Downtown Market Vendor Regulations

Need Approval or Have Questions?

Email: DowntownMesquiteFarmersMarket@gmail.com

WANT TO PROMOTE A BRAND? Become a sponsor!

Who Can Participate?

Participants include:

• Vendors (sellers)
• City departments
• Activity/demo providers
• Sponsors
• Performers

What We Look For in Vendors

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic sellers
• High-quality products with thoughtful packaging
• Attractive and clean booth setup
• Strong branding and social media presence
• Sustainable, ethical, and local practices
• Unique items at accessible prices
• Locally produced

Invoices, Payments, and Booth Assignments

• Vendors request their own dates — keep track of them in the vendor portal once approved and update them when your schedule changes.
  
• Invoices are sent 3-4 weeks ahead of the date we are confirming.
  
• Payment must be made within 72 hours of receiving the invoice to keep vendor placement running smoothly.
• Payment of the invoice acts as confirmation for the scheduled date. Once it’s paid, the space is confirmed.
  
  • Please keep in mind that if an invoice has not been received, the space has not been reserved.
• Booth spaces are assigned; vendors may not choose their own. Contact management if access to water or power is needed for booth operations.

Vendor Categories

1. Eateries
   
   • Prepared food/drink for consumption on-site
   • Includes food trucks, carts, and tent-based pop-ups
2. Food Items
   
   • Food for off-site consumption (produce, baked goods, eggs, sauces, etc.)
   • Includes cottage foods
3. Plant Growers
   
   • Plants grown on property from seed or starter
   • Potted plants MUST be at least 75% value-added
4. Artisan Goods
   
   • Handmade or vendor designed products (art, crafts, gifts)
   • No resellers, boutiques, crafting kits, or MLMs allowed

Weather and Event Cancellations

• In case of severe weather or emergencies:
  
  • The event may be shortened or cancelled as directed by Market Management and the City of Mesquite.
  • Vendors will receive a credit toward a future event.

Non-Vendor Participants

All listed categories are contingent on approval

City Departments

• May attend at no cost with prior approval
• Contact: James Johnson (jbjohnson@cityofmesquite.com) at least three weeks in advance

Activities & Demonstrations

• Interactive or educational activities that fit the market vibe
• Some activities may charge fees or be sponsored by the City
• Proposals due four weeks in advance to James Johnson (jbjohnson@cityofmesquite.com)

Sponsors

• May host onsite activations
• See the sponsor button at the top of the page

Performers

• Musicians and entertainers may sell approved merchandise
• Use the Performer Interest Form to apply

Typically Not Allowed:

Never Allowed:

• Seafood or unpasteurized milk
  
• MLM/direct marketing products (e.g., Scentsy, Herbalife)
  
• Resellers and boutiques
  
• CBD products (unless used in food)
• Holistic health or tarot services
• Printed T-shirts, tote bags, or other printed materials that are not 100% made by the vendor, OR at least 75% value added.

Vendor Space Fees

• Flat Fee: $50 per market day + 3% Processing Fee (not to exceed $3 per market day)
• No refunds or credits

Food Trucks & Trailers

• Required:
  
  • Dallas County Health Permit (can also be issued by the City of Mesquite).
  • City of Mesquite Fire Department inspection
• Permit covers: Any MFU (Mobile Food Unit)-permitted site in Mesquite for the calendar year.
• Contact the Health Department for full details.

Vendor PAYMENT PROCESS

• Apply for the market → get approved for the season
• Requested dates show as “Waitlisted” in the portal.
• When a space is available, an invoice will be sent for a specific date.
• Vendors will have 72 hours (or stated window) to pay the invoice.
• Once payment is received, the spot is confirmed for that date.
• If no payment is received, the invoice voids and the spot goes to the next vendor who is on the waitlist.
• Portal may show “approved,” but dates are not confirmed until paid.
• Vendors are responsible for tracking invoices and updating availability.

Food Vendor Health Permits

• Required for On-site Food Sellers - Please contact Market Management for more information.

Power Access

• Power is limited and reserved primarily for food trucks and food vendors
• Approved uses include:
  
  • Foodservice equipment (with prior approval)
  • Fans, phone charging, and Point-Of-Service systems
• Not allowed: Heaters
• If using power:
  
  • Email power needs at least 3 days before the scheduled market date
  • Bring an appropriately sized extension cord
  • Keep cords neatly secured and out of pathways

Wi-Fi

Restrooms

• Restrooms are available at the back of the Heritage Plaza Building (111 S. Broad St., Mesquite, TX, 75149)
  
• Ask Market Staff for directions if needed

Vendor Hospitality

• Water is available on-site
• Indoor restrooms are provided at Heritage Plaza (restrooms will be available at 9 a.m.)
• Booth Sitting: Market staff cannot assist, but volunteers may be available — just ask!

SPRING AND FALL Schedule

SUMMER Schedule

Load-In Information

• Load-in: 6:30–7:30 AM
• Be fully set up by 8:30 AM — vendors not ready by then will not be allowed to sell
• Vendors are 100% responsible for their own setup
• Bring a cart or dolly to make unloading easier

Where to Load In

• Use one of the two parking lots next to Front Street Station:
  
  • East Side (Galloway): 261 W Front St, Mesquite, TX 75149
  • West Side (Ebrite): 161 W Front St, Mesquite, TX 75149
• No vendor access to Front Street (the street between the event site and the buildings on Main — Food Trucks only unless otherwise notified by Market Management

Vendor Parking

• After unloading, move vehicle before setting up
• Vendor parking location:
  Mesquite Church of Christ – 400 W Davis St, Mesquite, TX 75149
  (Approx. 2 blocks away — free parking)

Vehicle Access Inside Front Street Station

• Vehicle access inside the site is by approval only and only before 8 a.m.
• Allowed only for:
  
  • Heavy or bulky items (e.g., freezers)
  • Large quantities of produce or plants
• Request approval ahead of time and call the Vendor Coordinator on arrival to remove barricades
• Food trucks & trailers: Must arrive by 7 a.m.

Load-Out

• At the end of the market, Front Street will reopen to allow closer loading
• Vendors may also load out from the same lot you used to load in

Professionalism

• Be friendly, positive, and respectful — vendor attitudes reflects on the Market and the City.
  
• No hostility, gossip, or negative comments about other vendors, the Market, or the City.
  
• Report any issues privately to the Market Manager.

Smoking & Vaping

• Not allowed in or near the Market area

No-Shows & Violations

• Any missed payments will be considered the same as a no-call, no-show.
• Please note that vendor payments will be forfeited if they fail to appear without prior notice
• Repeated or serious violations can lead to:
  
  • Relocation, suspension, or permanent removal from the Market.
• Violation notices will be issued:
  
  • Verbally (with email follow-up) or
  • In writing from the Market or Downtown Development Manager

Disputes and Grievances

• Explain the concern calmly and clearly.
• A decision will be made for the day based on the Market’s best interest.

• Email a written statement to the Market Manager within 30 days of the issue.
• A resolution will be provided within 14–30 days.