Event Rules

HOOSIER HOMETOWN MARKETS

Standard Event Rules

These Event Rules are incorporated into and form part of the Vendor Agreement to help ensure a safe, smooth, and enjoyable experience for everyone. Enforcement actions, corrective measures, or Vendor removal are governed by the Vendor Agreement.

These rules apply separately to each Event. Read them with that Event's Market Details (Application Terms), which identify its schedule, Venue, setup arrangements, provided equipment, canopy policy, electrical service, and Venue restrictions. Where these rules refer an operating requirement to the Market Details, follow the stated requirement for that Event. Event-specific venue instructions form part of these Event Rules; they do not amend the Vendor Agreement. An unanswered equipment, canopy, or electrical-service question is not permission or confirmation of availability; contact HHM before making arrangements.

1. Authorized Event Personnel

HHM staff, volunteers, Venue staff, and designated Event leads are authorized to provide instructions related to Event operations, safety, logistics, and compliance. HHM staff are here to help—please follow their instructions and ask any questions throughout the Event.

2. Check-In, Setup & Tear-Down

Check-In

• Vendor must check in at the designated location upon arrival.
• Follow instructions from HHM staff regarding unloading, setup, access points, and timing.

Setup

• Setup times, access routes, and loading instructions will be shared in pre-event communications.
• Vendor may begin setup only during the approved setup window.

During the Event

• Booth must remain open, staffed, and presentable during all posted Event hours.
• Early tear-down is not permitted unless directed by HHM.

Tear-Down & Clean-Up

• Tear-down begins only after the Event officially ends.
• Vendor must remove all merchandise, equipment, and trash.
• Booth area must be left in its original condition.
• Vendor may be charged for excessive cleaning or damage.

Abandoned Property

• HHM and the Venue are not responsible for items left behind.
• Abandoned items may be removed or disposed of at the Vendor’s expense.

3. Loading, Unloading & Parking

• Vendor must follow all HHM-provided loading routes, time windows, and staging rules.
• Park only in areas designated by HHM or the Venue.
• Mobile Food Vendor must operate only in assigned location and may not move without HHM approval, unless directed by law enforcement or emergency personnel.

4. Booth Setup, Displays & Appearance

Tables & Equipment

• The Market Details state which tables and chairs are supplied and which Vendor must bring. Do not assume equipment provided at one Event is provided at another.
• Vendor must provide fixtures and displays unless the Market Details state that they are supplied.
• Venue-owned furniture may not be moved without permission.

Table Coverings

• Tables must be fully covered on all four sides with clean coverings (preferably fitted or skirted to the floor).
• Stored items must not be visible to attendees.

Canopies and Overhead Structures

The Market Details state whether canopies and overhead structures are permitted or prohibited. Where permitted, they must:

• Be self-standing
• Fit entirely within the Booth

Vendor must notify HHM in advance if using a permitted canopy or overhead structure and follow any additional requirements stated in the Market Details. Advance notice does not override a prohibition.

Signage

• Signage must be professional and contained within the Booth.
• Signage may not block aisles, exits, or neighboring booths.
• Exterior signage is prohibited unless approved by HHM and the Venue.

Aisles & Traffic Flow

• All displays, products, and customer interactions must stay within the Booth.
• Aisles, exits, and access points must always remain clear.

Noise and Amplified Sound

• Vendors must keep noise, music, and any amplified sound at a level that does not disrupt neighboring booths, attendees, or Event operations.
• Use of amplified sound is permitted only with prior written approval from HHM and may be limited, modified, or discontinued at HHM’s direction.

5. Venue Rules & Restrictions

Attachments & Decorations

All displays and decorations must be freestanding, and no tape, pins, staples, adhesives, or other materials may be used to attach anything to walls, floors, ceilings, curtains, or any Venue surfaces.

Prohibited Materials

• No glitter, confetti, or scatter materials of any kind.

Flames & Heat

• Open flames (candles, lighters, sternos, etc.) are not permitted.
• Other small warming or heating equipment may be allowed but only if specifically approved in writing by HHM and the Venue.

Electricity

• Electricity is available only if requested and approved (and paid, if applicable)

The Market Details identify whether electrical service is available, which booth types are eligible, and its voltage, outlet and load limits. Do not assume power is available or that the service offered at one Event is available at another. Any service beyond those limits requires express written approval from HHM.

Vendor must:

• Use properly rated extension cords
• Use power only for approved equipment
• Not share outlets or exceed approved usage

HHM may disconnect power if safety or operational issues arise.

Venue Policies

• Follow the Event-specific Venue policies stated in the Market Details and written instructions from HHM or the Venue.
• Any additional product restrictions or advance product-approval requirements must be identified in the Market Details. Approval at one Venue does not establish approval at another.

6. Safety & Children

Booth Safety

• Always keep the Booth safe and orderly.
• Secure cords, boxes, displays, and weighted items.
• Nothing may protrude into aisles or create tripping hazards.
• HHM may require immediate correction of safety issues.

Minors

• Vendor is responsible for supervising any accompanying minors in or around their booth.
• Setup and tear-down presents additional hazards and extra supervision may be necessary.

7. Market Money

The following requirements apply when Market Money is used at the Event, as described in the Vendor Agreement and Market Details.

Acceptance

• Vendors must accept valid Market Money up to face value.

Redemption

• Market Money must be redeemed with HHM staff before leaving the Venue on the day of the Event.
• Late redemptions will not be accepted.

Verification

• Vendor must follow verification procedures provided at check-in.
• Counterfeit or altered Market Money will not be honored.

8. Weather, Emergencies & Operational Changes

• HHM may adjust procedures, layouts, or Event hours due to weather, emergencies, or Venue requirements.
• Vendor must follow all HHM instructions related to these adjustments.