Cost for farmers market booth space rises

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Vendors for the Farmers Market fill the streets south of the square in Crown Point. Photo by Scott R. Brandush/STAR

CROWN POINT — Vendors for the city’s farmers market will be paying a little more this year and those who fail to show up for their reserved space without notice may face a fine.

Jennie Burgess, director of parks and recreation, recently told the Board of Public Works and Safety that after analyzing the cost of the weekly market in man hours and services provided, the event was costing the city.

“We are looking at a full season,” Burgess said.

Mayor David Uran said Burgess has researched the pricing and the new rates are still lower than many neighboring markets.

“This is the price point we need to charge so we can be revenue neutral,” Uran said.

The event continues to grow in popularity and usually there are more vendors each week than available spaces. Offering a discounted season rate encourages a consistency in vendors and helps ensure the market will have a variety each week.

Burgess said she does not want to see spaces go empty this season because there is usually a waiting list. To keep that from happening Burgess said she would like to begin fining vendors who do not show up without providing the city with proper notice.

If the city is notified in advance a vendor will not be attending organizers are able to rent the space to another waiting vendor for the day. Those who do not notify the city will be fined.

A first offense will cost $25, second offense $50 and third offense $100. Burgess said if a vendor does accrue three offenses, they may lose their space.