The Pontiac Farmers Market is now accepting applications for vendors for the 2023 season! Items that can be sold include freshly grown produce, live plants, cut flowers, eggs, meat, dairy, preserves, and hand-crafted original items. All applicable licensing requirements from the State of Illinois and the Livingston County Health Department apply. For more information, please read the below documents. Please read the entire application packet before submitting your application.
An informational vendor meeting will be held Thursday, May 18 at 7PM at the Eagle Performing Arts and Conference Center (319 N. Plum St., Pontiac). Vendors are not required to attend, but it is strongly suggested.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can be sold at the market?
The Downtown Pontiac Farmers Market is an “eat fresh, eat local” market. All items being sold should be grown or produced by the vendor selling it. Fresh, high quality fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, bedding plants, potted plants, and other horticultural products may be sold at the market. Meat, eggs, and cheese may be sold with the required health department authorizations. Value added or cottage food items will be allowed at the discretion of the Market Committee and with proper health department authorizations. High quality, hand-made arts and crafts may be sold at the discretion of the Market Committee.
If I’m a vendor, am I required to be there every week?
At the beginning of the season, vendors have the option of choosing to register for the full season or for individual dates and to pay the applicable fees. Seasonal vendors are guaranteed a space at every market during a particular season; however, repeated absence from the market without advanced notification may result in loss of the vendor’s regularly assigned space. If a seasonal vendor does not arrive by half an hour after the market opens, an individual vendor may take the spot for the day.
What dates and times are the market?
The 2023 Downtown Pontiac Farmers Market will run every Saturday from June 3 through October 28. From June 3 through September 2 the market will be open 7am-11am or until sold out. From September 9 through October 28 the market will be open 8am-12pm or until sold out. Vendors are asked to respect the opening time and refrain from early sales.
Where can I find more information about applicable health department requirements?
The University of Illinois Extension Office has a detailed guide on Cottage Food Laws here.
The Livingston County Health Department has links to food safety requirements here.
State of Illinois Egg License information can be found here.
Illinois Department of Agriculture has information here about selling meat and poultry products.