Market Guidelines

  • APPLICATION DEADLINE
    Friday, February 14, 2025. Online application can be found at https://agriculture.wv.gov/
  • INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR
    WVDA and WV SFC will be offer a live webinar provide event details, guidelines, and answer questions. The meeting link and other details will be provided to vendors with accepted registration and on the WVDA official Facebook page.
  • VENDOR TO VENDOR HOUR
    Vendors will be allotted a one-hour time slot, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, to participate in a vendor-to-vendor networking and shopping hour. The market WILL NOT be open to the public at this time. Vendors must be back at their booths when doors open at 12:00 pm to the public.
  • BOOTH SPACE
    Each 10-foot booth space will come with one 8’ unskirted table, 2 chairs, and a small trash can. You can bring your own additional tables, signage, coolers, extension cords, etc. (you must note on the application if you require electricity as space allows). WVDA recommends a company-branded tablecloth or plain black one for uniformity. The booths will be separated with poles, will not be carpeted, and will not have a back (only a curtain).
  • CUSTOMER PAYMENT METHODS
    The acceptance of SNAP EBT/Credit Cards will be at the discretion of each vendor. It is advantageous to the vendor to display clear signage at their booth as to what payment methods are accepted. Each vendor must provide their own change for cash sales. Vendors should come prepared with enough small bills and change for the duration of the event. There are two ATMs in the facility. WVDA will not have cash on hand the day of the event.
  • DINING OPTIONS
    Dining options are somewhat limited around the Convention Center. Please plan accordingly. There will be an option for a catered box lunch from the convention center. The cost is $25.00, you must pre register on the application, no extras will be available the day of the event.
  • LOAD IN, SET UP & PARKING
    Load in and set up time will begin at 8:00 a.m. Please bring a hand dolly or cart so that you can unload your vehicle and move to your assigned space. A WVDA employee will direct you to your booth. Once you unload you are required to move your vehicle and then return to set up your booth. Please load in during your selected time to avoid long lines.
    There are multiple parking garages within two blocks of the venue. Any specific parking questions can be directed to the WVDA at 304-558-2210. Set up must be completed by 11:00 am. Load in will be at the North Hall Loading Dock off Lee Street.
    • PRODUCT GUIDELINES
      Winter Blues Farmers Market is a producer-only market. WVDA does not allow resale of non-West Virginia artisan products, wine, beer, ready-to-eat meals, craft-type items, etc. All products sold must comply with WVDA Farmers Market product regulations, federal regulations, and any other applicable governmental requirements. Please refer to the WVDA Farmers Market Vendor Guide. Vendors must follow the West Virginia Hemp Product Guide, apiary, meat, egg regulations, etc. If you have questions regarding these products, please contact businessdevelopment@wvda.us.
    • Hemp Vendors: There will be NO sampling allowed of any products at the Winter Blues Famers Market. All products being sold must be WV Grown and registered with the WVDA Regulatory Division. ALL required licenses/ permits must be displayed. All products must be displayed in a locked case at all times. Vendors are required to provide their own locked display cases and are responsible for checking ID’s on every sale. This is in accordance with state code §19-12E-12
  • VENDOR EXPECTATIONS
    Vendors are expected to stay and participate for the entire market unless they sell out. Vendors should plan to expect 3,000-4,000 shoppers. Vendors shall keep their area free of debris, respect the space assignments, and not infringe on anyone else’s display. All displays must be kept within the allotted space and not in the aisle. All vendors must clean their areas at the end of the market, putting all trash in a provided trash can and flattening any empty boxes. All vendors MUST submit their total gross sales at the end of the market anonymously on a form that will be provided.
  • WIFI
    The Wi-Fi password will be given to the vendors no later than the morning of the event.
  • WVDA/CONTACT INFORMATION
    WVDA Staff will be the main contact for the Market. Please contact the WVDA Business Development Division at 304-558-2210 with any questions.
    If WVDA requires a Vendor Permit for the product, the permit MUST be displayed. If you have questions about this contact WVDA Regulatory & Environmental Affairs at (304) 558-2227. WVDA reserves the right to reject any application or revoke a vendor’s participation, for any reason.