Eligibility: Eligible vendors are farmers, growers, producers and crafters living within a 25-mile radius (as the crow flies) of Columbus, North Carolina. Individuals outside of this range may be allowed on a case-by-case, and year-to-year basis, by written application to the Ag. Economic Development Office. Production facilities also must be within this 25-mile radius. From time to time, other products that are not available locally (within 25 miles) are included in order to offer a viable market for customers. It is the intent of the Polk Winter Farmers market to focus on locally grown, produced and crafted products. 100% of all craft products must be handcrafted wholly in North Carolina or South Carolina by the vendor. Preference will be given to people that make a clear effort to tie their products to the land by sourcing local materials whenever possible. Retail sales taxes are the responsibility of the individual vendor. Every vendor must have a vendor application on file with the market manager. 

The Polk County Farmers Market management reserves the right, in the interest of a balanced market, to accept or reject vendors. 

We have a limited number of vendor spaces available at these indoor locations. The market will focus primarily on locally grown produce and food products. We hope to accommodate all vendors that apply. Therefore, it is vital that you make a commitment to attend the markets you sign up for. 

Set Up & Breakdown: Vendor set-up begins at 9 am for 10:00 am start time. Vendors are not permitted to leave the market before 1:00 pm. Vendor breakdown begins at 1:00 pm. 

Vendor Cancellation: If something out of your control happens prohibiting you from attending the market, please notify the market manager as soon as possible for management to accommodate other vendors that would like to participate. Dawn Jordan- 704-692-4358 call or text. 

Weather: In the event of extreme inclement weather, the market manager along with local emergency management will determine if a cancellation is needed for the safety of vendors and customers. Otherwise, All markets are rain or shine. Vendors shall be equipped for all weather conditions. 

Products sold at the markets: 

a. Farm products (including raw vegetables and fruit, eggs, honey, herbs, plants, cut flowers, cheese and other dairy products, mushrooms, meat, fish, etc.). 

b. Value-added products including food, prepared foods (processed, packaged or sealed, ready to eat, etc.), herbal products and non-food farm products (craft products that are sourced from local land or local agriculture (i.e. goats milk soap, wood-carved bowls from local trees, etc…) 

c. Arts & Crafts. 

d. Baked Goods. 

*** No flea market, re-sale, or handy-craft( pre-made or kit type) items will be sold at the market except at Special Events, which will be announced by the organizers.***

FOOD SAFETY GUIDELINES: It is the vendor’s responsibility to comply with all applicable laws with respect to the production of their products. 

Pet Policy:  During the Winter Market, at Columbus and Saluda Holiday Market, no pets will be permitted indoors if applicable.  

Smoking: not allowed anywhere on market premises at any time.

Market communication can be directed to:
Dawn Jordan, Polk County Ag Economic Development Director, Columbus Market Manager

info@polkcountyfarms.org 

828-894-2281 office

Suite 111, 156 School Rd, Mill Spring, NC 

The Polk County Winter Farmers Market is operated by Polk County Local Government under the Agricultural Economic Development Office. Thank you to the Polk County Community Foundation for their sponsorship.