Farmers Market Vendor Regulations

Need Approval or Have Questions?

Email: DowntownMesquiteFarmersMarket@gmail.com

WANT TO PROMOTE A BRAND? Become a sponsor!

Who Can Participate?

Participants include:

• Vendors (sellers)
• City departments
• Activity/demo providers
• Sponsors
• Performers

What We Look For in Vendors

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic sellers
• High-quality products with thoughtful packaging
• Attractive and clean booth setup
• Strong branding and social media presence
• Sustainable, ethical, and local practices
• Unique items at accessible prices
• Locally produced

Invoices, Payments, and Booth Assignments

• Vendors choose their own dates — keep track of them.
  
• Invoices are sent on Mondays, and payment is due by Wednesday.
  
• The invoice acts as confirmation for the scheduled date.
  
• Booth spaces are assigned; vendors may not choose their own.

Vendor Categories

1. Eateries
   
   • Prepared food/drink for consumption on-site
   • Includes food trucks, carts, and tent-based pop-ups
   • Health permit required
2. Food Items
   
   • Food for off-site consumption (produce, baked goods, eggs, sauces, etc.)
   • Includes cottage foods
   • Health permit required
3. Plant Growers
   
   • Plants grown on property from seed or starter
   • Health permit not typically required
   • Potted plants MUST be at least 75% value-added
4. Artisan Goods
   
   • Handmade or vendor designed products (art, crafts, gifts)
   • No resellers, boutiques, crafting kits, or MLMs allowed

Weather and Event Cancellations

• The Market runs rain or shine — plan accordingly.
• In case of severe weather or emergencies:
  
  • The event may be shortened or cancelled.
  • Vendors will receive a credit toward a future event.

Non-Vendor Participants

All listed categories are contingent on approval

City Departments

• May attend at no cost with prior approval
• Contact: James Johnson (jbjohnson@cityofmesquite.com) at least 3 weeks in advance

Activities & Demonstrations

• Interactive or educational activities that fit the market vibe
• Some activities may charge fees or be sponsored by the City
• Proposals due 4 weeks in advance to James Johnson (jbjohnson@cityofmesquite.com)

Sponsors

• May host onsite activations
• See the sponsor button at the top of the page

Performers

• Musicians and entertainers may sell approved merchandise
• Use the Performer Interest Form to apply
• The Market may cover performance fees and provide equipment if selected

Typically Not Allowed:

Never Allowed:

• Seafood or unpasteurized milk
  
• MLM/direct marketing products (e.g., Scentsy, Herbalife)
  
• Resellers and boutiques
  
• CBD products (unless used in food)
• Holistic health or tarot services
• Printed T-shirts, tote bags, or other printed materials that are not 100% made by the vendor, OR at least 75% value added.

Vendor Space Fees

• Flat Fee: $30 per market day.
• Payment Deadline: Please pay by the Wednesday before the scheduled market date to secure the position.
• Final Cutoff: Payment must be received by Thursday, or relinquish placement.

Food Trucks & Trailers

• Required:
  
  • Dallas County Health Permit (can also be issued by the City of Mesquite).
  • City of Mesquite Fire Department inspection
• Permit covers: Any MFU (Mobile Food Unit)-permitted site in Mesquite for the calendar year.
• Contact the Health Department for full details.

Food Vendor Health Permits

• Required for All Food Sellers (produce, cottage food, eateries, food trucks, etc.).
• Temporary Health Permit (Farmers Market Only):
  
  • $10/day or $100/year (calendar year).
  • Contact:
    
    • Barry Jenkins – bjenkins@cityofmesquite.com
      
    • Gisel Cross – gcross@cityofmesquite.com
      
    • Phone: 972-216-8138
  • Cottage food vendors must comply with the Texas Cottage Food Production Law. Click the button below to learn more.

Power Access

• Power is limited and reserved primarily for food trucks and food vendors
• Approved uses include:
  
  • Foodservice equipment (with prior approval)
  • Fans, phone charging, and Point-Of-Service systems
• Not allowed: Heaters
• If using power:
  
  • Email power needs at least 3 days before the scheduled market date
  • Bring an appropriately sized extension cord
  • Keep cords neatly secured and out of pathways

Wi-Fi

Restrooms

• Restrooms are available at the back of the Heritage Plaza Building (111 S. Broad St., Mesquite, TX, 75149)
  
• Ask Market Staff for directions if needed

Vendor Hospitality

• Water is available on-site
• Booth Sitting: Market staff cannot assist, but volunteers may be available — just ask!

Schedule

Load-In Information

• Load-in: 6:30–8:30 AM
• Be fully set up by 8:30 AM — vendors not ready by then will not be allowed to sell
• Vendors are 100% responsible for their own setup
• Bring a cart or dolly to make unloading easier

Where to Load In

• Use one of the two parking lots next to Front Street Station:
  
  • East Side (Spaces 1–18): 261 W Front St, Mesquite, TX 75149
  • West Side (Spaces 19–34): 161 W Front St, Mesquite, TX 75149
• No vendor access to the main blocked-off street — Food Trucks only

Vendor Parking

• After unloading, move vehicle before setting up
• Vendor parking location:
  Mesquite Church of Christ – 400 W Davis St, Mesquite, TX 75149
  (Approx. 2 blocks away — free parking)

Vehicle Access Inside Front Street Station

• Vehicle access inside the site is by approval only and only before 8 a.m.
• Allowed only for:
  
  • Heavy or bulky items (e.g., freezers)
  • Large quantities of produce or plants
• Request approval ahead of time and call the Vendor Coordinator on arrival to remove barricades
• Food trucks & trailers: Must also arrive before 8 a.m.

Load-Out

• At the end of the market, Front Street will reopen to allow closer loading
• Vendors may also load out from the same lot you used to load in

Professionalism

• Be friendly, positive, and respectful — vendor attitudes reflects on the Market and the City.
  
• No hostility, gossip, or negative comments about other vendors, the Market, or the City.
  
• Report any issues privately to the Market Manager.

Smoking & Vaping

• Not allowed in or near the Market area

No-Shows & Violations

• Any missed payments will be considered the same as a no-call, no-show.
• Please note that vendor payments will be forfeited if they fail to appear without prior notice
• Repeated or serious violations can lead to:
  
  • Relocation, suspension, or permanent removal from the Market.
• Violation notices will be issued:
  
  • Verbally (with email follow-up) or
  • In writing from the Market or Downtown Development Manager

Disputes and Grievances

• Explain the concern calmly and clearly.
• A decision will be made for the day based on the Market’s best interest.

• Email a written statement to the Market Manager within 30 days of the issue.
• A resolution will be provided within 14–30 days.

Market Manager - Katrina Poitier

Katrina Poitier is a Texas AgriLife Master Gardener Graduate with over five years of hands-on experience in horticulture, sustainable gardening, and community education. She completed her studies through the Texas AgriLife Master Gardeners Program at Texas A&M University, where she gained expertise in environmentally responsible gardening practices tailored to Texas ecosystems.

Katrina currently serves as the Youth Program Director at the FAWC Conservatory of Arts and Sciences, where she develops and leads educational programs that blend environmental science with the creative arts. She is also the President of Poitier Productions, LLC.

A committed advocate for education, sustainability, and youth empowerment, Katrina combines her passions to inspire future leaders. She is married to Coy Poitier, with whom she shares a dedication to community and cultural enrichment.