Are you a small business owner looking to sell your goods to other Lakelanders? Check out the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. This project by the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority takes place on Kentucky Avenue each weekend and has grown to 100+ weekly vendors since starting in 2004.
With so many vendors, the market has recently changed its application process. Now, you can apply twice a year — in June and December. Here’s what to know as you prepare to apply.
The farmers market operates nearly every Saturday from September to July — that’s 45+ opportunities to sell your goods each year. Hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m. from September to May and 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. in June and July.
All new vendors begin as part-time (at least 12 weeks per year) and pay $30-35 per week for shared marketing costs. After working at the market for a while, vendors may be invited to join full-time.
Vendors are selected based on a variety of criteria, including the types of products they sell. The market emphasizes handmade + homemade items, so resellers and businesses there to advertise aren’t accepted. There’s also a maximum number of vendors allowed for each product category — check the list to see what’s at capacity.
Vendor categories include art, food, produce, plants, jewelry, and more.
Photo by @allieseaay
Let’s talk licenses. If you’re hoping to sell food products, there may be license requirements through the Department of Agriculture or Department of Health. Plant sellers must also be licensed. If you sell your goods anywhere besides the farmers market, including online, don’t forget your business tax licenses.
Ready to apply? Read over the farmers market’s vendor FAQs, get familiar with the application process, and reach out to the market with any lingering questions during the June 1-June 30 + Dec. 1-Dec. 31 application windows.
