2. 2026 Community Market Application

4. 

6. Welcome to Your Business Launch Pad!

   The Park Forest Community Market isn't just a Saturday farmers market... it’s your lowest-risk path to building a successful business in Park Forest.

   Whether you're testing a new product, building a customer base, or preparing to open a brick-and-mortar location, the Park Forest Community Market provides the support, foot traffic, and business development resources you need to succeed.

   2026 Season: May 30 – Oct. 3, 2026
   Hours: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Saturdays)
   Location: Outdoor market near 26th & Western Avenue in the same lot as Juanacho’s Tacos.

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   Your Path from Vendor to Business Owner

   Many successful businesses start in markets just like this. Here’s how we help you grow:

   Stage 1: Saturday Market Vendor

   • Low-cost entry
   • Test your products with real customers
   • Build relationships and get feedback
   • Access free business workshops and mentoring

   Stage 2: Main Street Nights Vendor

   • Scale up to evening crowds (1,500–3,000 people per event)
   • Test high-volume operations
   • Prove your concept is ready for prime time

   Stage 3: DownTown Storefront

   • Priority access to information about available spaces
   • Connection to business resources and lenders
   • Ongoing technical assistance referrals

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   Application Instructions

   Time to complete: About 15 minutes

   What you'll need:

   • Business/contact information
   • Product descriptions and ingredient lists (if applicable)
   • Certificate of insurance ($1 million liability minimum)
   • Have your payment ready (no online payments; see instructions below)

   Important Notes:

   • Applications are submitted online only. Paper or emailed applications will not be accepted.
   • Applications will be accepted at any time, but WILL NOT be processed until payment is received.
   • The Market Managers reserve the right to approve or reject applications and to assign spaces. We will notify you of your space assignment.

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   Questions?

   Administrator: Adina McCollough – amccollough@vopf.com
   Administrator Assistant: Sydney Gadson – sgadson@vopf.com
   Market Manager: Donnica Gordon – dgordon@vopf.com

8. Participant Type & Basic Information:

10. What type of participant are you applying as?*

    1. Vendor (farm/grower, food, artisan, maker, etc.)
    2. Civic / Community Group (nonprofit, school, faith‑based, service club)
    3. Business / Service Provider (e.g., phone, internet, solar, insurance, etc.)

12. Applicant Information: 

14. Legal Business Name:*
15. Trading Name (if different from the left):
17. Business Address:*
18. Email Address:*
20. Business Phone Number:*
21. Business Website:
23. Contact Person:*
24. Contact Person's Title/Position:
26. Contact Person's Phone Number:*
27. Contact Person's Email:*
29. Website or Social Media

    Share any links you want us to use for promotion (website, Facebook, Instagram, etc.)

31. Please provide a short bio on you and your businesses origins:*
32. Please upload photo/s of your stall, products, or anything else that can be used for marketing purposes:
34. Vendor (farm/grower, food, artisan, maker, etc.)

    Business Status:

36. Is this your first time vending at a farmers market?*

    1. Yes
    2. No
38. Have you previously vended at the Park Forest Main Street Market?*

    1. Yes
    2. No
39. If yes, what year(s) did you vend at Park Forest Main Street Market?*

    If no, type N/A

41. Business Structure:*

    1. Sole Proprietor
    2. LLC
    3. Corporation
    4. Partnership
    5. Nonprofit
    6. Other
42. If "Other," please describe your business structure:
44. Illinois Sales Tax Information:
46. Illinois State Retail Sales Tax Number*
47. Illinois State Retail Sales Tax Certificate*
49. Permit and Licensing Information:

    (If selling food, a sanitation license is required.)
    (An additional $55 Health Inspection fee may be required.)

51. Fill in the appropriate license/permit (Park Forest Business License Number, Non-Park Forest Temporary Food Dispense Permit, or Non-Park Forest Peddlers License): *
53. Vendor Permit/Licensing Number:*
54. Permit/License Expiry Date: *
56. Business/Product/Liability Insurance Information:
    
    

    (A minimum of $1 million liability protection is required)

    • In the description section of COI: Name/Dates/Times/Location of Park Forest Community Market (see Market Details)
    • In the Certificate holder section:
      1. Village of Park Forest, its officers, employees, agents, and volunteers as additional insured

    350 Victory Drive
    Park Forest, IL  60466

58. Insurance Provider:*
59. Policy Number: *
61. Police Coverage Amount: *
62. Certificate of Insurance
64. Vendor Type
66. Vendor Type (Please select one):*

    1. Farmer / Grower (produce, plants, flowers grown by you)
    2. Processed Food / Cottage Food (baked goods, jams, sauces, etc.)
    3. Prepared Food (ready-to-eat items requiring a food handling license)
    4. Artisan / Crafter (handmade crafts, art, non-food items)
    5. Other products for sale
68. If you selected "other," please specify
70. Farmers/Growers
72. Product Details by Category*

    List ALL produce, plants, cut flowers, or orchard items you plan to sell. You may ONLY sell items listed here. Adding items requires Market Manager approval.

73. Property where items are grown:*
75. Processed Food / Cottage Food
77. Provide a detailed list of ALL processed food items and their principal ingredients. Include potential allergens (nuts, dairy, gluten, soy, etc.).

    Product Name, Principal Ingredients, Allergens

79. Do you operate under a Cottage Food License?*

    1. Yes
    2. No
81. Illinois Cottage Food Registration Number:
82. Issuing Authority:
84. Prepared Food
86. List all ready-to-eat items you'll prepare and sell:*
88. Food Protection Manager License Number: *
89. Certified Food Protection Manager
91. Expiration Date:*
93. Artisan/Crafter or Other
95. Product Categories: *

    1. Jewelry/Accessories
    2. Art/Handmade Crafts
    3. Clothing/Apparel

    1. Health/Beauty Products
    2. Other
97. Describe the items you'll sell and how they are made (handmade by you, designed by you, etc.):*
99. Civic / Community Groups
101. Organization Details*

     1. Neighborhood or resident group
     2. Faith-based organization
     3. School or youth group
     4. Service club (Rotary, etc.)
     5. Nonprofit agency
103. Briefly describe your organization and its mission:*
105. What will you be doing at the market? (Check all that apply)*

     1. Information / outreach table
     2. Fundraising sales (bake sale, craft sale, etc.)
     3. Ticket sales

     1. Demonstration / performance
     2. Voter registration or civic engagement
     3. Other
107. Describe your planned activity, products, or fundraiser in more detail:
109. Business / Service Provider
111. What type of business or service do you provide?*

     1. Telecommunications (internet, phone, cable)
     2. Energy / Solar / Utility
     3. Financial services (banking, credit union, insurance)
     4. Health / Wellness services
     5. Other
113. Briefly describe what you plan to promote or offer at the market:*
115. Will you be selling anything at the market?*

     1. Yes
     2. No
117. If you answered "Yes," describe what you will be selling or signing people up for:

119. Business Goals & Growth Interests:

121. Your Goals

123. What are your goals for participating in the Park Forest Community Market this season? (Check all that apply)*

     1. Test a new product or business idea
     2. Build a regular customer base
     3. Generate income to supplement other work
     4. Promote my organization's mission or services
     5. Reach Park Forest residents with information or resources
     6. Prepare to scale up production
     7. Gain experience before joining Main Street Nights
     8. Gather feedback before opening a brick-and-mortar

125. Opportunities & Support

127. Are you interested in any of the following opportunities? (Check all that apply)*

     1. Main Street Nights (evening vendor events, June–August 2026)
     2. Pop-up storefront opportunities during Main Street Nights
     3. Free business workshops (pricing, marketing, financial management, brick-and-mortar readiness)
     4. One-on-one business or organizational coaching referrals (SBDC/SCORE/other partners)
     5. Learning more about downtown space opportunities
     6. None of the above – just here for the market
129. Are you interested in vending at Special Events? (Check all that apply)

     1. June 27: 10a-10p (House Music Night) +$200 - Plus: $55 food vendor fee 
     2. July 25: 11a-2p (Youth Commission presents…Youth Day)
     3. September 3: 10am-3pm (Senior Picnic) +$50
     4. Oct. 4: 11a-2p (Fall Fest)

131. Future Vision

133. Within the next 2 years, do you see yourself or your organization: (Check all that apply)*

     1. Opening a permanent storefront or office in Park Forest
     2. Expanding to a commercial kitchen or production facility
     3. Growing into wholesale/distribution
     4. Expanding outreach or services in Park Forest
     5. Staying as a market-only presence
     6. Unsure / exploring options

135. Operational Details:

137. Space Requirements

139. How much space do you need?*

     1. 1 space (15' x 40')
     2. 2 spaces (30' x 40')
     3. Other
141. If you chose "Other," please explain:
143. Do you require vehicle access to your space for setup?*

     1. Yes
     2. No
145. Special needs or accommodations:

147. Equipment:

149. What equipment will you bring? (Check all that apply)*

     1. Tent/canopy (must be weighted with 25+ lbs per leg)
     2. Tables
     3. Chairs
     4. Display racks/shelving
     5. Coolers/refrigeration
     6. Generator (note: no electricity provided at market)
     7. Branded vehicle or trailer
     8. Payment processing (card reader, etc.)
     9. Other
151. If you chose "Other," please explain:

153. Attendance Plan:

155. 2026 Market Days

     May	June	July	Aug	Sept	Oct
     30	6	4	1	5	3
     	13	11	8	12
     	20	18	15	19
     	27	25	22	26
     			29

157. Which best describes your planned participation?*

     1. Full Season (May 30 – October 3, 2026: 19 market days)
     2. Half Season – Early (May 30 – July 25, 2026 – 9 market days)
     3. Half Season – Late (August 1 – October 3, 2026 – 10 market days)
     4. Individual dates only (I will list specific Saturdays below)
159. Individual dates only,” list the Saturdays you plan to attend.

161. Fees, Payment & Insurance:

163. Fee Schedule:

     Category	Full Season	Monthly	Individual Date
     Farmers/Growers	FREE	FREE	FREE
     Artisans/Crafters	$220 ($200 before 3/31)	$150	$25/date
     Processed Food	$220 ($200 before 3/31)	$150	$25/date
     Prepared Food	$220 + $55 health fee	$150 + $55	$25/date + $50

165. Civic groups: Contact staff for fee details (often reduced or waived).
     Business/Service Providers: Contact staff for fee details.

167. Payment Acknowledgment

169. Important: Applications will be accepted online, but WILL NOT be processed or approved until payment is received by the Village of Park Forest Recreation & Parks Department.*

     1. I understand that my application will not be processed until payment is received.

171. Setup, Breakdown & Rules:

173. Key Market Rules

     Setup:

     • Vehicles may enter the lot for unloading between 8:00 AM and 8:45 AM.
     • All vehicles must be moved to designated parking by 8:45 AM.
     • Spaces must be fully set up and ready by 9:00 AM.

     Market Hours:
     9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Participants must remain set up until 1:00 PM unless the Market Manager closes early for weather or safety.

     Breakdown:
     Begins at 1:00 PM. No early breakdown without approval. Leave your area clean and free of trash.

     Other Rules:

     • All tents/canopies must be properly weighted (25+ lbs per leg).
     • You are responsible for your own equipment, staff, and safety.
     • Additional rules are listed in the 2026 Market Rules of Operation document on the Village website.
175. Rules Acknowledgment*

     1. I have read and agree to comply with the 2026 Park Forest Community Market Rules of Operation.

177. INDEMNITY HOLD HARMLESS PROVISION

     
     

     To the fullest extent permitted by law, the vendor hereby agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Village of Park Forest, its officials, agents, and employees against all injuries, deaths, loss, damages, claims, patent claims, suits, liabilities, judgments, cost, and expenses, which may in anyway accrue against the Village of Park Forest, its officials, agents, and employees, arising in whole or in part or in consequence of the actions by the vendor, its employees, or which may in anyway result therefore, except that arising out of the sole legal cause of the Village of Park Forest, its agents or employees, the vendor shall, at its own expense, appear, defend and pay all charges of attorneys and all costs and other expenses arising therefore or incurred in connections therewith, and, if any judgment is rendered against the Village of Park Forest, its officials, agents, and employees, in any such action, the vendor shall, at its own expense, satisfy and discharge the same.

     The vendor expressly understands and agrees that any insurance policies required to participate in the Park Forest Community Market shall in no way limit the responsibility to indemnify, keep, hold harmless, and defend the Village of Park Forest, its officials, agents, and employees as herein provided. 

179. Agree to the terms above*

     1. I understand and agree to the indemnification terms above.

181. Compliance Agreement:

183. I certify that: (Check all that apply)*

     1. The information in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
     2. I understand that falsified information may result in refusal or removal from the market.
     3. I understand that this application is submitted online only and will not be processed or approved until all documentation and payment is received by the Village of Park Forest.

185. PARK FOREST FARMERS’ MAIN STREET MARKET

     RULES OF OPERATION AFFIDAVIT

     
     

     I/We hereby agree to sell or offer for sale at the Park Forest Community Market only such items that are of my/our own production on the described property and are listed within the application. I/We swear that all information is correct and complete to the best of my/our knowledge. I/We hereby affirm that I/we have read and understand the Rules of Operation. 

     I/We agree to abide by all rules that have been established for the operation of the 53rd  annual Park Forest Community Market.

     Vendors must furnish their own tables, chairs, display arrangements and rain protection. The Market is in an open area parking lot with no shelter provided.  All types of temporary shelter (canopies, tents, awnings, umbrellas, etc.) must always be weighted with at least 25 lbs. of weight on each tent leg. Gallon jugs of water do not count as weights. If wind conditions are unfavorable, a shelter may not be assembled.

     No smoking is allowed at the Market. Park Forest Community Market is a Pet-Friendly market. However, anyone bringing a pet onto the market premises must clean up after their own pet. 

     The statements in the attached application are true to the best of my knowledge.

187. Applicant Name:*
189. Applicant Signature:*
190. Date:*

192. PLEASE NOTE: Violation or falsification of any of the conditions as set forth in this application or affidavit will result in immediate and permanent loss of permission to sell at the Park Forest Community Market.

Leave This Blank:


194. 1. Receive an email copy of this form.
195. Email address

     This field is not part of the form submission.

196. Submit

* indicates a required field