2026 FAIR BLUFF’S FIRST MARKET VENDOR RULES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

OBJECTIVE: To create an opportunity for local growers, food, and craft artisans to sell directly to the public. Ultimately, the Town of Fair Bluff seeks to create an atmosphere that adds energy and vitality to the community. This market encourages value added products. Value added products are defined as products that are grown, prepared and/or created by local residents

SCHEDULE: The Town of Fair Bluff will hold markets every first Saturday throughout the market season from 8 am - 2 pm.

MARKET MANAGER: The Town of Fair Bluff’s First Saturday Market chairperson will serve as the market manager regarding interpreting and enforcing the Vendor Rules and Responsibilities in consultation with Town of Fair Bluff Chamber of Commerce leaders.

ALLOWED VENDOR PRODUCTS:

• - Farmer/Grower (produce only): category accommodates a grower of raw, unprocessed produce, plants and flora.
• - Food (either packaged or prepared for immediate consumption): Packaged food products must be prepared and packaged in an inspected and approved commercial kitchen. Prepared food vendors cook and serve on site for immediate consumption.
• - Baked goods: products prepared and packaged in a kitchen in compliance with South Carolina or North Carolina cottage food requirements.
• - Art and Craft: Craft items must be handmade, grown, or gathered (natural materials) by the seller or family member. Craft items must be original, unique work or design. The starting material must be significantly altered by the artisan.
• - Non-profit Organization: local non-profit organizations defined as non-profit organizations will not be charged a vendor fee.

APPLICATION FEE: A $5 application fee per market is required. Non-profits within Columbus County, NC will not be charged a fee per market.  Application Fees are waived until December 31, 2026.

FOOD SAFETY: Each vendor selling fresh produce, prepared foods or food products must have appropriate certification per local and state requirements.

TAXES: Vendors are responsible for their own taxation obligations.

INSURANCE AND LIABILITY: The Town of Fair Bluff recommends that all vendors carry their own liability insurance. The Town of Fair Bluff is not responsible for any loss, theft or damage to vendor, vendor merchandise, displays or products, at any time while in attendance at the market.

MARKET OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES: All vendors must be prepared 30 minutes prior to market open time.  Selling areas should be left as you found it, free of trash, debris, etc.

VENDOR CONDUCT AND REPOSSIBILITIES: Vendors must conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner. Please direct concerns about fellow vendors and patrons to the market manager and/or Chamber of Commerce.

Vendors are responsible for providing their own equipment. All canopies are required to be properly secured.

• - Price, terms of sale, etc. are between buyer and seller only. Prices must be posted for all items sold at vendor booths. Vendors will determine the prices for products sold, but the Town of Fair Bluff requests that vendors maintain fair retail market pricing.
• - Stall Appearance: Vendors are responsible for the safety and appearance of their market stall. Quality signage, creative displays, and an orderly presentation is requested.
• - Garbage: All vendors must remove their own garbage at the end of the day. On site garbage receptacles have limited space so vendors should not depend on these for trash clean-up.
• - Electricity is limited, and priority will be given to vendors requiring electricity for food preparation or storage.
• - All pets must remain on a leash and distant from all food vendors.
• - While plastic is not prohibited, paper is the Town of Fair Bluff preferred choice of bagging for vendors.