Vendor FAQs

Do I need to bring my own tent & equipment?

How can I become a market vendor?

How is the market being promoted?

How much does it cost to participate?

What kind of customers will be at the market?

What kind of vendors will be at the market?

When is the market?

Where is the market?

Who is in charge of the market?

Will dogs be allowed at the market?




Do I need to bring my own tent & equipment?
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Yes. Vendors must provide all necessary equipment including tents (10' x 10', preferably white, pop-up canopy), weights (recommended 50 lbs per tent corner), banner identifying your business, tables, and chairs if needed. Some electrical outlets are available, but should not be relied upon for heavy equipment. Wifi is not available on site.

How can I become a market vendor?
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The Devon Community Market will start accepting applications in February 2015. Please check back on our website for the application.

How is the market being promoted?
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The Devon Community Market is (or will soon be) creating buzz through eNewsletters (chamber of commerce, alderman's office), social media (facebook), local news blogs (DNAinfo.com, EveryBlock), paper posters and postcards (at shops, schools, community centers), and word of mouth (from people like you!).

How much does it cost to participate?
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Participation costs vary. Local vendors (from West Ridge or immediate surrounding neighborhoods) who join the West Ridge Chamber of Commerce can participate free of charge this year. Annual membership dues for the Chamber are $30 for non-profit organizations and self-employed individuals, $100 for small businesses, $175 for large businesses of more than 20 employees, and $300 for a corporate membership. Visit www.westridgechamber.org for more information about membership and joining. Non-local vendors from beyond the West Ridge neighborhood are charged $25 per week, except for opening day (July 8th) which is on the house! That means vendors who are with us every week owe $250 for the whole season. All payments must be made in full by June 24, 2015. Payments can be made by check (payable to "West Ridge Chamber of Commerce") and sent to Attn: Farid, 2421 W. Pratt Boulevard, Suite 205, Chicago, IL 60645.  Or, click here to pay online. Market sponsorships are available for $50/week. Sponsors will be listed in press releases and Facebook updates throughout the season.

What kind of customers will be at the market?
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The Devon Community Market will draw customers from the nearby neighborhood, which is home to individuals from very diverse backgrounds. Many neighborhood residents are regular shoppers at other farmers markets and are very eager to buy local and hand-made goods in a market environment in their own neighborhood. As the Devon Community Market grows, it will attract customers from other neighborhoods who are drawn to the unique flavors of Devon Avenue.

What kind of vendors will be at the market?
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The Devon Community Market will feature a variety of vendors from the neighborhood and the surrounding region offering baked goods, fruits & vegetables, meat & eggs, hand-made soaps, prepared foods, and other artisanal products. All vendors must meet health & sanitation codes, and preference will be given to vendors who sell locally grown produce and locally produced goods. In addition to such vendors, there will be light family-friendly programming from local non-profit and arts groups.

When is the market?
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The 2015 Devon Community Market will be held every Wednesday from 3pm to 8pm, starting July 8th and going until August 26th. Set up will begin at 1:30p. Clean up must be done by 9p.

Where is the market?
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The Devon Community Market will be held in the brand new parking lot of the Republic Bank, located at 2720 W Devon Avenue, right in the commercial and residential heart of a wonderfully diverse neighborhood on the far north side of Chicago. The location is about four miles east of Highways 90/94. Some vendors can leave their vehicles parked in the lot behind/beside your tent(s); others will be asked to make use of free vendor parking at a nearby church. Customers may park for free in a small lot across the street or make use of surrounding street parking.

Who is in charge of the market?
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The Devon Community Market is sponsored by the West Ridge Chamber of Commerce and the 50th Ward Alderman Debra Silverstein. All inquiries should be directed to the Market Manager, Farid Muhammad, at devoncommunitymarket@gmail.com or 773-462-4268.

Will dogs be allowed at the market?
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Pets are allowed at the market, as long as they are kept on a tight leash and under watchful eye of their owner. Any pet (or person too, for that matter) that disrupts the market will be asked to leave.
 

Become a Vendor

Learn more about the benefits of becoming a vendor here.