Mother Nature isn’t the only thing gearing up fast for spring; staff at the Town of Fort Frances are sowing the seeds for a flourishing Rainy Lake Square Market.
A new plan for the market grew organically from extensive feedback from citizens and vendors alike. It offers a streamlined, low cost opt-in strategy for makers, bakers and growers to take advantage of the mid-town outdoor market.
“You spoke and we heard you,” said a release issued by the Town. “You let us know the rollout of the 2023 Market Thursdays was not perfect, and using your feedback we believe for 2024 we have a solution that’s suitable for everyone.”
Last spring, the Town became aware that under its Business Licencing by-law, vendors must have business licensing and general liability insurance to participate in the Thursday Vendor Market at the Square. It was an unexpected additional cost for vendors, who had participated for free in previous years.
Due to the costs of insurance, the Town has opted to not return to the free model. However, the new plan is a $10 plus HST fee, charged per day per table, or $50 plus HST to cover the full season. That fee will cover: Market Thursdays business licensing; Market Thursdays general liability insurance; access to water; access to electricity; staff labour to assist with setting up tables and tents; and advertising for the market.
“While some municipality-run markets have a high fee, the Town of Fort Frances is committed to keeping these costs at a minimum to encourage our makers, artists, growers, farmers, service providers, curators of quality goods, and artisans to participate and to allow them to succeed,” stated the release. “Having a Business Licence and General Liability Insurance can be costly, and these are mandatory to sell at the market. By implementing a minimal fee for all vendors, this eliminates the need for vendors to pay larger amounts to participate.”
Registration for Market Thursdays will begin February 15, and invoices to secure spaces will be issued in mid-March. Table spots are Table spots are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis, determined by the order in which vendors submit their contracts and complete full payment.
“We encourage all to register as soon as possible if you’re planning on booking a table,” said the release.
Eligible participants include anyone who is a maker, grower, farmer, service provider, curator of quality goods, or artisan who sells their own brand, creations, or handmade/grown items.
The completion of a registration package is required for vendors to participate in Market Thursdays. After the opening date of February 15, 2024, these will be available online at www.FortFrances.ca, by email smanty@fortfrances.ca, or in person at the Museum, Civic Centre, or Memorial Sports Centre.
Packages are to be returned in-person at the Museum or by emailing smanty@fortfrances.ca
Vendors, and those eager to shop the Market, can keep an eye on the www.FortFrances.ca website for important information, as well as the Town of Fort Frances, Fort Frances Museum & Cultural Centre, and Rainy Lake Square Facebook pages.
