Terms & Conditions

General Notice

This document is a general guideline and does not supersede current City or County ordinances.
Please read the entire contents before submitting an application.

All vendors must complete and submit a Vendor Application and Indemnity Agreement.
Food vendors (excluding produce and Cottage Food producers) must also complete and maintain all required licenses, permits, and documents required by the Health Department.

Location

The Rockdale Community Market (RCM) is held at:
Wolf Park
106 N. Main St.
Rockdale, TX 76567

Vision

Establish and support activities that create a sense of community, encourage social gathering, and foster economic growth.

Mission

Establish and operate a seasonal Community Market in Rockdale beginning each spring and continuing through late fall. Market dates will be determined and published.

Purpose

Enhance quality of life within our community and promote continued economic development in Rockdale.

Required Permits & Tax Responsibilities

It is the VENDOR’s responsibility to know when they are required to collect and remit City, County, and State sales tax to the Texas Comptroller.

All vendors must follow DSHS Guidelines for Farmers Markets as they apply to the products sold, including rules governing food sales, sampling, egg sales, and food safety and sanitation.

1. 501(c)(3) nonprofit vendors selling food are not required to obtain a Temporary Food Establishment Permit.

2. Vendors selling uncut produce do not need a Temporary Food Establishment Permit.

3. Vendors operating under the Texas Cottage Food Law must follow all food category limitations and labeling requirements. Cottage Food vendors are not required to obtain a Temporary Food Establishment Permit. Compliance is the sole responsibility of the vendor.

4. Cottage Food vendors may not prepare or sell foods requiring time/temperature control for safety (TCS foods). Only foods approved under Cottage Food Law may be sold and must be properly labeled. DSHS-permitted food vendors may not sell products prepared by Cottage Food vendors.

5. Vendors selling their own backyard eggs directly to consumers do not need an Egg License but must label packages with their address, mark eggs as UNGRADED, and store washed eggs below 45°F, in compliance with DSHS Egg Sales Requirements.

6. All other food vendors must obtain and display a Temporary Retail Food Establishment Permit or Mobile Food Unit Permit, as applicable.

7. Food trucks are subject to City of Rockdale ordinances and permits.

8. Vendors may obtain a Single-Event Temporary Food Establishment Permit for $52, valid for up to 14 days.

9. Vendors participating on an ongoing basis or in multiple events are encouraged to obtain a Multi-Event Permit for $200.

Market Code of Conduct

RCM relies on volunteers to operate the market. Questions or concerns should be directed to RCM at RockdaleCommunityMarket@yahoo.com.

Vendor expectations:

1. Be fully set up by the designated market opening time.

2. Maintain a positive and respectful attitude.

3. Clean up your area at the close of the market.

4. RCM and Wolf Park are family-friendly spaces; appropriate behavior is required at all times.

5. Vendors must wear shoes and shirts and present a clean, professional appearance.

6. Smoking or vaping is prohibited in vendor areas.

7. Foul language, profanity, or disrespectful behavior is not permitted.

8. Possession of firearms, use of drugs, or operating under the influence is prohibited and grounds for permanent removal from RCM.

Failure to meet these expectations may result in immediate and permanent expulsion from the market.

Concerns may be discussed politely with the on-site RCM representative before or after market hours. If unresolved, contact the RCM Board at RockdaleCommunityMarket@yahoo.com.

Space Assignment

RCM will work to provide appropriate booth placement. The following policies apply:

1. Standard booth space is 10’ x 10’. Exceptions may be made based on availability.

2. Booth spaces are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

3. Requests for additional space depend on availability, vendor history, and demonstrated sales.

4. Vendors arriving after 8:45 AM will not be allowed to drive on grassy areas for setup.

5. Co-op vendors are limited to one 10’ x 10’ space and may not represent Cottage Food or egg sales they did not personally produce.

6. Reserved spaces may be implemented for a monthly fee at the board’s discretion.

7. Vendors forfeit reserved space after three missed markets without notice.

8. No refunds for unused or forfeited space.

Vendor Guidelines

All vendors must submit a completed application in advance and comply with all guidelines and governmental requirements.

1. Applications, permits, licenses, and fees must be complete before participation.

2. Vendors must display signage identifying their business name.

3. Vendors must supply their own tents, tables, chairs, signage, and refrigeration if needed.

4. Vendors must notify RCM in advance if using a generator.

5. Vendors are responsible for compliance with all health and licensing regulations.

6. Product sampling must comply with City of Rockdale Health Department requirements.

7. Cottage Food products must comply with Texas DSHS regulations.

8. All food must be properly labeled. Unlabeled food is prohibited.

9. Vendors assume full responsibility for product safety and liability.

10. Vendors must supply all materials and containers for sales.

11. Handmade artisans and quality product vendors are welcome.

12. RCM determines product eligibility; all decisions are final.

13. Vendors are responsible for sales tax collection and reporting.

14. Booth areas must be cleaned at market close; no trash may be left behind.

15. Fundraising by nonprofits is permitted with approval.

16. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Vendor Categories

General Vendors: Fresh produce and non-food items (fruits, vegetables, flowers, crafts, soaps, plants).
Cottage Food Producers: Home-based food vendors compliant with Texas Cottage Food Law.
Temporary Food Establishments: Vendors selling prepared or potentially hazardous foods requiring special permits.
Winery Vendors: Texas wineries with valid TABC permits; samples must be free and consumed on-site only.
Boutiques: Local boutiques offering retail products.

Indemnity Agreement

By participating in the Rockdale Community Market, the vendor agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend Rockdale Community Market, its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers from all claims, damages, injuries, losses, costs, or expenses arising from participation in the market.

Vendors assume full responsibility for the safety of their staff, customers, property, and operations and agree to obtain and maintain general liability insurance. Rockdale Community Market shall not be liable for the negligence or actions of vendors or their representatives.