Thank you for your interest in being a handmade vendor at the 2025 Lac du Bonnet Farmers Market! The 2025 season is our 35th year of operation.
This year’s market season will begin May 17, 2025, and continue every Saturday through Thanksgiving weekend October 11, 2025. Markets after Labour Day long weekend (August 30, 2025) will be at a reduced rate.
Market hours are 10am to 1pm on regular Saturdays, 10am - 2pm on the Saturday of a long weekend.
Every market will be held in the parking lot at the Lac du Bonnet Arena/Community Centre, unless otherwise notified.
Applications are open to existing market members March 1 to March 15, 2025.
Applications for new vendors will open March 15, 2025, and close April 15, 2025
All required health permits, etc. must be submitted to the market executive before May 1, 2025. Vendors are responsible for ensuring their permits are up to date at all times.
Once again, we look forward to a successful partnership with each of our vendors, and a wonderful 2025 market season!
-Your Executive Team
MISSION STATEMENT:
Our mission is to provide an opportunity for local farmers, food producers, and artisans to sell their products directly to the consumer in a clean, friendly, and community orientated environment.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
This booklet contains details, procedures, policies rules, regulations, and general guidelines for all farmers' market vendors. It does not substitute for individual category specifications, which may have additional guidelines. Only products made, baked, or grown by the market member are allowed for sale. Resale of commercial products is not permitted at the market. All vendors must comply with all Manitoba and federal laws. statutes, ordinances, and labeling requirements.
MARKET SEASON AND HOURS:
The market season will begin on the Saturday of the May long weekend, and will run each Saturday from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm, throughout the summer and fall, until Thanksgiving weekend. Markets that are on a Saturday of a long weekend will run from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE LAC DU BONNET FARMERS' MARKET?
The Lac du Bonnet Farmers' Market will provide members with:
· A commercially desirable location to offer their products for sale to other Manitobans, Canadians, and tourists. The Farmers' market is a sales outlet through which members can determine the acceptability/profitability of a new product or idea. It affords the vendor the opportunity to gain commercial experience without investing a lot of money.
· Cost effective advertising and marketing.
· Optional Liability insurance protection is available at a reduced cost through Direct Farm Manitoba group purchasing.
· The opportunity to interact with and share the camaraderie of others with similar interests and values, while enhancing your economic well being.
WHO CAN SELL AT THE MARKET?
· If you make it, bake it, pick it or grow it, you can apply to be a member of the Lac du Bonnet Farmers' Market. This will be subject to the requirements of the local health regulations.
· Only paid members will be allowed to sell at the weekly Farmers' Market. No markets may be attended until outstanding fees are cleared.
· The eligibility to participate in our Christmas Market is determined by the number of outdoor markets attended in the first 16 weeks.
· The executive board will make every reasonable effort to limit the amount of "like items" for the market.
HOW DO YOU BECOME A MEMBER?
To become a member of the Lac du Bonnet Farmers' Market you must:
· Fill out a membership application form & agree to abide by the rules, regulations, guidelines, and bylaws of the Lac du Bonnet Farmers' Market.
· Be approved for membership by the executive of the Lac du Bonnet Farmers' market.
· Pay the $20 yearly membership fee within one week of application acceptance.
· Membership fees cover your market membership from May 1st to April 30th. First year members are not eligible to vote at the AGM.
· Once accepted to the market, you will be asked to join our private market vendor Facebook group. This group is required for confirming market attendance, information on upcoming markets & events, to share product pics & meet your fellow vendors. (moved up from lower section)
WHAT ARE THE MARKET FEES?
In addition to the yearly $20 membership fee, the casual market fee is $20 per Saturday, payable each market day upon arrival.
If you choose to pay for the first 16 markets from May long weekend to September long weekend, the fee for the season will be discounted to $15.00 per day, totaling $240.00 and will need to be submitted in full within a week of your accepted application.
Vendors who attend Saturdays after September long until Thanksgiving weekend pay a reduced rate of $10 per Saturday payable upon arrival.
Each vendor will be provided with approximately 10 linear feet of display frontage. Vendors are limited to 1 space per market. Those requiring/occupying more display area will be charged an additional $20.00 for each 10-foot multiple of frontage used. This will be at the discretion of the executive, and as space allows. Existing vendors holding multiple spaces are grandfathered in.
Youth vendors receive special pricing of $5 per week. If you wish to pay for the full regular season upfront, it will be $100 ($20 membership + $5 x 16 weeks $80)
To qualify as a youth vendor, applicants must meet the following criteria:
If the youth does not meet the above criteria or if it’s more of a parent-child collaboration, we’d still love for you to apply! However, your team will fall under a Regular market membership.
We accept membership fees & yearly market fees by e-transfer or cheque. Cheques can be mailed to PO Box 1899 Lac Du Bonnet MB R0E 1A0. E-transfers can be sent to ldbfarmersmarket@gmail.com Password: market. Please include your business name on your e-transfer/cheque as it appears on your application.
WHO OVERSEES THE FARMERS' MARKET?
The executive of the Lac du Bonnet Farmers' Market oversees the weekly market. They are responsible for enforcing all applicable rules, guidelines & bylaws, and for making on the spot decisions that may be required to allow the market to function in an orderly, harmonious fashion.
Current Market Executive
· President - Alison Chevrier
· Vice President - Fern Lussier
· Treasurer - Norm Lussier
· Secretary – Joanne Dyer
· Marketing - Laura Kitson
LAC DU BONNET FARMERS' MARKET RULES AND REGULATIONS
1: HEALTH & SAFETY
· All applicants must agree to abide by all Lac du Bonnet Farmers’ Market procedures, policies, rules, regulations, and general guidelines. In addition, all vendors are required to read and abide by the Manitoba Health Farmers’ Market Guidelines
· It is the responsibility of each vendor to ensure that all products sold comply with all Manitoba and Federal laws, statutes, ordinances, and labeling requirements. Vendors are responsible for contacting relevant agencies for clarification of any requirements. Food vendors who require a Manitoba Health permit to sell potentially hazardous foods as outlined in the Manitoba Farmers Market guidelines must upload a copy of any required Province of Manitoba permits before acceptance can be finalized. Liquor vendors must be granted a temporary retail location permit by the Province of Manitoba LGCA which is applied for after acceptance as a vendor. A copy of the licence must be submitted prior to attending any markets. Health care products must provide proof of registration with Health Canada and be properly labeled.
· Vendors must use new food packaging for all processed food products.
· All processed food products must be labeled in accordance with Province of Manitoba regulations. Labels must include the following information:
· Processed food products that do not comply with the above labeling and packaging rules must be removed from the market until the issue is resolved. Market executives or an assigned delegate will conduct spot checks throughout the season to ensure compliance. A second violation by the same vendor will result in removal from the market for the remainder of the season.
· All food samples must be prepared, stored, and distributed in a sanitary manner. Samples must be kept covered at all times to ensure safety and cleanliness.
· If you are offering samples, you must provide a garbage can at your booth for customer use.
· Vendors shall not be allowed to sell meat, poultry, or milk products unless they have the appropriate permit from the health authorities. All vendors that have their own permits with the Health Dept. must submit a copy to the executive.
· If an inspection of a vendor is requested by another vendor and the allegations of not following the market rules are unfounded, the requesting vendor will be subject to a $75 charge to cover the travel expenses related to providing the inspection. The Executive reserves the right to conduct vendor inspections on any vendor, at any time, at their own discretion.
For specific information on health matters vendors should contact the Health Inspector for our area, Andreas Oertel 204-904-8656 andreas.oertel@gov.mb.ca or the main office at (204) 945-4204 healthprotection@gov.mb.ca
· The Lac du Bonnet Farmers' Market has adopted a 'no pets allowed' policy inside the market area. This applies to both vendors and customers. While the executive will do their best to notify those violating this policy, please note that, as we are also selling, we cannot always speak to everyone directly. Multiple signs regarding this policy are posted throughout the market, and it is also listed on our website and social media. Vendors may politely inform customers of the policy if they are comfortable doing so (without shouting 'no pets' as they walk by).
2: VENDOR STALLS / DISPLAYS / EQUIPMENT
· Vendors are responsible for providing their own tents with weights, tables, chairs, display equipment, and any other necessary items. All equipment must be removed at the end of the market day. Market equipment may not be left on-site outside of market hours.
· All tables must be covered with a clean, appropriate table covering.
· All canopies MUST be secured using appropriate weights. Pegs will NOT be allowed for safety reasons. If your tent is not properly secured, you will be required to remove it. Any damage caused by an unsecured tent, display, etc. is solely the financial responsibility of the vendor. Market executives or an assigned delegate will be performing spot checks throughout the season to ensure compliance.
· Vendors are not allowed to extend their stall beyond their stall size, all signage and displays are to fall within your marked space.
· Please refrain from using signage that compares your products to another vendor's product in a negative way. For example, statements like 'My natural lotion is better than those containing chemicals' are not allowed. Let’s keep the focus on the unique qualities of your own products.
· Booth sharing with a nonmarket member is prohibited.
3: VENDOR STALL ALLOCATION
· Vendors will be assigned a stall at the discretion of the Executive.
· Vendors should be aware that, on any given weekend, there may be instances where you will not be able to park your vehicle at your stall.
· Confirmation or cancellation of market attendance must be sent through Facebook market vendor group (preferred) or by text to Norm Lussier @ (204) 340-0429, prior to 6:00 pm on the preceding Wednesday.
· With the exception of the May long weekend, a vendor must attend one regular market in weeks prior to the long weekend in order to secure a spot for that weekend.
· To attend a Long Weekend Market vendors will have to participate on AT LEAST ONE of the following dates to qualify:
o Canada Day Long Weekend (Jun 28, 2025) - Must attend at least one of May 24, May 31, June 7, June 14, June 21
o August Long Weekend (Aug 2, 2025) - Must attend at least one of July 5, July 12, July 19, July 26
o Labour Day Weekend (Aug 30, 2025) - Must attend at least one of August 9, August 16, August 23
4: MARKET START / END TIMES
· Vendors must be in their designated stall area by 9:30 am and set up and ready to sell by the 10:00 am opening of the market. If you have not arrived by 9:30 am (without prior notice) it will be assumed you are not showing, and your space may be given up.
· There are ABSOLUTELY NO vehicles allowed to travel through the market area after 9:30 am until after market close, and until most customers have vacated the space. If you arrive after 9:30 am, you agree to park your vehicle in the designated parking area and transport your items to your booth by hand/cart
· Vendors are not permitted to set up before 8:00 am.
· It is understood and accepted by all members that market sales will begin promptly at 10:00 am. Vendors are required to inform customers that they cannot process purchases before the designated start time and must wait for the 10:00 am horn to signal the beginning of sales.
· Pre-orders are allowed to be picked up prior to 9:30 am, and the sale must be done discreetly (preferably at the rear of the vendor’s tent, or off market property). Vendors are permitted to sell to other vendors prior to opening but are not required to do so. Please be respectful of others during set up time.
· Vendors are not permitted to dismantle their stalls and leave early (unless prior approval by the executive has been granted). Stalls need to remain set up until the market closes.
· Vendors who leave early without prior approval from the executive will be subject to a $20 fine for a first offence and will have their membership revoked after a second offence.
· The Lac du Bonnet Farmers’ Market runs rain or shine and is not automatically cancelled due to inclement weather. We ask that vendors notify the market executive prior to 8:00 am if they will not be attending due to weather conditions. During market hours or setup, if there is lightning in the sky or severe rain/wind, it is at the vendor's discretion whether to stay or tear down with no penalty.
· Vendors who confirm attendance but fail to show up for the market without contacting the executive prior to 8:00 am will be required to pay a $20 fine before attending another market.
5: PRODUCT CONSIGNMENT
In accordance with farmers' market guidelines, product consignment is prohibited.
6: VENDOR RESPONSIBILITIES
· Vendors must cooperate fully with the executive and abide by their decisions. Vendors must also cooperate fully with health authorities when they visit the market.
· Vendors must not create excessive noise on their site. i.e.: generators, idling vehicles, music, yelling, etc. during market hours.
· If vendors require use of a generator, please be mindful of your neighbors and bring a sound barrier/reflector.
· Vendors are not permitted to smoke within their allotted stall area.
· Vendor pets are not allowed within the market area.
· Vendors are asked to show discretion when eating or drinking at their tables when customers are present.
· Samples and market materials may only be handed out within your designated booth space. Samples and materials may not be distributed directly in front of other vendor booths, as this can impede their business.
· Vendors are responsible for cleaning up any garbage generated by your samples, promotional materials, business cards, packaging, etc., both within your booth space and in the common market area, and pack it out with them at the end of the market.
· The garbage cans at the market are for customer use. Please do not fill these cans with personal/vendor garbage.
· It is expected that vendors will occasionally volunteer time at the end of the market day to assist with putting away equipment, disposing of garbage etc.
· Washroom facilities are available at the side entrance of the arena, please do not use the Chicken Chef washrooms.
· All children under the age of 12 attending the market as youth vendors or with regular vendors must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times and remain within the vendor’s designated booth space. To respect fellow vendors, children should refrain from entering other vendor booths. Vendors are responsible for any damages caused by their children. Failure to comply with this policy may result in a warning or removal from the market at the discretion of the executive.
7. VENDOR RELATIONS:
The LDB Farmers' Market encourages all participants to support, encourage, and assist one another. If a vendor has a concern or question regarding another vendor's practices, they should speak with a member of the Executive Board. If the Executive is asked to take action on a vendor complaint, a formal complaint form must be completed before any action can be taken.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH MANITOBA LAWS, THE LDB FARMERS' MARKET HAS A ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY FOR AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR, VERBAL ABUSE, OR HARASSMENT - IN PERSON OR BY ANY OTHER MEANS - TOWARD ANY BOARD MEMBER, STAFF, FELLOW VENDORS, CUSTOMERS, VISITORS, OR VOLUNTEERS. INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT MAY RESULT IN REFUSAL OF SERVICE, REMOVAL FROM THE MARKET, OR CONTACTING LOCAL AUTHORITIES.
THE EXECUTIVE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REMOVE ANY INDIVIDUAL DISRUPTING THE HARMONIOUS OPERATION OF THE MARKET. SUCH INDIVIDUALS MAY ALSO FACE EXPULSION FROM ALL FUTURE MARKET DATES.
NOTE: YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE AN EMAIL CONFIRMATION OPTION, AND WILL NEED TO EMAIL THE REQUIRED PRODUCT PHOTOS & APPLICABLE PERMITS TO US SEPARATELY