We have come a Long Way !! Warren Co. Farmers Market (WCFM)
History and General Guidelines
This is a picture of the old market years ago around the Warren Co. courthouse. We believe the picture was circa 1929. Photo courtesy of Dr. Neil Schultz.
The new market, located at 100
Market street (under the Water Tower, South of Main St.), started around 1990 or
1991. For the first
few years, the rule was if you didn't grow it, you could not sell it.
Things have changed. Today, if a product is produced and grown in
Tennessee, it may be resold, with provisions.
For years WCFM sold produce in the City parking lot until we built a large pavilion that accommodates 31 vendors-UNDER ROOF, with a paved floor, water fountains, concession stand area and public rest rooms. Each stall is numbered and boundaries marked.
We have had 5 past presidents with Brent Bain being the most current. Market Managers have included 6 people in the past with Mary Cantrell being the current Manager.
WCFM welcomes all visitors and vendors to our Market. We do hope your visit is pleasant, memorable and that you have a good time in both shopping and a good business day. If any of the staff here needs to assist you or answer any questions, please feel free to ask.
WCFM requires all vendors join the "WARREN COUNTY AGRICULTURE PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION" for a cost of $10.00/yr. This allows you to set up each market day for the full season and full voting rights during our 2 meetings of the year and any other called meeting. With this membership, the booths/stalls are only $5.00 each market day. Without this form turned in to the manager, either early or the first day you set up, you will not be allowed to sell.
WCFM will sell a single page on our web site to any vendor that desires extra advertising for $15.00 per year. This page will be updated free of charge for 3 (three) times. WCFM feels that your products/advertising will change during the season and we want you to be current. Contact any officer for details.
WCFM is working toward a certification of vendors to include: "Master Grower", "Grower", "Farmer/Home Grower" and "Peddler". This will not take effect until around the beginning of the 2009 season. Details are not final at this time.
This market is governed by an elected Board of Directors. The Directors have hired a Market Manager, who has the authority to enforce all rules and regulations. The manager reports to the Board. The manager's decisions and rulings about violations, etc. are final. If a vendor feels that a ruling was made in error, they may make a request thru the Manager to the Board for a hearing. That hearing will take place 'generally' after the market closes for the day. The decision by the Market Manager will remain in effect until reviewed by the Board.
Non-permanent vendors are not allowed to pull under the retail area to set up before 4 a.m. on sale day. Anyone who violates this rule will be asked to pull out of the spot and wait until 5:30 a.m. and have the next available slot assigned by the Market Manager.
We believe in "Pick Tennessee Products". ALL produce shall be grown in Tennessee. If any doubt exists, the Market Manager will ask for a receipt of where purchased (seller must be a farmer, etc. and NOT a broker) or have a statement from the County Agent saying that the produce was grown in Tennessee. If proof is not provided, the Manager will ask that the product(s) be removed from display.
We are not a "flea market" and those items deemed as such will be removed from public display.
Our phone # for the Market is 931.474.9236 and we do have voice mail functions. Leave a message if you wish, but most messages will not be checked until around 6:30-7:00 a.m. due to heavy business pressure.
Tobacco products are NOT allowed under the pavilion. Signs are posted. No pets are allowed on the floor. Dogs, cats, etc. must remain in the vendors vehicles. Even with signage, customers still bring pets in the area but they MUST be carried in the arms and not on a lease. These restrictions are in accordance with the Warren County Department of Health guidelines.