Artisan Vendor Guidelines
On the First Friday of every month, downtown Goshen hosts special events with extended hours, entertainment, and shopping specials. Each month features a special theme. Our local artisans are invited to apply to be a part of these events.
Artisan Showcase Guidelines
Please review below before applying to participate.
- Application. All artisans must apply for approval. Please note that submitting your application does not automatically guarantee that you will be accepted as an artisan at First Fridays. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 22, 2024.
- Approval. All artisans will be notified of their approval or denial by Friday, March 29, 2024. This showcase is reserved for independent makers and artists. Please note that you may not be approved for all of your desired dates.
- Payment. Each vendor will be invoiced for the date/s that they are approved and selected. These invoices must be paid in full before they can participate in the event. Payment is due at least two weeks before the event or vendor space will be forfeited.
- Hold Harmless. You must Digitally Sign the Hold Harmless Agreement as part of your application.
- Family-Friendly. First Fridays is a family-friendly event. All items featuring inappropriate imagery and language will be strictly prohibited. We reserve the right to remove any vendor that does not comply. First Fridays is dedicated to maintaining a positive and welcoming environment to all patrons, investors, volunteers, staff, and other vendors. Anyone exhibiting misconduct will be asked to leave without refund.
- Non-Proselytizing Policy. Downtown Goshen, Inc. is a 501c3 organization and as such, is prohibited from endorsing specific religious or political views. DGI / First Fridays cannot allow booths or displays designed for the purpose of religious proselytization or political campaigns at its events. Organizations / individuals who participate in the artisan showcase must agree that they will not encourage event attendees to adhere to or convert to a particular faith, church, or political persuasion, nor will they distribute messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith, support for a candidate or political party.
- Weather, Cancellations, and Attendance Policy. First Fridays is a RAIN or SHINE event. Refunds will not be issued for weather-related cancellations. Vendors who are consistently late or have more than 3 last-minute absences may not be asked to return for the remainder of the season and will forfeit their vendor space and vendor fees. Vendors unable to attend must notify the vendor coordinator no later than 3 days prior to the event of their absence. Exceptions will be made for emergencies.
- Permits and Licenses. All home-based food vendors must have all permits and licenses applicable to their businesses on-site.
Artisan Showcase Fees
First Fridays will feature a limited number of artisans at our events in May – September 2024. Pending approval, vendor fees are priced per event. All fees must be paid prior to the event. We will no longer accept checks on the day of the event, with the exception of those who do not have access to the internet. Please note that applications for the Arts Tour and Holiday Market are separate.
Artisan Vendor Fee: $50 per event day
Refund Policy
First Fridays events are rain or shine events. We will not issue refunds for weather cancellations.
Artisans may submit a request for a refund (minus an admin fee) if they submit a cancellation notification via email at least 30 days before the event. We will not issue refunds for cancellations less than 30 days before the event.
Location / Equipment
DGI provides Vendors with a designated 10’ x 10’ space. Artisans must provide and set up their equipment (tent, tables, chairs, etc). All tents must be secured with weights – stakes are strictly prohibited. Any vendors using more than their alotted 10’ x 10’ space will be asked to downsize their display or may be subject to an additional fee. Please do not bring a tent larger than 10’ x 10’.
Electrical Access
DGI does not provide on-site electrical access or access to wi-fi.
Non-Compete Policy
DGI will not approve applications for artisans who compete directly with a downtown business.
Questions
Contact us via email or phone (574) 203-2034 with any questions.
What can I sell?
PERISHABLE GOODS:
• Vegetables grown by the seller from seeds, seedlings, or sets.
• Fruits, berries, or nuts grown on trees, bushes, or vines on the seller’s farm.
• Plants grown by the seller.
• Honey produced by the seller’s bees.
• Fresh baked goods must be made from scratch by the seller.
• Fresh cut flowers grown on the seller’s farm.
• Pet food and treats made from scratch by the seller.
BATH & BODY PRODUCTS:
• Bath and body products ideally incorporate local and sustainable materials.
• Your products MUST be properly labeled.
ARTS & CRAFTS:
• You must create/make the product you are selling.
• You cannot resell items (i.e., jewelry, storage containers, etc.)
HOME-BASED PREPARED FOOD PRODUCTS:
• All foods must be prepared in a kitchen certified by the Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, or USDA, or in your own kitchen as permitted by the Elkhart County Health Department.
• Your food MUST be properly labeled.
• Home-based vendors must obtain a food handler certificate from a certificate issuer accredited by the American National Standards Institute. This includes ServSafe Food Handler Training, which can be completed online.
PET FOOD & TREATS:
• All Pet Food & Treats must meet the regulations and requirements outlined by the Indiana Department of Agriculture Plant Food, Feed & Grain Division.
• Your products MUST be properly labeled.
