Rockford City Market

Every Friday
3-8 p.m.
3-7 p.m. after
Labor Day
June 1 - October 12

Vendor FAQs

How do I become a vendor?

Anyone wishing to become a vendor must submit a completed application to the Market Manager and be selected through an approval process. A completed application includes an application, photos of the product, photos of the booth set-up and a $100 deposit.To ensure a wide variety of goods at the market, the number of vendors in each product category will be limited.

Vendor applications for the 2012 season will soon be available.

Click here to pay vendor fees online.

How local are your market vendors?

The Rockford City Market gives preference to vendors within a 150-mile radius. Local products and stores receive priority. The event strives to work with local small business owners and entrepreneurs in the area.

How big is the booth space?

All booths are 10' X 10' spaces. Vendors can rent multiples spaces. Spaces are assigned by the market manager.

How much is the fee to participate?

Booth fees
The fee for each 10’ X 10’ space during the 2011 season is:

Full Season (20 weeks):
$300 early bird special by March 15
$350 after March 15

Half Season (10 weeks):
$175 early bird special by March 15
$200 after March 15 

Farmer's Season (5 weeks):
Local produce vendors only 
$75 early bird special by March 15
$100 after March 15

All fees and deposits must be received by May 1 to start by June 1. 

Attendance Deposit

The market requires a $100 deposit, from every vendor to ensure consistent attendance. The deposit will be returned in full within 30 days of the close of the Market provided the vendor participates in 80% of the selected Market season.  If your application is not accepted, the deposit will be returned.

Is there access to electricity at the Market?

Electricity is available for a fee.

Electricity Fee: $30 full season; $15 half season

Vendors are encouraged to use their own generators whenever possible and must receive prior approval from the Market Manager.

Do I need insurance?

Each vendor must have appropriate liability and product liability insurance. If you do not already have insurance, it can be purchased through the market at the cost of $100 per season.

What kind of licenses/permits do I need?

It is the responsibility of the vendor to obtain and provide to the Market Manager copies of all licenses and permits required for the sale of the vendor’s products at the Market in addition to the basic application.

Questions/concerns regarding food product regulations and/or licensing should be directed to the Winnebago County Health Department.

To insure public safety, food (bread, prepared food, pies, etc.) must be completely protected from contamination by being wrapped, covered, bagged, and/or boxed. To protect the public, labels need to be available listing all ingredients used in food products. Label must also include name and address of person(s) preparing the food and common name of food.

All Winnebago County health permits must be acquired two weeks prior to the event. For more information on health permits, call WCHD at 815.720.4101.

What happens if I don’t get accepted after submitting an application?

Your money will be returned in full. Applicants are welcome to reapply for the 2012 season.

When will I find out if I got accepted?

Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status within 30 days after a completed application has been submitted. A completed application includes an application, photos of the product, photos of the booth set-up and a $100 deposit. If you have questions about your application status, please contact the market manager at info@rockfordcitymarket.com or 815.964.4388.

How are non-profits able to participate?

If your organization is interested in participating, please contact us for more information.

How are corporations & businesses able to participate?

We welcome requests for sponsorship opportunities from these leaders of business. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact us.

Rules & Regulations

If you have additional questions on the Market's rules and regulations for vendors and performers, please contact the market manager at info@rockfordcitymarket.com or 815.964.4388.