SCHEDULE:

The 2026 Pekin Farmers Market will be held on Thursdays, 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., June 4th – August 27th, with one additional fall market on October 15th at the Pekin Park District Miller Center Parking Lot.

POTENTIAL VENDORS:

• Vendors who sell fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, plants, eggs, poultry, baked goods, approved jellies, and jams produced by them within the State of Illinois.
• Cottage food operations will meet all requirements of Cottage Food Act and submit appropriate licenses/permits.
• Crafters.
• Local small businesses are encouraged to apply and will be approved by the Market Manager.
• Food concession carts are allowed with limited space.
• Non-profit organizations see Market Manager.

2026 MARKET FEES AND REGISTRATION:

• ** Seasonal Vendor ** = $175.00 per season (must attend at least 10 market dates), due by May 1, 2026; $200.00 after May 19th – DISCOUNT for returning vendors $150/entire season.
  • ** Seasonal vendors must attend at least 10 markets, or payment will revert to the weekly vendor fee.
• Daily Vendor = $25.00 per day. Daily fees are due by the Tuesday before each market.
• Fees are non-refundable. Rain date location inside Miller Center.
• Young Entrepreneur Vendor - $10 per day.
• Non-profit Vendor pricing available. See Market Manager.

ASSIGNED PLACEMENT:

Placement may vary and will depend on attendance. Vendors who sign
up for the entire season will be given the choice of a booth location reserved throughout the season.

GENERAL INFORMATION 

SET-UP and TAKE DOWN:

• A single vendor space is the size of two vehicle parking spaces or 18’ x 18’ (2 parking spaces). Spaces are assigned upon approval of the application. Market vendors that participate in the entire season will be given the choice of booth location.
• Vendors are responsible for providing their own tents, tent weights, tables, chairs, etc. A tent or canopy is recommended and must be properly anchored with weights (not stakes) each week. Everything brought to the site must also be taken away including, but not limited to all trash generated, tents, chairs and vehicles. No permanent structures will be provided or allowed.
• Vendors may set up beginning at 2:30 p.m. and must be ready to go by 3:30. Take down begins at 6:30 not before. Exceptions may be made in emergency situations or for drastic weather conditions at the discretion of the Market Manager.
• WASTE DISPOSAL: All vendors are responsible for removal and disposal of their own boxes and waste product, including old or damaged produce. Ready to eat food vendors must provide at least one trash receptacle and are responsible for taking that receptacle with them for disposal.
• Vendors will stay for the duration of the market, unless products are completely sold out.
• Displays must be neat and orderly and required signage visible.
• Products may not be sold out of the back/trunk of a vehicle
• EARLY DEPARTURES: Vendors are expected to participate each week until the stated closing time of 6:30 p.m. If a vendor is completely sold out of product, he/she may hand-carry supplies out of the Market area. No vehicles will be allowed in or out of the Market area during 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Exceptions may be made in emergency situations or for drastic weather conditions at the discretion of the Market Manager.
• WEATHER: In the event of bad weather, the Pekin Farmers Market will be moved indoors at the Miller Center and include proper signage directing traffic. 
• PARKING: Parking is available at the First United Methodist Church parking lot adjacent to the Miller Center parking lot. Please use the back lot to allow customers easy parking for the market.
• SAMPLES: Samples may not be provided unless strict compliance with local health department requirements are met.

CODE OF CONDUCT: 

Vendor behavior, personal appearance, and maintenance of sales area should reflect positively on the Market’s overall appearance, quality and reputation. To support this obligation, vendors are expected to:

• Maintain safe, clean conditions in and around the sales area
• Maintain a professional and tidy personal appearance; shirts and shoes required
• Maintain cordial relations with customers, market staff, and other vendors
• No crying out, “hawking,” or other aggressive sales techniques are allowed.
• Maintain clear access for pedestrian traffic
• No alcoholic beverages
• No smoking or vaping in and around sales area

LIABILITY WAIVER & RELEASE: In consideration of the above-listed vendor’s participation in the 2026 Pekin Farmers Market, the vendor HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES AND RELEASES any and all actions, causes of action, suits, demands, and claims of any nature, whether in law or equity, that vendor has or may in the future have against the Pekin Park District, its agents, public officers, officials or employees and authorized volunteers which are related to, result from, or are associated with the vendor’s participation in the 2026 Pekin Farmers Market and hereby assumes all risk of any damage or injury to person or property which may be sustained by reason of such participation.

INDEMNIFICATION / HOLD HARMLESS: The vendor HEREBY FURTHER AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, DEFEND AND HOLD HARMLESS the Pekin Park District, its agents, public officials, officers, employees and authorized volunteers, from and against any and all actions, claims, damages, losses or expenses, including any attorney fees, legal expenses, and court costs, that directly or indirectly arise out of the vendor’s participation in the 2026 Pekin Farmers Market or the vendor’s activities or operations associated with the 2026 Pekin Farmers Market, including but not limited to claims for personal injury, disease or death, or damage to or destruction of property. Vendor has read and agrees to comply with Pekin Farmers Market Rules & Regulations. Vendor understands that the Pekin Farmers Market may deny participation. Vendor agrees that images taken during the Pekin Farmers Market may be used for future advertising, publication, social media etc.