The Old Brooklyn Farmers Market (OBFM) is overseen by Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation (OBCDC) with the goal of providing access to locally grown, fresh, high-quality produce in Old Brooklyn while promoting local businesses, building community, and sharing what the neighborhood has to offer.  

Individuals and businesses selling products at OBFM are referred to as vendors. OBCDC strives to operate a producers-only market (with certain limited, intentional, and purposeful exceptions). Vendors are the growers and/or producers of the products they sell. Vendors selling produce will be held to a standard of 80% of all products at their stand must be grown at the farm site(s) listed on the Vendors’ application. Produce purchased at an auction or wholesale market is not permitted at OBFM. All products sold at OBFM must be reviewed and approved by the Market Manager prior to their introduction at the market. 

APPLICATIONS 

• By submitting an electronic or paper application, applicants agree that decisions are made at the Market Manager’s discretion and subject to review by OBCDC 

• OBCDC strives to keep a balance and variety of vendors and vendor types at each market to better support participating vendors 

• Applicants must receive written acceptance as a vendor before issuing press releases or notifying the public of their anticipated attendance at the market 

• Once accepted, vendors may be visited by an OBFM representative prior to and during the market season. If applicable, field inspections may take place during these visits. 

PERMITS 

• Vendors are responsible for all licensing and permits required by law to sell or promote their products. All items must be sold under license and in accordance with all local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations regarding the production, handling, and selling of the items 

• Vendors are responsible for paying all applicable local, state, and federal taxes and fees 

• Vendors must submit copies of all inspection forms, licenses, and insurance annually 

• Products must be labeled, if required, in accordance with ODA guidelines 

• Products labeled organic must be certified by an accredited organization according to the rules of the National Organic Program. Advertising products as organic must be accompanied by written evidence of organic certification 

BOOTH SPACE 

Vendors (Non-Food Truck)

• Vendors will be provided a booth space, which will accommodate their 10x10 tent. Displays and tables must stay within that space 

• Vendors must: 

• provide their own tents, tables, signs, etc. (PLEASE NOTE - Tents WILL require proper weighting and securing against wind and weather!) 

• be responsible for their own transportation and equipment 

• display a sign, which states the name and farm/business location 

• display all pricing information 

• use a certified scale when selling by the pound 

• dress and act in a professional manner at all times 

• have their booths staffed at all times 

• not run a generator 

• be set up for operation by 4:30 PM 

• No vehicles will be permitted within the footprint of the OBFM after 4:30 PM, unless special permission has been granted by the Market Manager 

• OBCDC has the right to cancel your participation or future participation if you are not ready by 4:30 PM   

• Vendors who sell out of product are required to bring more the following week, as empty Vendor booths detract from the atmosphere of the market 

Vendors (Food Truck)

Food truck vendors will be provided a space to park their truck or cart. Displays and tables must stay within that space.

• Food truck vendors must: 

• be responsible for their own transportation and equipment 

• have business name displayed  

• display all pricing information

• dress and act in a professional manner at all times 

• have their truck or cart staffed at all times

• arrive on site by 3:30pm to ensure you can move through the event footprint without obstacle from vendor tents

• be set up for operation by 4:30 PM 

• No vehicles will be permitted within the footprint of the OBFM after 4:30 PM, unless special permission has been granted by the Market Manager 

• OBCDC has the right to cancel your participation or future participation if you are not ready by 4:30 PM   

LATE ARRIVAL/ NO-SHOW POLICIES: 

• LATE ARRIVAL: Vendors who arrive late may find their normal assigned spot occupied by another vendor or artisan for that day. Gaps and open spots in the market flow do not have a vibrant look and may be rectified by moving another participant into that spot. Vendors who will be late must contact the Market Manager in advance at 440-390-9743. Failure to do so, or repeated offense will result in the following: 

  • 1st time – Verbal warning 

  • 2nd time – Warning and a $25 fine 

  • 3rd time – OBCDC will determine status of vendor 

• (NON-FOOD TRUCK) NO-SHOW/CANCELLATION: must notify the Market Manager of their absence by 4:00 PM the day of the market by calling or texting 440-390-9743. You MUST talk to the Manager or leave a message. Failure to do so, or repeated offense will result in the following: 

  • 1st time – Verbal warning 

  • 2nd time – Warning and a $25 fine 

  • 3rd time – OBCDC will determine status of vendor 

• (FOOD TRUCK SPECIFIC) NO-SHOW/CANCELLATION: must notify the Market Manager of their absence the morning of the market day at the latest if you know you are not able to make it by calling or texting 440-390-9743. You MUST talk to the Manager or leave a message. Failure to do so, or repeated offense will result in the following: 

  • 1st time – Verbal warning 

  • 2nd time – Warning and a $25 fine 

  • 3rd time – OBCDC will determine status of vendor 

Because there is only one dinner option, this gives the Market Manager time to call on other food trucks that may be available to fill the gap.

DOG FRIENDLY  

Well-behaved dogs on leashes or harnesses are allowed to attend our market. 

• Owners include both attending guests and Vendors 

• The Market Manager reserves the right to modify this arrangement 

• Owners of dogs exhibiting aggressive behavior of any kind will have to remove their dog from the market area 

CREDIT CARD POLICY 

• OBFM encourages vendors to accept credit cards at their booths 

VENDOR REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM 

• Participation in all incentive programs offered by the market is mandatory for vendors whose merchandise qualifies. This includes but is not limited to the Women Infants and Children (WIC) Farmers Market Program, Produce Prescription (PRx), Ohio Direction Card (EBT) token, Produce Perk programs, Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Customers can utilize Ohio Direction cards to purchase items at OBFM using tokens, which can be purchased from the info tent. 

• $1 tokens can be used for eligible items only; change cannot be given 

• Visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items for list of eligible items (USDA site active as of 1/26/2026) 

• All Vendors are required to accept tokens for eligible items 

• EBT tokens are ONLY to be used by EBT recipients 

• No lost or stolen tokens will be reissued or refunded 

• Tokens may not be given as change 

• Vendors will count their tokens and coupons and report to the Info Tent at the end of each market where they will be double checked by a market representative 

• Tokens may not be defaced using any type of marker or ink 

• OBCDC typically issues reimbursement payments once a month throughout the market season. All Vendors will receive reimbursements for the last month within 10 days of the last OBFM date of the month 

CONDUCT AND DISMISSAL  

OBFM is a welcoming space where people from all walks of life- neighbors, visitors, farmers, and volunteers-come together to celebrate fresh, locally grown food and a vibrant community. OBCDC values diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all. To ensure a positive experience for everyone, vendors and their representatives are expected to adhere to the following guidelines: 

• Smoking and vaping of any kind is prohibited within the market area by vendors and guests 

• Vendors must always conduct themselves in a safe and courteous manner 

• Vendors must not refuse sales or service to any customer based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, income derived from a public assistance program, or any other characteristic protected by law 

• 1st violation: Verbal warning, unless violation is blatant 

• 2nd violation: Written warning 

• 3rd violation: OBCDC will determine status of Vendor 

The above tiered system applies to violations of market rules; however, OBCDC reserves the right to revoke vendor participation at any time, with or without warning, as determined by OBCDC’s Executive Director. Should a vendor be dismissed for any violation articulated above, fees will not be returned or refunded regardless of the point in the season. 

HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES  

General Guidelines: 

• Sick employees, volunteers, and vendors must stay home and not return until they are free of fever for at least 72 hours without fever-reducing medication, as well as: 

• Improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) 

• At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared 

• Those who appear to be ill upon arrival to market or become sick during the day will be sent home immediately 

• Please take your temperature before coming to the market. 

Vendor Guidelines: 

• All Vendors must sanitize their stands regularly, primarily wiping down tables, terminals, cash boxes, etc. (Familiarize yourself with the CDC Guidelines to clean and disinfect surfaces) 

• Follow CDC recommendations for cleaning your hands. 

Failure to comply with any of the above requirements may result in dismissal from the Market and prohibit participation in future market dates. 

INDEMNIFICATION  

All Vendors participating in OBFM agree that they are independent contractors and not employees, partners, or joint ventures with OBFM, OBCDC, or the City of Cleveland and shall be individually and severally liable for any loss, personal injury, deaths, and/or any other damages that may occur as a result of the vendor’s negligence or that of its employees, agents, or associates. All vendors agree to indemnify and save OBFM, its Market Manager, its sponsors, and Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation harmless from any loss, costs, damages, and other expenses including attorney’s fees, suffered or incurred by them by reason of the vendor’s negligence or intentional misconduct, or that of its employees, agents, and associates; provided that, the vendor shall not be liable for nor required to indemnify OBFM or the Market Manager for the negligence of any of them or that of their servants, agents, employees, or associates. It is required that each vendor carry their own personal and product liability insurance. Furthermore, vehicle liability insurance is required to cover any damage caused.