Market Location: The DCFM is located in the Downtown Calhoun City Park (308 North Wall St., Calhoun, GA 30701).

Market Schedule: Every Tuesday and Saturday from 8AM-12PM (rain or shine). Markets will begin on May 23, 2026 and the last market will be September 19, 2026.

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1. Market Overview 

The Downtown Calhoun Farmers Market (Market) is owned and coordinated by the Downtown Development Authority of the City of Calhoun (DDA). The mission of the Downtown Calhoun Farmers’ Market (DCFM) is to strengthen Calhoun-Gordon County’s agricultural economy by connecting local farmers, food growers, and small businesses directly with the community in an authentic, welcoming space. The market focuses on farm-fresh produce, meats, eggs, honey, jams, jellies, artisan cheeses, baked goods, coffee, tea, fresh-cut flowers and other hand/homemade or craft products. 

2. Vendor Selection and Product Prioritization

The Market is an agricultural focused market and maintains a vendor composition of at least 70% agricultural and food products, including produce, plants, prepared foods, baked goods, and farm-based goods. The Market prioritizes the sale of farm-fresh produce, meats and eggs, honey, jams and jellies, artisan cheeses, baked goods, coffee and tea, fresh-cut flowers, handmade or craft products. Agricultural products and fresh-cut flowers receive priority placement. Remaining spaces may be allocated to approved craft vendors. Vendors selling products they did not produce must clearly identify the source of all such products. Vendor selection is based on the following priorities:

• Agricultural producers located within a 50-mile radius of Calhoun, Georgia will receive priority consideration. Vendors selling produce or agricultural products not of their own production may be approved at the Market’s discretion; however, all such products must be grown in Georgia or within a 150-mile radius of Calhoun, Georgia. Vendors must clearly identify the farm and origin of all products not grown by the vendor.

• Prepared food vendors sourcing ingredients from their own farm or local farms (within 150 miles)

• Returning vendors in good standing who apply within two weeks of application opening

• Vendors requesting participation in most or all Market dates

• Market team may also consider product quality and uniqueness, professional display standards, clear signage, prior compliance with Market rules, vendor attendance history, interactions with customers, staff, and vendors

3. Vendor Requirements

Vendors are expected to meet policies related to market day operations, signage and display and attendance: 

• Operations

• Submit vendor application and be approved by Market staff prior to setting up at the Market

• Disclose weekly sales data anonymously for Market reporting

• Space assignments are determined by Market management. While efforts are made to ensure fairness and equity in vendor assignments

• All product categories and any required licenses must be listed in the vendor application. Vendors who wish to add a new product category during the season must notify Market staff and obtain any required licenses before selling the new items.

• Vendors must reapply annually

• Must ensure employees/representatives comply with all Market policies

• Sold-Out Vendors: Vendors who sell out of products may leave early. The Downtown Development Authority of the City of Calhoun (DDA) will provide signage for sold-out vendors.

• Cars must stay within the parking lot during market hours due to public safety requirements, as the area functions as a pedestrian-only zone during the event.

• Vendors requiring electricity are responsible for providing their own extension cords and for the setup and breakdown of their power connections. On-site electricity is limited and not guaranteed. Vendors who have access to a small, quiet generator are encouraged to bring it.

• Licenses, Taxes, and Legal Compliance

• Market policies comply with all applicable guidelines issued by the Georgia Department of Agriculture regarding food products sold at events sponsored by nonprofit organizations. No general business license is required for participation in the Market; however, vendors remain responsible for obtaining all licenses, permits, and certifications required by applicable law.

• Vendors are solely responsible for:

• Obtaining all required licenses, permits, and certifications

• Complying with Georgia Department of Agriculture regulations

• Collecting and remitting all taxes

• Vendors who wish to sell eggs and/or dairy must provide their certification number and be prepared to have a copy of their current Georgia Department of Agriculture certification at their booth.

• Vendors must obtain any licenses, certifications, and permits required by law for all products, and may be required to give copies to the Market Manager to keep on file.

• All home-prepared consumable products must comply with Georgia Department of Agriculture rules.

• Display and Signage 

• Provide and set up their own tents, tables, and equipment

• Cover tables with clean and presentable table coverings

• Display professional signage identifying the business

• Clearly display all product prices

• Securely weight all tents

• Be willing to display signage showing where products are produced 

• Displaying current licenses, certifications, and inspections is highly recommended. At a minimum, vendors should have copies available at their site.

• Attendance 

• Vendors shall maintain consistent attendance consistent with dates provided on their application. Absences must be reported to Market staff no later than three (3) calendar days prior to the missed market day.