Red River Market Vendor Guidelines
Updated February 24th, 2026
Please read these guidelines carefully, as they govern vendor participation, operations, and management of the Red River Market (RRM). The Market Manager and RRM staff reserve the right to interpret, implement, and enforce these rules at any time and may amend market rules and regulations as needed.
Table of Contents
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Email: info@redriver.market
Facebook: www.facebook.com/redrivermarket
Website: redriver.market
Address: 210 Broadway, Ste 202, Fargo, ND 58102
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Statement of Purpose
History
2026 Market Dates, Hours, Location
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Application Process
Application Timeline
Admissions Considerations
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Eligible Products
Prohibited Products
Prepared Foods
Labeling Requirements
Organic Labeling
Sampling
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Permits, Licenses, Taxes
Insurance
Reporting
Product Quality Review
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Market Operations
Daily Operations
Booth Assignment
Cancellation Policy
Market Money & SNAP Tokens
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Vendor Fees
Vendor Stall Space
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Landfill Free Policy
Enforcement Policy
Grievance Policy
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Promotion
Sponsorship
About the Market
Statement of Purpose
The Red River Market [RRM] creates a space for all people to experience the joys of locally grown food. The RRM strives to support small to mid-size farms and emerging food businesses, to increase access to fresh, locally grown produce, to be a good steward of the planet, and to create a sense of place where all are welcome.
History
The Red River Market was founded by a group of volunteers in the spring of 2015 because of two key issues: First, the lack of a centrally located, accessible place to access locally grown food, and second, the lack of shared public space in the Fargo Moorhead community. Since 2015, the Red River Market has grown to represent 80 locally owned small businesses.
The Red River Market is a weekly community ritual with free programming including live music and cultural performances, educational cooking demonstrations, and children’s activities in a welcoming community space. Along with the regular season, additional winter and spring events are also hosted in indoor and outdoor venues in Fargo, West Fargo, and Moorhead. These Winter and Spring markets take place in February, March, April, and May and are only open to participating season vendors.
The Red River Market is currently a fiscally hosted project of Impact Foundation. Day-to-day operations and activities are performed by Folkways. Folkways creates experiences that connect the community to increase quality of life. Folkways uses these immersive experiences to solve problems like workforce retention, economic vitality, and communal belonging.
2026 Market Dates, Hours & Location
2026 Outdoor Season: Saturdays, July 11–October 31 10:00 AM–2:00 PM.
During Downtown Fargo Street Fair weekend, the Red River Market will operate on Sunday, July 19.
Location: Broadway Square, 201 Broadway N, Fargo, ND 58102
July 11 — Opening Day
July 19 — Sunday Market
July 25 — Grill-out Day
August 1 — Jazz Fest
August 8 — Pride
August 15 — Kid’s Day
August 22 — Grower’s Day
August 29 — College Day
September 5 — Labor Day Market
September 12 — Art’s Day
September 19 — Friendship Day
September 26 — Global Day
October 3 — Harvest Fest
October 10 — Hero Day
October 17 — Red Rover Market
October 24
October 31 — Halloween / Closing Day
Admission of Vendors and Products
Application Process
Vendors wishing to participate in the Red River Market (RRM) must complete an annual application and receive approval prior to selling at the market. The application process includes submitting required documentation, which may include permits and health inspections as applicable, attending a vendor orientation, providing proof of insurance, and completing the appropriate vendor payment.
Applications are submitted electronically through the Red River Market website at www.redriver.market/apply. Paper applications will not be accepted.
Applications are accepted once per year and apply to participation in the outdoor season as well as subsequent winter and spring markets. All vendors are required to apply annually, regardless of prior participation.
The Review Committee evaluates applications using a standardized review framework to ensure consistency, fairness, and alignment with market priorities.
2026 Application Timeline
The 2026 vendor application will be posted online on March 6, 2026.
Applications will be reviewed weekly, with decisions beginning the week of March 16, 2026 and continuing on a rolling basis.
Vendors who apply mid-season may be considered on a case-by-case basis, dependent on current market needs. All application criteria, documentation requirements, and fees from the standard application period apply during the mid-season review process.
Admissions Considerations
Admissions decisions are made to support a balanced, high-quality, and mission-aligned market. All products are subject to restriction and approval by the Fargo Cass Environmental Health Division, and compliance with all applicable regulations is required for consideration.
Applications are reviewed by the Red River Market Review Committee using a consistent evaluation process designed to assess product fit, readiness, and alignment with market goals.
When reviewing applications, the Red River Market Review Committee considers the following factors:
Compliance with Red River Market guidelines
Submission of all required permits and licenses applicable to the proposed products
Demonstrated understanding of and alignment with the Red River Market mission
High-quality, locally produced goods or goods made using locally sourced materials
Product lines and production practices that comply with Red River Market rules and standards
Ability to engage and educate customers about products and production practices
Available space and overall market needs
Vendor history with the Red River Market, including attendance, communication, conduct, and compliance
Overall priority is given to food and agricultural products.
These considerations are assessed collectively through the Review Committee’s evaluation process; no single factor guarantees acceptance. Due to space limitations and the need to maintain a diverse vendor mix, not all qualified applications can be accepted each season.
Product Guidelines
Eligible Products
Products sold at the Red River Market must be grown or made by the vendor within 200 miles of the market.
The following product categories are approved for sale:
Vendor-grown fresh fruits and vegetables
Vendor-grown herbs and spices
Vendor-produced farmstead products, including eggs (kept at 41°F), baked goods, canned goods, honey, maple syrup, dried pasta, and preserves, when prepared and packaged in accordance with regulations established by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and Fargo Cass Public Health
Vendor-grown bedding plants, hanging plants, potted plants, cut flowers, and dried flowers
Vendor-made food or beverages
Vendor-made crafts and artwork
Vendor-made health and body care products
The following products may be sold with appropriate licensing: fish, dairy, poultry, and meat products, including smoked fish, butter, milk, jerky, and other potentially hazardous products such as flavored oils.
Prohibited Products
The following products and activities are not permitted at the Red River Market:
Products purchased for resale or direct marketing
Products not approved by the Fargo Cass Environmental Health Division
Products processed and sold under a brand name other than the vendor’s, unless approved by market management
Potentially hazardous foods, including but not limited to cut melons, chopped leafy greens, and cut tomatoes
Certain home-processed or home-canned foods, including home-canned fish, pickled eggs, and home-canned meat
Live birds or live animals
The following are also prohibited:
Franchise or direct sales businesses
Services
Electronics and related accessories
Political propaganda
Any products or items deemed inappropriate by Red River Market management
Prepared Foods
The Red River Market strives to maintain a high level of quality across all prepared food offerings. New producers of prepared foods, baked goods, or value-added products must supply ingredient lists (including ingredient origin) and samples upon request prior to acceptance. Preference is given to vendors sourcing high-quality ingredients from local farms or other direct local sources.
Hot Food and Beverages
All hot food and beverage vendors are subject to review and inspection by the Fargo Cass Environmental Health Division.
Baked Goods
Baked goods sold at the market should highlight regional produce and seasonal ingredients. Bakers who use locally sourced eggs, grain, butter, and dairy are given preference over those sourcing nationally. Commercially made mixes, crusts, or fillings are not permitted.
Bakery goods requiring time and temperature controls for safety—including cream, custard, meringue toppings, cheesecake, pumpkin pie, and cream cheese icings or fillings—are allowed for sale, including uncooked dough products, provided that:
Items are properly labeled with handling instructions
Products are transported and maintained frozen or refrigerated
The required consumer advisory is displayed on the label or on a conspicuous sign at the point of sale
Individuals selling home-baked foods must have the product recipe available and must display a sign or placard at the point of sale stating:
“These baked goods are homemade and not subject to state inspection.”
Labeling Requirements
All food products sold at the Red River Market must be clearly labeled and visible at the point of sale.
Each food container and/or food item must include a complete ingredient list
If products are not produced in an inspected kitchen, vendors must display the following statement using a font size that is prominent, conspicuous, and easy to read:
“These food products were produced in an uninspected home kitchen where major food allergens may also have been handled and prepared, such as tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, soy, wheat, milk, fish, and crustacean shellfish.”
Organic Labeling
Only vendors who are USDA Certified Organic may label or advertise products using the term “organic.”
Vendors selling organic products must submit a copy of their current Organic Certification annually. Certification must be renewed each year to maintain organic labeling at the market.
Sampling
Food samples must be prepared and presented in a safe and sanitary manner in accordance with state Department of Health regulations and the direction of Red River Market management.
Vendors offering samples must:
Comply with all applicable food safety requirement
Provide a trash receptacle for the disposal of sampling materials
Ensure all sampling materials comply with the Red River Market’s Landfill Free Policy
Questions and Clarifications
For questions regarding eligible products, labeling, or food safety requirements, vendors should contact:
Fargo Cass Public Health, Environmental Health Divisio | 701-476-6729
Vendor Requirements
Permits, Licenses, and Taxes
All vendors must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations related to the harvest, preparation, labeling, and sale of their products.
Vendors are solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining all required permits and licenses from Cass County, the State of North Dakota, and/or the federal government.
Any required sales tax collection and remittance is the sole responsibility of the vendor. Vendors selling crafts, artwork, fresh cut flowers, and ready-to-eat food items must follow North Dakota sales tax procedures and provide appropriate documentation to the Red River Market.
Additional temporary permits may be required for winter and spring markets held outside of North Dakota, including events taking place in Moorhead, Minnesota.
Insurance
All Red River Market vendors are required to carry a Commercial General Liability Insurance Policy listing Folkways Community as an additional insured. The policy must provide a minimum coverage of $1 million per occurrence and aggregate.
A valid Certificate of Insurance must be submitted to the Market Manager after acceptance and prior to vendor orientation.
While the Red River Market carries a general liability insurance policy for market operations, vendors are not covered under this policy and must maintain their own insurance coverage.
Examples of vendor insurance providers include:
http://campbellriskmanagement.com/vendors-and-producers
https://app.fliprogram.com/events/11948
(For additional support, contact partnersupport@veracityins.com)
Reporting
Vendors are required to submit a gross sales report for each market day in which they participate. Sales reports must be submitted through the Vendor Portal, where vendors can view their schedule, track submitted reports, and manage required reporting throughout the season.
Gross sales figures should be rounded to the nearest dollar. If a vendor sells products in more than one category, a separate sales report must be submitted for each category. Sales data is confidential; only aggregated market data may be shared publicly.
Vendors will also be required to complete a postseason survey.
Mid-Season Audit
As part of the mid-season audit, vendors must ensure that all sales reports are submitted and up to date and that all invoices are either fully paid or current on an approved payment plan by September 3, 2026.
Vendors who have not met these requirements by this deadline will not be eligible to attend future markets until all outstanding items are resolved. See the Enforcement Policy for additional information regarding failure to comply.
Product Quality Review
The Red River Market reserves the right to conduct a product quality review at any time. If the market receives a complaint regarding a product’s quality, including but not limited to taste, appearance, ingredients, or place of origin, the product may be reviewed by the Review Committee.
Vendors will be notified if a product is selected for further review. The Review Committee will evaluate the product within two weeks and may take one of the following actions:
Allow the vendor to continue selling the product in its current form
Recommend specific changes to improve product quality, sourcing, or presentation
Require the vendor to discontinue the product
If a vendor refuses to adapt or discontinue a product as directed, a warning may be issued and further action may be taken in accordance with the Enforcement Policy.
General Market Rules
Market Operations
Daily Operations
The Red River Market opens promptly at 10:00 AM. Vendors may not sell to customers prior to the opening bell. Opening and closing times are signaled by the ringing of the market bell. Failure to comply may result in enforcement action.
Sales before 10:00 AM are permitted only between vendors and market staff. The Red River Market information booth will sell market tokens prior to opening so customers may begin shopping immediately at the opening bell.
Vendors must arrive during their designated load-in window and be fully set up and ready to sell by 9:45 AM, with all vehicles removed from the shopping area. Vendors arriving 20 minutes past their designated load-in time may be denied admission or reassigned at the Market Manager’s discretion. To maintain market flow and ensure safe, efficient load-in for all vendors, late arrivals may forfeit their assigned booth space.
Vendors are required to remain open and operational until 2:00 PM. Early teardown is not permitted. Enforcement policies apply to vendors who begin packing or closing prior to the official closing bell.
The street will remain closed from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM on market days. All vendors must fully vacate the street by 3:00 PM.
Weather Operations
A decision to cancel the market due to severe weather will be made by 7:00 AM on Saturdays. Severe weather includes thunderstorms, heavy rain with high winds, snow, or extreme cold. Vendors will be notified by email, and cancellations will be posted on the Red River Market website and Facebook page. When available, the market may be moved to an indoor backup location.
In the event of sustained winds exceeding 20 mph, vendors are required to take down tents, even if tents are properly weighted with a minimum of 25 lbs per leg. Sustained wind refers to a consistent wind speed measured over one minute, not short gusts. No refunds will be provided if a vendor chooses to cease operations due to weather concerns.
The Red River Market operates rain or shine, and enforcement policies remain in effect regardless of weather conditions. Weather-related absences or early departures must be approved and may be subject to fines at the Market Manager’s discretion.
Booth Assignment
Vendor booth spaces are assigned by the Market Manager in a rotating fashion on or before each market day. Vendor placement is solely at the discretion of the Market Manager and may change throughout the season or from year to year.
In alignment with its role as a farmers market, the Red River Market prioritizes growers and produce vendors when determining booth placement.. Vendor locations are dynamic and may be adjusted to support market operations, safety, customer experience, and overall balance.
Booth assignments are determined based on a combination of factors, including but not limited to:
Electricity and power needs
Permit and regulatory requirements
Booth size and configuration
Vendor category and product type
Total vendor count for a given market day
Product assortment and customer traffic flow
Product sensitivities (such as heat or sun exposure)
Overall market aesthetics and shopper experience
While the market strives to be fair and intentional in placement decisions, booth locations are not guaranteed and are subject to change. Vendors are encouraged to communicate specific needs or concerns to market staff; however, the outdoor venue and operational requirements ultimately guide placement decisions.
Cancellation Policy
Vendors who are unable to attend a scheduled Red River Market must notify the Market Manager at least 48 hours prior to the market day. See the Enforcement Policy for additional information regarding failure to comply.
The Red River Market will be held on Labor Day weekend.
Market Money and SNAP
The Red River Market is committed to inclusive access to local food. All vendors selling SNAP-eligible products are required to accept SNAP benefits. Red River Market staff will train vendors on proper SNAP procedures. Vendors are responsible for ensuring their staff understand which products are SNAP-eligible. The market will not reimburse vendors for SNAP tokens used to purchase ineligible items.
All vendors are required to accept Red River Market Market Money, including EBT/SNAP tokens and debit tokens, as authorized for the products they sell.
At the close of each market day, vendors may bring tokens to the information booth to be counted by market staff. Token totals will be recorded on a reimbursement form and verified by both the vendor and market staff. The market will collect the tokens and issue reimbursement by check the following week. Training on this process will be provided.
Vendor Practices
The Red River Market does not enforce a fixed pricing policy; however, vendors are expected to price products at fair market value and not undercut other vendors. The market discourages product dumping or selling items at unreasonably low prices.
Market staff may periodically survey prices to ensure general consistency across vendors. This practice is intended to support a healthy and sustainable marketplace.
Vendors and their representatives must conduct themselves professionally and maintain appropriate dress and cleanliness standards. Shirts and shoes are required at all times.
Vendors and their representatives may not be impaired by alcohol, marijuana, or illegal substances while on market premises, as determined by the Market Manager.
All vendors agree to abide by fair business practices.
Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, is prohibited within the market area. Vendors must move at least 100 feet away from the market to smoke and must wash hands before returning.
Vendors are not permitted to play music at their booths during market hours.
In alignment with food safety and public health standards, vendors selling food products may not bring animals into the market. The Red River Market reserves the right to ask the owner of an animal to leave and may allow animals at the market during special events at its discretion.
The Red River Market is committed to maintaining a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Unlawful harassment based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, or disability will not be tolerated toward employees, vendors, or patrons.
Vendor Fees and Space
Vendor Fees
Vendor fees do not fully fund the operation of the Red River Market. While vendor fees contribute to the cost of operating the program, the majority of market expenses — including staffing and programming — are supported through a combination of grants, sponsorships, and individual donations.
The Red River Market works to keep vendor fees affordable compared to similar events in the region. Vendors are offered multiple participation options, including season passes and single-day passes, to support flexibility and accessibility. Season passes are designed to reduce the per-market cost for vendors who plan to participate regularly, while single-day options allow vendors to participate without committing to the full season.
Vendors will receive a space of 10’ by 10’ for a single booth or 10’ by 20’ for a double booth. Booths beyond 10' by 20' will be priced individually.
Season Pass:
Single Booth - $750 (cost per market breakdown: $44.12)
Double Booth - $1,250 (cost per market breakdown: $73.53)
Triple Booth - requires Market Manager approval - $2,000 (cost per market breakdown: $117.65)
Daily Pass
Single Booth - $85
Double Booth - $120
Electricity Fees:
Season Pass: $550 (cost per market breakdown: $32.35)
Day Pass: $60
Charging of phones, computers, or tablets is not allowed due to the limited amount of electricity available.
Power usage must be approved by the Market Manager prior to use. Dependence on electricity may limit booth placement.
Generators are not allowed.
Vendor invoices are issued through Square. ACH (bank transfer) is the preferred payment method. Vendors who choose to pay via credit or debit card will be responsible for the associated processing fee reflected on their invoice. Encouraging ACH payments helps us keep overall vendor fees as affordable as possible.
Vendor Stall Space
Vendors are responsible for providing all items needed for their booth display.
Required Items:
Each vendor stall must include the following items:
Canopy (10x10 E-Z Up tent or similar)
Canopy weights with a minimum of 25 lbs per tent leg
Table
Tablecloth
Sign displaying the business name
Clearly visible pricing signage for all items
All vendors requiring electricity must bring their own commercial-grade outdoor extension cord (recommended minimum of 50 feet) and a commercial-grade outdoor splitter, if needed. Failure to comply with electrical requirements may result in enforcement action. See the Enforcement Policy for more information.
Recommended Supplies
The following supplies are strongly recommended to support smooth market operations:
Paper bags or packaging materials
Shelving or display risers
Scales (if applicable)
Broom
Tape, scissors, pencils, and paper
Sufficient change
Please note: the Red River Market retail booth is unable to provide change for vendors.
Scales
All scales used at the market must be legal-for-trade commercial scales. The face of the scale must be visible to the customer. The use of non–legal-for-trade scales at the Red River Market is prohibited.
Use of Stall Space
Stall space is non-transferable.
Vendor layout and stall space may be subject to change during special events, including the Downtown Fargo Street Fair (typically held during the second week of the market season).
Stall space may not be shared with another vendor unless approved by the Market Manager. Each vendor selling at the market must apply independently and pay all required fees.
Display and Conduct Expectations
All vendor displays must be neat, orderly, and tasteful. All vendor property must remain within the assigned stall space at all times.
“Hawking,” defined as calling attention to products in a loud or repetitive manner, is discouraged and may be limited or restricted at the discretion of the Market Manager.
All vendors are required to clearly post:
The name of their farm or business
The name and price of all items for sale
Signage and lettering must be large enough to be easily read from a reasonable distance.
Cleanup Responsibilities
Vendors are responsible for leaving their stall area clean at the end of each market day. This includes the vendor’s immediate area and surrounding walkways.
All trash and debris must be removed and disposed of off-site, regardless of where the litter originated. Vendors dumping water into sewer grates must first remove any leaves, flowers, or debris that could cause blockages.
Landfill Free Policy
The Red River Market is committed to operating as a landfill-free event and minimizing environmental impact. Vendors are required to comply with all landfill-free requirements, including the use of approved serviceware, proper waste sorting, and participation in market waste reduction practices.
Additional details regarding acceptable materials and vendor responsibilities are provided in the Landfill Free Policy. Vendors are responsible for ensuring that all staff working their booth understand and follow these requirements.
Enforcement Policy
The Enforcement Policy outlines how the Red River Market addresses violations of market guidelines, rules, and policies. This includes, but is not limited to, issues related to attendance, reporting, insurance, setup and teardown, conduct, and product compliance.
Enforcement actions may include verbal warnings, written warnings, fines, suspension, or removal from the market, depending on the nature and frequency of the violation.
The Red River Market reserves the right to enforce policies at its discretion in order to maintain a safe, equitable, and well-operated market.
Policies
Grievance Policy
The Grievance Policy provides a formal process for vendors to raise concerns or disputes related to market operations, policies, or enforcement actions.
Vendors are encouraged to communicate directly with market staff whenever possible. When additional review is needed, the Grievance Policy outlines the steps for submitting and resolving concerns in a clear and structured manner.
Promotion
The Red River Market (RRM) promotes the market and its vendors through a variety of marketing and outreach efforts designed to increase visibility, attendance, and community engagement.
RRM promotional efforts include, but are not limited to:
Regular social media updates and promotions
Facebook: 22,000 followers
Instagram: 14,300 followers
Weekly email newsletters
Email newsletter: 3,274 subscribers
Themed weekends and special events, including Fall Festival, Kids Day, and other signature market activations
Vendor profiles featured on the Red River Market website (www.redriver.market), blog, and social media platforms
Professional photography of vendors, booths, and products
Press releases and media coverage across television, radio, and newspapers in the Fargo–Moorhead metro area
Posters, business cards, and flyers distributed throughout the Fargo–Moorhead metro area
Paid advertisements on local radio, newspapers, digital platforms, and billboards
Active outreach to local businesses and organizations to become market sponsors
Red River Market–branded merchandise, sold for fundraising purposes at the discretion of RRM
Sponsorship
The Red River Market may allow sponsors to present information at the market. All sponsors are vetted by Red River Market staff and are subject to all rules and regulations governing the Red River Market.