Market Guidelines

• APPLICATION DEADLINE
  Friday, February 6, 2026.

• APPLICATION PROCESS
  Once you submit the online questionnaire and agree to the terms of the market and ALL APPROPRIATE LICENSES ARE SUBMITTED, WVDA will review your products and accept or deny your application. After approval, you will receive an online invoice that must be paid within 48 hours. Vendors will then select their vendor booth in the order that their payments were received.

• INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR
  WVDA and WV SFC will be offering a live webinar to provide event details, guidelines, and answer questions. The meeting link and other details will be provided to vendors with accepted registration and on the WVDA official Facebook page.

• VENDOR TO VENDOR HOUR
  Vendors will be allotted a one-hour time slot, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, to participate in a vendor-to-vendor networking and shopping hour. The market WILL NOT be open to the public at this time, however the Department of Agriculture will invite wholesale buyers to this hour for them to be able to shop without a crowd. Vendors must be back at their booths when doors open at 12:00 pm to the public.

• BOOTH SPACE
  Each 10-foot booth space will come with one 8’ unskirted table, 2 chairs, and a small trash can. You can bring your own additional tables, signage, coolers, extension cords, etc. (you must note on the application if you require electricity as space is limited). WVDA recommends a company-branded tablecloth or plain black one for uniformity. The booths will be separated with poles, will not be carpeted, and will not have a back (only a curtain).

• CUSTOMER PAYMENT METHODS
  The acceptance of SNAP EBT/Credit Cards will be at the discretion of each vendor. It is advantageous to the vendor to display clear signage at their booth as to what payment methods are accepted. Each vendor must provide their own change for cash sales. Vendors should come prepared with enough small bills and change for the duration of the event. WVDA will not have cash on hand the day of the event.

• DINING OPTIONS
  Dining options are somewhat limited around the Convention Center. Please plan accordingly. There will be an option for a catered box lunch from the convention center. The cost is $25.00, you must pre-register on the application, no extras will be available the day of the event.

• LOAD IN, SET UP & PARKING
  Load in and set up time will begin at 8:00 a.m. Please bring a hand dolly or cart so that you can unload your vehicle and move to your assigned space. A WVDA employee will direct you to your booth. Once you unload you are required to move your vehicle and then return to set up your booth. Please load in during your selected time to avoid long lines. There are multiple parking garages within two blocks of the venue. Any specific parking questions can be directed to the WVDA at 304-558-2210. Set up must be completed by 11:00 am. Load in will be at the North Hall Loading Dock located on Lee Street.

• PRODUCT GUIDELINES
  Winter Blues Farmers Market is a producer-only market. WVDA does not allow resale of non-West Virginia artisan products, wine, beer, ready-to-eat meals, craft-type items, etc. All products sold must comply with WVDA Farmers Market product regulations, federal regulations, and any other applicable governmental requirements. Please refer to the WVDA Farmers Market Vendor Guide. Vendors must secure prior to the event all applicable West Virginia Department of Agriculture licenses and permits. If you have questions regarding these products, please contact wvgrown@wvda.us.

  Preference will be given to artisan products with a significant agricultural connection, such as products made with goats' milk, beeswax, herbs, or agricultural materials. Approval is required for every item sold, please be detailed on your product list on your application. Vendors are not permitted to sell items not included in their original application without prior approval from market management. Craft items are only allowed if they are directly related to the vendor’s agricultural operation or reflect traditional Appalachian heritage.
  
  If WVDA requires a Vendor Permit for the product, the permit MUST be displayed. If you have questions about this contact WVDA Regulatory & Environmental Affairs at (304) 558-2227.

• VENDOR EXPECTATIONS
  Vendors are expected to stay and participate for the entire market unless they sell out. Vendors should expect 4,000 – 6,000 shoppers. Vendors shall keep their area free of debris, respect the space assignments, and not infringe on anyone else’s display. All displays must be kept within the allotted space and not in the aisle. All vendors must clean their areas at the end of the market, putting all trash in a provided trash can and flattening any empty boxes. All vendors MUST submit their total gross sales at the end of the market anonymously on a form that will be provided.

• WIFI
  The Wi-Fi password will be given to the vendors no later than the morning of the event.

• WV GROWN PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES
  New this year! For WV Grown members only, you can drop off five (5) products for the staff of WVDA to professionally photograph during the market. Simply drop off the products at the check in table, and we will return the products to you once the photos are taken, free of charge. You will receive copies of the photographs via email after the market to use in your marketing. We ask that these products be in a bag or boxed together when you arrive for an easy process.

• WVDA/CONTACT INFORMATION
  WVDA Staff will be the main contact for the Market. Please contact the WVDA Business Development Division at
  304-558-2210 with any questions.

  WVDA reserves the right to reject any application or revoke a vendor’s participation, for any reason.