empowered to evict anyone breaking the rules or acting in such a fashion that can be construed as detrimental to the market operations. Such eviction can be made permanent without refunding paid fees.

28. These rules and regulations are subject to change.
These rules and regulations are approved by the Municipality of West Perth Council on March 14, 2011.

 

The following is a list of dates the Market Clerk
will collect fees from Vendors
Dates
May 6, 2011
June 3, 2011
July 1, 2011
August 5, 2011
September 2, 2011
October 7, 2011
Note: The Mitchell Farmers’ Market is committed to providing locally grown and produced products to its customers. Customers are loyal to the market and depend on the Vendors to show up every week.

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