Please read all information prior to submitting an application. Submitting an application means that you agree to all terms and conditions of River Street Market.

RIVER STREET MARKET 2024 HANDBOOK

Market Dates and Times:

• Every Saturday 9:00am-12:00pm (year round exception Christmas & New Years)
• We are open rain or shine except during inclement weather. Any closures will be announced by email and posted on social media as well as the River Street Market Vendors Group on Facebook. In case of severe weather (high winds, extreme cold, etc), we will cancel the market and all prepaid invoices will be applied to future dates.

Market Location:

Old Towne Petersburg
30 River Street
Petersburg, VA 23803

(in the gravel parking lot adjacent to the Historic Farmers Market Building, currently operating as The Croaker Spot).

Market Eligibility:

1. All vendors must submit an application in order to vend. Submitting an application does NOT guarantee you a spot in the market. Applications are evaluated by the Market Manager of River Street Market which operates as a fully non-profit organization.
2. Upon approval, each vendor is responsible for obtaining proper licensing, tags and all other required documents and equipment as listed in the application. All vendors assume the responsibilities of their own operations and participate in the market at their own risk. We highly recommend you obtain your own liability insurance, as the market’s insurance will not cover your individual business.
3. You will be invoiced for the market date and application fee. Payment is due prior to your official start date.
   • The market fee is $20.00 per market day, $60 per month, OR $450 for the entire season. The nonrefundable application fee is $15.00.
   • The fee schedule applies to all vendors.
   • Vendor fees may be paid by credit/debit card, paypal, or cash. Failure to pay vendor fees will result in not being able to participate at the market in the future.
   • If a vendor finds that they will be absent from a Saturday market, an email must be sent to the Market Manager by Wednesday at 5pm or the vendor may be suspended from future market participation. Late cancellations and no-shows are still required to pay vendor fees.
4. All products must be handmade, homemade or grown in Virginia or the local region (NC, WV, MD, PA). 
   • All vendors must be directly responsible for the production of their goods. We do not allow resale of other businesses’ goods, but we do allow one market vendor to sell the goods of another approved vendor if the two companies agree to the arrangement.
   • You must upload images of every item that you intend to sell. If you wish to add new items beyond those listed on your initial application, you must submit an update to your manage my market account and include photos of each new item. These items must be reviewed by the market manager and approved prior to selling.
   • NO products may be sold without prior approval. If a market manager discovers you’re selling items that have not been approved, then we reserve the right to have you remove them from your booth. If you do not comply, then you will not be able to vend at RSM any further.
   • If you sell items produced or made by another local person, farm or artisan, you must know the producer personally and inform the public of the fact that you did not grow nor make the item. 
   • ALL ITEMS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE MARKET MANAGER PRIOR TO SELLING OR DISPLAYING.
5. All vendors must adhere to sanitary procedures as outlined by the Virginia Health Department.
   • Any vendor that wants to sell temperature-controlled foods will need to provide proof of kitchen inspection and upload all relevant food safety documents.
   • Any vendor found selling contaminated/improperly stored foods or produce, or selling in the market without proper health precautions, shall be suspended until satisfactory clearance has been obtained from the Virginia Health Department and the Market Manager.
   • Any vendor selling prepared foods must have a proper handwashing station.
6. Smoking/Pets: There will be NO smoking/vaping or pets allowed in any vendor stall spaces or on River Street Market premises. Exceptions can be made for livestock animals in relation to your business/farm/trade with prior approval. The use of alcohol or drugs on the host grounds is strictly prohibited.
7. Vendor Displays:
   • All vendors are responsible for their own tables, chairs, tents, etc.
   • Tent weights are REQUIRED. 
   • Banners, A-frames, table coverings and signs are strongly encouraged.
   • Pricing and labeling on items are REQUIRED. Food items need to be clearly labeled and MUST include a list of ingredients, allergen information, and location that the item was prepared.
   • All vendors must fit all of their equipment within their assigned 10×10 (or 10×20) space.
   • All vendors are responsible for collecting and paying their own state and local sales taxes.
   • All pricing and any scales used for weighing products must be fully visible to customers.
8. The market starts at 9am. Vendors must arrive by 8am. All vendors must be completely set up before the market begins, and have their items cleared out by one hour after the market ends. 
9. All vendors must be respectful of each other’s space and the host grounds. Please keep all vending activity to your assigned space. Please do not approach customers who are at another tent to tell them about your products, or call out to them while they are speaking with another vendor.
10. All injuries must be reported to the market manager immediately.
11. Open flames are prohibited except as part of food preparation.
12. Violations of these rules will result in the vendor losing their spot at the market.

Submitting an application means that you agree to all terms and conditions of River Street Market.