Shore Acres

Welcome to Shore Acres Artisans & Farmers Market!

Thank you for your interest in joining our vendor community. Shore Acres is more than a market — it’s a movement rooted in food systems, economic stability, and community-powered living.

Our weekly producer-only Thursday markets will feature farmers, food trucks, bakers, artisans, crafters, makers, and a limited number of nonprofit organizations in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Located at Crown Sports Center in Fruitland, MD, a high-traffic area between the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) and Salisbury University (SU), Shore Acres offers unmatched visibility and steady customer flow.

We are building a vibrant one-stop shop for fresh food, local goods, and cultural experiences. Vendors must grow, raise, bake, or create the products they sell as we are a producer-only market. This keeps the market authentic, fresh, and community rooted. We allow a small percentage of carefully selected local organizations that align with Shore Acres’ mission to enhance the market experience without overshadowing producers. Please note this is a new market, and we plan to introduce special seasonal pricing for the winter season.

Vendor Requirements & Permit Guide

PLEASE READ FOR SPRING BAZAAR GUIDELINES 

Please note: All children selling edible items at the Spring Bazaar must follow Maryland Cottage Food guidelines. All other products must be made or produced by the child in order to vend.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times during the event.

Kid vendors only pay the $10 vendor fee and do not pay the $35 vendor application fee required for adult vendors.

Please find all guidelines here. If you have any questions please reach out to shoreventuresgroup@gmail.com.

Vendor	Notes
Cottage Food Vendors	Must upload product labels with application (name, address, ingredients, allergens).
Bakers & Artisans (Not under Cottage)	Must contact Wicomico County Health Department for verification. Required if producing potentially hazardous foods outside cottage guidelines.
Farmers & Producers	Value-added items (jams, cheese, etc.) must follow cottage or food service rules.
Business & Nonprofits	Must show proof of good standing and/or 5013c status. Applies to all incorporated businesses and registered nonprofits.
Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors	Must contact Wicomico County Health Department for verification.
Non-Food Vendors (Crafters, Wellness, Bodycare, Makers)	Applies to all vendors selling non-food items (except farm produce/cottage).

General Requirements for All Vendors

• Insurance: Carry general liability insurance or sign a liability waiver. (Additional Insured: Shore Ventures Group LLC DBA Shore Acres and Crown Sports Center LLC, 28410 Crown Rd, Fruitland, MD 21826.)
• Taxes: Vendors are responsible for Maryland Sales & Use Tax compliance.
• Health Regulations: All food vendors must comply with Wicomico County Health Department, Maryland Department of Agriculture and/or Maryland Department of Health rules and regulations. Please call 410-546-4446 for guidance.
• Business: All non food vendors must comply with the all Maryland laws, Wicomico County regualations and permits. Please call 410-543-6551 for guidance.
• Marketing Participation: Vendors must assist in market promotion.
  SNAP Retailer Encouragement: Vendors are strongly encouraged to apply.
  
  Wicomico County Permit Rules
• Inside Wicomico County → Temporary permit required if:
  Operating outside a brick-and-mortar, OR
  Offering hazardous foods without a licensed facility.
• Outside Wicomico County → Temporary permit ($75) required if:
  No reciprocity for mobile unit, OR No licensed facility, OR Selling hazardous foods outside a brick-and-mortar.
• No Temporary Permit Needed If:
  You hold a valid state processing license.
  You operate from a licensed mobile unit with reciprocity.
  You only sell whole produce.
  You qualify under Maryland Cottage Food Guidelines.
  You deliver (not solicit) products from a licensed facility.
  You sell pre-packaged, non-hazardous foods from a licensed facility.

Vendor Benefits

• Indoor Year-round opportunities with seasonal special events.
• Built-in Marketing Support: Your business will be promoted through social media, flyers, posters, and media outreach as part of our joint effort to grow the market.
• Prime Location: Capture traffic from two major universities, sports centers, and a surrounding community of families and professionals.
• Professional Promotion: Vendors are encouraged to upload videos and photos of their products, services, and behind-the-scenes work to be included in Shore Acres marketing campaigns.
• Collaborative Network: Join a community of entrepreneurs who believe Local is Power and support one another.

Media Release

By applying to Shore Acres, vendors grant permission for their business name, likeness, products, and any shared media (photos or videos) to be used in Shore Acres promotional materials, including print, social media, and digital platforms. This release helps maximize vendor visibility and supports collective marketing.

Set-Up Time

Vendors may begin setting up at 2:00 p.m. on market day. All vendors must be fully set up and ready to sell by 3:45 p.m. The market officially runs from 4:00–7:30 p.m.

Vendor Application Fee

All vendors must pay an annual non-refundable $35 application fee at the time of applying. Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis. 

The application fee covers:

• Administrative review of vendor materials.
• Processing of insurance, licenses, and permits.
• Communication and onboarding support from Shore Acres staff.

Market Fee

Current rates are:
• 10x10 stall – $30 per week
• 10x20 stall – $40 per week
• Food trucks – $55 per week (10ft), $65 per week (11-18ft), $75 per week (19ft+)

Important: Payment of the application fee does not guarantee acceptance into the market. Applications are reviewed for fit, product quality, and compliance with Shore Acres vendor guidelines.

Next Steps

1. Review the Shore Acres Vendor Handbook.
2. Gather and attach all required permits, licenses, and proof of insurance.
3. Upload photos or short videos of your products to be featured in promotions.
4. Submit your application for review.

Joining Shore Acres means becoming part of a collaborative network of entrepreneurs shaping the future of our local economy. We’re excited to review your application and welcome you into the Shore Acres family!

Shore Acres Vendor Legal Policy

By applying to and participating in the Shore Acres Artisans & Farmers Market (“Market”), I agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. Compliance with Laws & Regulations

I will comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws governing the sale of my products.
Food Vendors: Must meet all Wicomico County Health Department requirements.
Food Trucks: Must hold and maintain a valid Mobile Food Vendor Permit.
SNAP/EBT/FMNP Vendors: Must comply with all USDA and Maryland program guidelines.
I will maintain and provide proof of all licenses, permits, and certifications required for my products. All required documents must be submitted with my application for approval.

2. Insurance & Liability

I will carry general liability insurance prior to participation or submit a signed No-Insurance Waiver acknowledging that I am fully responsible for all risks associated with my participation.

By electing the waiver option, I expressly agree that:
I participate at my own risk. Shore Ventures Group dba Shore Acres, Crown Sports Center its directors, staff, volunteers, property owners, representatives, and affiliates assume no liability for accidents, injuries, damages, theft, or loss of any kind that may occur during my participation.
I release, indemnify, and hold harmless Shore Acres, its directors, staff, volunteers, representatives, agents, and property owners from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, damages, fees, and causes of action of any kind, including but not limited to bodily injury, property damage, theft, or economic loss, arising from or related to my activities at the Market, whether caused by negligence or otherwise.
I understand that failure to provide proof of insurance or a signed waiver will result in an incomplete application and denial of participation.

3. Taxes & Financial Responsibilities

I am solely responsible for collecting, reporting, and paying all Maryland Sales & Use Taxes and any applicable federal taxes related to my business.
Vendors outside of Wicomico County must secure a temporary Maryland Sales & Use Tax license if not already licensed.

4. Market Rules & Operations

I will arrive on time for set-up, remain until closing, and maintain a safe, clean, and professional booth.
I agree to sell only those products approved in my application.
I understand that vendor spaces are juried to maintain quality and product diversity.
I will participate in collective marketing by sharing Shore Acres promotional materials on my own business channels.
I will comply with Shore Acres’ payment policy: once approved, my booth fee will be automatically processed the day before each market I participate in.

5. Conduct Standards

I will treat customers, staff, and fellow vendors with professionalism, courtesy, and respect.
I will represent Shore Acres with integrity, honesty, and high product quality.
I understand Shore Acres is an inclusive market that welcomes diverse vendors and encourages participation from those who accept SNAP/EBT and other food access programs.

6. Media & Promotion

I grant Shore Acres permission to use my business name, likeness, products, photos, and videos (submitted or captured at the market) for promotional purposes across print, digital, and social media platforms.
I may opt out of individual media uses only by written notice to Shore Acres management.

7. Acceptance & Termination

I understand that acceptance into Shore Acres is not guaranteed and that participation may be revoked at any time for noncompliance with rules, policies, or laws.
All fees paid are non-refundable, except where otherwise noted by Shore Acres management.
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Shore Acres, its directors, staff, volunteers, representatives, agents, and property owners from and against all liability, claims, damages, costs, and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, arising from or related to my participation in the Market.