“Because we’ve had to increase those rates, a lot of businesses have chosen to vend elsewhere because they can find other farmers markets locally for cheaper.” “It is reasonable to vend here, as it’s a great starting block for a lot of global entrepreneurs, but there is a lot of turnover,” Zelaney said. “We have already lost vendors this year who, because we (VFM) had to increase our stall fees, found it too costly. However, the city has recently asked VFM to commit to a 10-year lease, where the costs would triple, totalling close to $30,000 by 2033. Zelaney stated that, although the hike seemed steep, she believed it reasonable, calling it a fair amount for what the vendors receive for an hourly rental. This year, however, the price nearly tripled, to a cost of $11,700. “That was very reasonable, as we were able to do around 55 markets last year.” “Last year, we paid around $4,000 for rental fees for the parking lot, which we ran two mornings a week, where there is nothing else going on for several months,” Zelaney said.
Vendors rent out space on a yearly or multi-year basis, for the right to set up a stand at the market. from the Kal Tire Place parking lot, which is on public property owned by the city. “The city council at that point was really supportive of the VFM and saw the value of what we bring to the community,” said Zelaney.Ĭurrently, VFM runs twice a week, from 8 a.m. However, the amount of vendors have been shrinking in recent months, with the City of Vernon hiking prices on rental spaces at the markets.Īccording to Rachelle Zelaney, owner of Zelaney Farms and VFM’s president, in prior years, the market was granted a five year lease at zero dollars. The Vernon Farmers’ Market (VFM) has been a staple in the community for decades, helping boost the notoriety of local vendors and providing customers with fresh farm-to-table options.
0 kommentar(er)
