Learn more about Vendor Information, Benefits and the Market below.
Before applying to Become a Vendor, review the Vendor types, what they are and the requirements/documents, below.
Vendor Information & Benefits
Market on the Bayou is a producer’s-only food market dedicated to sourcing local foods.
MOB is comprised of vendors who: grow/raise their own products, make their own food products utilizing local ingredients when possible and reasonable, & a small number of non-food artisan vendors.
The resale of items not made by the vendor–food or nonfood–is not permitted. Eligible food products must be sourced within 150 miles of the market.
Read the following descriptions carefully to select the correct category for your application.
NO Crafters, MLMs, or Direct sales companies.
If you have questions about which category best fits your products, please Contact Us before you apply.
Vendors who have paid for their market space must notify the market manager by 12pm the Monday before the market in order to be removed from vendor roster. Otherwise it will be assumed the vendor will be attending the market. We want to ensure customer satisfaction we ask vendors to let us know if they are not coming.
Seasonal Vendors
- must attend 15/24 Market Days
- full Season website listing – with a hyperlink to your website and/or social media page.
- automatically marketed in e-mailing, FB page & newsletters
- guaranteed booth spot on map
- Seasonal Signage on Canopy
- Seasonal is paid in full $840
Monthly Vendors
- must attend 12/24 Market Days.
- website listing – payments made by the Wednesday before the market will be get you listed on the website until market day.
- must have payments in by 5pm Wednesday before the market entry.
- guaranteed booth spot on map
- Monthly is a month to month commitment
Market Rules
- Market Hours 9 am – 2 pm (if we need to stay open longer we will for customers)
- Check-in & Set-up start at 7am – 8:30am, set-up must be completed by 8:30am
- Breakdown starts at 2:15pm -3:30pm, lot must be vacated by 4:00pm
- IF CUSTOMERS ARE STILL WALKING AROUND BREAKDOWN WILL BEGIN ONLY AFTER ALL CUSTOMERS HAVE LEFT THE PARKING LOT!!! IF we have to stay open longer we will
- 10’x10’ space is assigned weekly.
- Vendor provides:
- 1 tent with weights (at least 25lbs each leg)
- Chairs, Tables, and Tablecloths
- Signage & marketing materials
- Generators, power banks, fire extinguishers, equipment (cooking, refrigerators, coolers, etc.)
- Vendors will always maintain a clean space, take trash with you
- You leave a mess; you pay a $100 fee.
- If you are unable to attend the Market, email must be sent to staff by 6pm Wednesday Before Market
- All Payments will be Electronic,
- due by 5pm Wednesday of market week.
- Payments are Non-Refundable.
- Invoices will be sent out the week prior to the Market.
- Vendors are responsible for collecting and remitting their own sales tax to the State, this includes paying sales taxes to the city of Dickinson (which needs to be added to your sales permit).
- Vendors must maintain all permits, licenses, and liability Insurance at all times.
- All Vendors are expected to maintain a professional demeanor towards patrons, other Vendors, and market personnel. Drug use, alcohol use, smoking, and vaping are not permitted.
- All State Required Certifications need to be display on the Right Front of Canopy or Table.
- All Vendors must carry their insurance, sales tax permit, food handler or managers certificate on them while attending the MOB.
Terms & Conditions
All Members will be Members of the Market on the Bayou (the “Market” or MOB). To participate in the Market, Members agree to the following terms and conditions:
Member will exercise the utmost care in the use of facilities and properties of MOB & Queen of Angels Church.
Member must comply with the MOB Member Handbook.
Member must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations, including without limitation labor laws.
If Member initiates a legal action, arbitration, or other proceeding of any kind against MOB, Member’s rights, and privileges of Membership in MOB and Member’s right to vend at the Market will automatically be revoked until such proceeding has concluded.
Member agrees to release and waiver of liability.
If Member desires to erect canopies or umbrellas at the Market during the normal period of Market operation (which includes the set up and break down period), such canopies must be sufficiently and safely always weighted or anchored to the ground. If Member fails to properly anchor or secure the canopies, Member will not be allowed to sell at the Market on that market day, unless Member chooses to take down and stow away any canopies.
If Member fails to comply with this Agreement or Member Handbook, MOB reserves the right to revoke Member’s Membership. If Member’s Membership is revoked, MOB will return Member’s unused prepayments, and Member must promptly vacate the premises of the Market. Upon failure to so vacate, MOB is authorized to remove all property of Member from the premises at Member’s expense. MOB is relieved and discharged from all losses or damage occasioned from such removal. MOB shall not be responsible for storage or safekeeping of property so removed.
During the market season, Member must maintain in full force and effect general commercial liability insurance. The limits of such insurance will be not less than $1 million per occurrence and $2 million in the aggregate. Member’s insurance must name MOB as a primary additional insured and any other entities listed in the MOB Handbook. Member must submit certificates of such insurance policy to MOB upon MOB’s request. Member’s insurance shall require that MOB be afforded at least 30-days’ advance written notice in the event of any material change, expiration, cancellation, or termination thereof. Member is not an agent, representative or employee of MOB. Member does not have any authority to and will not represent MOB or the Market in any capacity or use MOB’s or the Market’s name in any news release, speech, website, or any form of communication without prior written explicit permission of MOB’s board of directors.
Member will indemnify and hold harmless the Queen of Angels Church , bethel Church and the MOB and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents for all claims, actions, judgments, losses, costs, attorney fees, and damages whatsoever (“Claims”), including Claims arising by reason of accident, injury, or death caused to persons or property of any kind, arising out of, in connection with, or incident to Member’s participation in the Market arising out the setup of, sale or supply of any products presented at the Market by Member, or the acts or omission of Member or any of its employees or agents, except those Claims caused solely and directly by the negligence of MOB or the Dickinson Economic Development Corporation.
Member agrees to, and hereby assumes, all liabilities and responsibilities, financial and otherwise, for Member’s participation in and with the Market. In consideration of the services rendered by MOB, Member waives all claims, actions, or demands of any nature, foreseen or unforeseen, that Member may have against MOB. This Agreement is personal to Member and Member may not assign this agreement or any of its rights or obligations, in part or in full. Any such assignment by Member will be null and void.
The validity, interpretation, and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of Texas, without regard to conflicts of laws principles.
Any proceeding to enforce this Agreement or enjoin its breach is to be brought against any of the parties in a court located in Galveston County, Texas, and each of the party’s consents to the jurisdiction of such court (and of the appropriate appellate court) in any such action or proceeding and waives any objection to such venue.
In the event of any litigation or other proceeding arising hereunder or between the parties, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover attorney fees and other costs, including costs of appeal. For purposes of this agreement, “prevailing party” means the party that prevails (whether affirmatively or by means of a successful defense) with respect to claims having the greatest value or importance as reasonably determined by the arbitrator or court.
Any Member challenging another Member’s conduct or a product’s legitimacy must file a written complaint with the Market Coordinator or his/her designee, giving the name of the Member and the product or situation they feel may not be following Market policies. The complainant must date and sign their name and the Market Coordinator or his/her designee will turn over all complaints to the Executive Director for a follow-up.
The Market Coordinator, Executive Director, or his/her designee is responsible for enforcing the Member Rules. Members selling prohibited items will be asked to remove those items from sale or leave the Market. After 3 violations of Member rules, this will result in being banned from the Market with no reimbursement of fees paid.
Member understands that Member is signing this Agreement as a part of the application process and unless and until MOB accepts Member’s application, this Agreement is not binding on either party. When MOB accepts Member’s application, this Agreement becomes binding on both Member and MOB and MOB will provide Member with a fully executed copy of this Agreement at the Member’s request.
Sales Tax and Use Permit
Please go to https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/permit/
- Click on Apply for permit via eSystems
- Create an account (this will be used to submit your sales taxes quarterly)
Please make sure you have your Home City and City of Dickinson List on the Sales Tax Permit
- all sales that are made at the farmers need to be submitted to the State and Dickinson
- Please Provide a copy of the Permit to the Chair of Vendors
- If you are just applying for a Permit please submit your Tax ID Number to the Chair of Vendors
Insurance Policies for Vendors at Farmers Markets
All vendors that sell at our farmers markets are required to carry and maintain insurance in the amount of $1 million for products liability and $2 million for general aggregate liability with Market on the Bayou being named as additional insured. Please note that Market on the Bayou & City of Dickinson must be included as Additional Insured on your policy.
Please use the following address:
Market on the Bayou by The Dickinson Chamber of Commerce
1911 FM 517 Rd E
Dickinson, Texas 77539
We have done some research and while we do not endorse any insurance company or policy, the following three businesses do offer policies specifically for farmers market vendors.
- Campbell Risk Management For $275 annually, Campbell Risk Management will insure market vendors for multiple farmers markets. To apply, access the application and policy information by clicking on the “Farmers Market Vendors” link at www.campbellriskmanagement.com.
- Farmers Market Insurance. Ranges between $27-39 per month with the required amount of coverage listed about. To apply, go to their website at https://generalliabilityinsure.com/small-business/farmers-market-insurance.html to get a quote.
- ACT Insurance. Starts at $49 per month or $265 annually. ACT Program benefits: No Quote Process, 24/7 Access to Policy, Convenient Online Purchasing, Licensed in all 50 states, Instant Coverage, No deductible on liability claims. To apply, go to their website at https://www.actinsurance.com/farmers-markets-insurance
- Food Liability Insurance Program (FLIP). Policies starting at $299 annually. To apply or get a quote, go to their website at https://www.fliprogram.com/farmers-market-insurance
Disclaimer
All Contents must be read and Agreement Signed
In your application, you must be as transparent and detailed as possible about your operation’s methods, ingredients, and philosophy. We value honesty and a commitment to local, sustainable systems and preference is always given to organic (uncertified or certified) operations. The vetting of applications is conducted by the MOB Manger and 2 other vendors and depending on when you submit your application it may take up to 2 weeks to receive a final response.
Please ensure you have read all the information and the Market Rules before completing your application below. Once complete, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a copy of the Market Rules & Member Agreement.
Review the Vendor types, toggle through the Required Documents & What Is… each vendor type to be sure you fill out the Vendor Application appropriately.
Required Documents:
- Insurance
- Manufacturing License from State
- USDA Certification (if Applicable)
- Sales Tax Permit (if applicable)
- Galveston County Health District Food Permit (gchd.org)
Applicants under this category offer:
- produce that has been grown on the producer’s land (including leased land),
- meat/eggs/processed meat products from animals raised on the producers’ land (including leased land) & are processed at a USDA-inspected facility
- products such as cheese, yogurt, or honey sourced from animals raised on the producers’ land (including leased land)
- Examples: Farmers, Ranchers, Beekeepers
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCER VENDOR REQUIREMENTS
Agricultural producer vendors include:
- produce that has been grown on the producer’s land (including leased land),
- meat/eggs/processed meat products from animals raised on the producers’ land (including leased land) & are processed at a USDA-inspected facility.
- products such as cheese, yogurt, or honey sourced from animals raised on the producers’ land (including leased land)
FOOD PERMITTING:
Produce Farmers/Beekeepers:
Producers vending only uncut fruits and vegetables do not need to obtain any permits to sell at DFM.
There is currently no permitting required of beekeepers, although beekeepers must allow a site visit to at least one of their bee yards.
Ranchers:
Meats require a Galveston County Health District Temporary Food Establishment Permit and all products must be processed and packaged at permitted facilities.
They must be labeled and must meet Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) for time kept hot or cold as required.
Eggs only:
Require the same Galveston County Health District Temporary Food Establishment Permit and cartons must be labeled with the producer’s name, address, and the word “ungraded.”
Eggs must be kept cooled at 45 degrees or less.
If an agricultural producer wishes to also vend value-added items or prepared foods or artisan goods, they must fill out an additional application and obtain the relevant permitting where necessary. If an agricultural producer wishes to sell soap or yarn in addition to their food products, they are asked to fill out the Non-food Artisan Vendor application.
GALVESTON COUNTY HEALTH DISTRICT (GCHD) PERMITTING RESOURCES:
- Link to GCHD Consumer Health Services
- GCHD Description of a “Farmers Market” food establishment (scroll down)
- GCHD Temporary Food Establishment Form for all “potentially hazardous foods” (i.e. anything that must be refrigerated to remain safe – this permit should only be $75 per event or $100 for the year)
Additional Resources
- Texas Department of State Health Services – FAQs – Farmer’s Market
- Farm & Ranch Freedom Alliance: A Closer Look: New Texas Laws for Farmers Market
- How to Determine if your products meet the Organic guidelines
COMMON QUESTIONS:
Do I need a temporary food establishment permit to sell food at a farmers’ market?
A temporary food establishment permit is not required to sell whole, intact unprocessed fruits and vegetables and pre-packaged non-potentially hazardous food/time temperature for safety foods.
A temporary food establishment permit is required to sell all other potentially hazardous food/time temperature control for safe foods.
What is a potentially hazardous food/temperature controlled for safety food (PHF/TCS)?
A potentially hazardous food (PHF) is a food that requires time and temperature control to limit pathogen growth or toxin production. In other words, potentially hazardous food must be held under proper temperature controls, such as refrigeration to prevent the growth of bacteria that may cause human illness. A PHF/TCS is a food that: contains protein, moisture (water activity greater than 0.85), and is neutral to slightly acidic (pH between 4.6 -7.5).
Required Documents:
- Insurance
- Kitchen Lease Agreement
- Sales Tax Permit (if applicable)
- Galveston County Health District Food Permit (gchd.org)
Applicants under this category offer:
- Freshly-made food and drinks available for sale and immediate consumption. These products may be hot or cold ready-to-eat foods or drinks.
- Products should use organic ingredients when available and as many market products as possible & reasonable, with preference given to those vendors who use local products.
- The certified kitchen utilized must be located within 150 miles of the market attended.
- Examples: Pakistani take-home meals, iced lemonade, breakfast tacos
PREPARED FOODS VENDOR REQUIREMENTS
Prepared Foods vendors offer freshly-made food and drinks available for sale and immediate consumption. These products may be hot or cold ready-to-eat foods or drinks.
Products should use organic ingredients when available and as many market products as possible & reasonable, with preference given to those vendors who use local products.
The certified kitchen utilized must be located within 150 miles of the market attended.
Products to be sold must be presented for sampling and inspection of labeling before acceptance into DFM. The Board of Trustees may or will request these samples from you– please do not drop off before invited to do so.
FOOD PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS:
All Prepared Foods Vendors must provide proof of the following:
- Temporary Food Establishment Permit from the Galveston County Health District (This GCHD Guidelines document outlines the requirements under the permit.)
- Food Manufacturer’s License
- Food Handler’s License
- All prepared foods must be made in a certified kitchen
LABELING REQUIREMENTS:
All food items must be clearly labeled according to Texas law and include:
- Contact information: address, phone number and/or email address
- Common name of product
- List of ingredients by weight
- The eight major food allergens
- Please read Texas labeling laws here for details
GALVESTON COUNTY HEALTH DISTRICT (GCHD) PERMITTING FAQs:
- GCHD phone number (409) 938-2411
- Address: 9850-D Emmett F. Lowry Expy./ Suite D-100/ Texas City, TX 77591
- Walk-in Hours: Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm
- Link to GCHD Consumer Health Services
- GCHD Description of a “Farmers Market” food establishment (scroll down)
- Link to GCHD Temporary Food Establishment Form for all “potentially hazardous foods” (ie anything that must be refrigerated to remain safe – should only be $75 per event or $100 for a yearly permit)
Additional Resources
Required Documents:
- Insurance
- Food Handlers Certificate or Food Managers Certificate
- Sales Tax Permit (if applicable)
Applicants under this category offer:
- products that have changed the form, flavor, blend and/or the substance of raw products using as many market products as available.
- Products should use organic ingredients when available and as many market products as possible & reasonable, with preference given to those vendors who use local products.
- The certified kitchen utilized must be located within 150 miles of the market attended. Vendors offering products covered under the Texas Cottage Food Law are classified as Value-Added Foods vendors.
- Examples: Baked goods, teas, salsa, nut butters
VALUE-ADDED FOODS VENDOR REQUIREMENTS
Value Added foods include products that have changed the form, flavor, blend and/or the substance of raw products.
Products should use organic ingredients when available and as many market products as possible & reasonable, with preference given to those vendors who use local products.
The certified kitchen utilized must be located within 150 miles of the market attended. Vendors offering products covered under the Texas Cottage Food Law are classified as Value-Added Foods vendors.
Products to be sold must be presented for sampling and inspection of labeling before acceptance into DFM. The Executive Director will request these samples from you– please do not drop off before invited to do so.
FOOD PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS:
All Value-Added Foods Vendors must provide proof of the following:
- Temporary Food Establishment Permit from the Galveston County Health District if the product does not explicitly fall under the Texas Cottage Foods Law parameters. (This GCHD Guidelines document outlines the requirements under the permit.)
- Food Manufacturer’s License
- Food Handler’s Card
- All value-added foods NOT named in the Texas Cottage Foods Law must be made in a certified kitchen
COTTAGE FOOD LAW VENDORS:
- Read up on the specifics of the Texas Cottage Food Law here.
- All product labels must have the following…
- Name and physical address of the cottage food production operation;
- The common or usual name of the product;
- If a food is made with a major food allergen – such as eggs, nuts, soy, peanuts, milk, or wheat – that ingredient must be listed on the label; and
- The following statement: “This food is made in a home kitchen and is not inspected by the Department of State Health Services or a local health department.”
- Name and physical address of the cottage food production operation;
- *As of September 1st, 2019, changes were made to the Texas Cottage Food Law. Before submitting any applications for cottage foods products, please read through this updated fact sheet.
PICKLED ITEMS:
LABELING REQUIREMENTS:
- All food items must be clearly labeled according to Texas law and include:
- Contact information: address, phone number and/or email address
- Common name of product
- List of ingredients by weight
- identification of any of common major food allergen ingredients that are present
Required Documents:
- Insurance
- Sales Tax Permit (if applicable)
Applicants under this category include:
- Products that integrate local agricultural products (milk, honey, olive oil, herbs, etc.) with materials sourced outside of the farmers market to create a health/body-oriented product.
- All eligible products must be created by a local artisan located within 150 miles of the market attended.
- Products should use organic ingredients when available and as many market products as possible & reasonable.
- No craft, jewelry or art items will be accepted.
- Examples: Beauty & skincare products
NON- FOOD ARTISAN VENDOR
Non-Food Artisan Vendors may be eligible for entry into DFM if product materials integrate local agricultural products (milk, honey, olive oil, herbs, etc.) with materials sourced outside of the farmers market to create a health/body-oriented product.
All eligible products must be created by a local artisan located within 150 miles of the market attended. No craft, jewelry, or art items will be accepted.
-Examples: Beauty & skincare products
Products should use organic ingredients when available and as many market products as possible & reasonable.
Products to be sold must be presented for sampling and inspection of labeling before acceptance into DFM. The Executive Director will request these samples from you– please do not drop off before invited to do so.
In your application, you must be as transparent and detailed as possible about your operation’s methods, ingredients, and philosophy. We value honesty and a commitment to local, sustainable systems, and preference is always given to organic (uncertified or certified) operations. The vetting of applications is conducted by the entire Board of Directors at our monthly Board meetings and depending on when you submit your application it may take up to 1 month to receive a final response.
Mobile Food Service Operations
FOOD PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS:
All Mobile Food Service Vendors must provide proof of the following:
- Temporary Food Establishment Permit from the Galveston County Health District.
- (This GCHD Guidelines document outlines the requirements under the permit.)
- Food Manufacturer’s License
- Food Handler’s License
- All food must be prepared and made on the DFM Property day of the event.
A food truck vendor is a large vehicle with a kitchen to make and serve food.
Also under this category would fit, mobile food vendors that make and prepare food in a tent setting with a grill or cook top.
Applicants under this category require the following:
Office of the Texas State Chemist: https://otscweb.tamu.edu/
Registration and Permit: https://otscweb.tamu.edu/Forms-Fees/Download.aspx
Pet Food & Treats Rule Book: https://otscweb.tamu.edu/Laws/PDF/PetFoodRules.pdf
Pet food is defined as any commercial feed prepared and distributed for consumption by dogs or cats.
A Community Supporter is a non-profit organization within the Dickinson Community that offers services for citizens, to educate and to be of serve.
example: Keep Dickinson Beautiful, VFW, The Pilot Club, The Optimistic Club, Lions Club, The Library, Animal services.
Required Documents:
- Insurance
- Sales Tax Permit (if applicable)
A local Artisan is someone that works with their hands to create unique, functional and/or decorative items using traditional techniques. Artisans are masters of their craft and create products such as clothing, jewelry, toys, tools, furnishings.
Applicants under this category include:
- Window Boxes, Raised Garden Beds, Planter Boxes
- Bird Houses
- Pottery
- Handmade Jewelry whereas beads and other materials are handcrafted locally.