2025 Merry Market

Thank you so much for your interest in our 2025 Merry Market at Great Oaks Banquets! Please fill out the application below if you’d like to participate in our market. Please note, submitting an application does not guarantee that you will be selected. We have a limited number of spaces and a competitive selection process.

Location: Great Oaks Banquet Hall, 13109 Wicker Ave, Cedar Lake, IN 46303

Friday, December 19th 4p-9p & Saturday, December 20th 10a-4p

Please complete all required answers. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Thank you for taking the time to fill out an application for our market. If accepted, you will receive a welcome email. The invoices will go out July 1st and will be due by August 31st. If not paid by the due date, we will go down the waiting list and offer your spot to others wanting to get in.

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Name *

First

Last

Business Name *

Cell Phone (we text updates) *

Email *

Address *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

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Zip Code

Booth Size: (2 day commitment required) Friday, Dec 19th 4-9p & Saturday, Dec 20th 10-4p (Power is not available at this event but if you need it to operate your booth, exceptions can be made. Please reach out to Kelly if you require electricity.) *

• 8×6 – $165
• 8×10 – $210
• FARMER – Complimentary

Booths are limited to one per vendor, unless space becomes available three weeks prior to event date. If additional space is not available, would you still like to participate with your one space? *

• Yes
• No

Please check the category/categories of the items you sell.

• Bath & Body
• Candles
• Ceramics, Clay, Glass, Mugs, Pottery
• Clothing (children’s)
• Direct Sales (Tupperware, Pampered Chef, etc.)
• Farmer (produce, meat, etc.)
• Florist
• Home Decor: Furniture, signs
• Home Decor: Vintage, Upcycled, Antique, Holiday
• Honey
• Jewelry
• Knitting, Crochet
• Macrame
• Purses or bags
• Quilting
• Specialty Foods: Bread, candy, cookies, dips, salsas
• Tumblers, cups, mugs
• Wall art
• Women’s Clothing
• Woodwork
• Other

Please list all the items you plan to sell, as we will limit the amount of vendors bringing the same items (to maintain a variety). PLEASE NOTE: This does not mean you'll be the only vendor in your trade, only that we are limiting similar vendors. *

Tell us what sets you apart from another vendor with similar product that might also be applying and why. *

Do you make the product you will be selling? *

• Yes
• No

If you answered no above, please explain. Write N/A or skip if this does not apply to you.

Are your display walls or banners taller than 4 feet? *

• Yes
• No

Do you use a curtain backdrop or banner on a stand? We have certain areas best suited for taller banners/backdrops and we will be taking those into consideration during booth placement. Most likely we will not have curtains, backdrops or large banners on the inside areas of booths so your neighbors won't be blocked from the shoppers' view. *

• Yes
• No

Are you selling anything that will be consumed or applied to the body such as food, lotions, bath products, etc.? If yes, you are required to carry insurance and provide proof you listed us as additional insured as follows: Great Oaks and Region Social/CLFM at 13109 Wicker Ave, Cedar Lake, IN 46303. You will need to supply this once approved and no later than two weeks prior to event date, Dec 5th, to cedarlakefarmersmarket@gmail.com. *

• Yes
• No

If you're new to this market, please upload images of the items you sell here. If you are a returning vendor, no need to upload any images. If you are unable to upload, please email images, with your business name in the subject line, to cedarlakefarmersmarket@gmail.com or via messenger at the Cedar Lake Farmers Market Facebook page. (Application not considered until we receive images.)

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload You can upload up to 20 files.

Do you accept payments other than cash? If yes, please check all other payments accepted. *

• No, cash only
• Yes
• Credit Card
• Venmo
• Paypal
• Zelle
• Cash App
• Other

Please tell us the Color, Make & Model of your vehicle and anyone's vehicle that will be parking at the market to help. This is just in case the police or we need to ask you to move your vehicle for any reason. *

Please tell us your license plate number. If your car needs to be moved, this allows us to find you quicker. *

Shuttling for vendors is a requirement at Great Oaks. We have secured space .8 miles north on US 41 and have people setup and prepared to shuttle you quickly and efficiently back and forth. If an emergency should arise during the market, we will have a shuttle vehicle parked close to quickly get you to your vehicle. This is imperative to allow spaces for shoppers to park. This is necessary for your success. Once shuttled you'll be asked to sign off on our registration sheet. If your name isn't on our sheet we will check in to see if you were dropped off and didn't require a shuttle. Before you submit this application, please type your name below to confirm you understand this requirement. *

If you're a returning vendor at Great Oaks, please select a specific room you'd like to request or an appropriate response below. Please select any and all options you'd like. Upstairs level does not require any loading up and down the stairs, there is a short ramp at the back entrance for loading/unloading. *Note, we cannot guarantee your location request, but will do our best to accommodate. *

• Ballroom (upstairs)
• Fireside room (upstairs)
• Entryway (upstairs-at top of stairs)
• Backyard room (main level)
• Party room (entrance to theater-main level)
• Theater/Chapel room (main level)
• Entryway walkway (main level)
• No preference

Personal requests: (i.e. placement near a restroom for health reasons, placement by a friend's booth, specific location information, etc.) We cannot guarantee your request, but we do our best to accommodate.

Will you be present at the market or sending an employee/partner? If sending employees/partners, you need to share the approval email with them so they know all instructions. *

• Yes, I will tend to my booth.
• Yes, but sometimes someone else will help me with my booth.
• No, I send an employee/partner to the markets.

If you answered above that you have employees, partners, etc. who may man your booth, list their first name, last name and cell phone # here so they receive texts with instructions on days of events. You will be required to forward your approval email to them as well so they know the market and parking rules.

If you have participated with us in the past, have you consistently posted on social media? If the answer is no, are you willing to learn and commit to using social media for 2025? *

• Yes, I have consistently posted on social media.
• No, I need help learning social media.
• No, but I understand it’s required in the market rules and will post consistently this year.

Website Link (optional)

Facebook Link (optional)

Instagram Link (optional)

Were you referred by another vendor? If so, please list their name below.

Emergency Contact Name and Phone Number

REGION SOCIAL/CLFM TERMS & CONDITIONS

EVENT/PRODUCT RULES:

• All supplies (chairs, tables, product, etc.) must be contained within the booth space purchased. If my setup exceeds the assigned space, I will be asked to adjust my booth space. The health department has been known to come in and measure the aisle ways to comply with health and safety codes for safety and handicap accessibility.  All vendor property must remain fully intact until the event has officially ended on either Friday at 9pm and/or Saturday at 4pm. All vendor equipment must be dismantled and removed from the grounds at the conclusion of the event within 90 minutes of the closing time. If you decide to take down your booth prior to closing, we will make note of this and you may not be invited back to future markets.  All trash MUST be removed from the grounds and your space must be removed of all debris before exiting.
• Vendors must provide all supplies needed for set up and to keep their area clean and in good order at all times: (tables, tablecloths (fitted floor length tablecloth highly recommended for outdoor events), canopy, weights, hammers, stakes, etc.) Need fitted tablecloths? They can be found here:  https://a.co/d/5M5sd8g
• No poster boards for booth signs.
• No political products or flags of any kind other than the American flag, can be sold, worn or hung during the market.
• This is a family friendly event, absolutely no products can have vulgar images or swear words on them. No marijuana leaves or anything drug related. For example, no Chucky dolls or gory products that can scare kids.
• Vendors are required to collect their own sales tax.
• There is NO SMOKING in the market.  You can smoke outside away from shoppers entering and exiting the building.
• I understand there may be music near me at this event.  (We are sensitive to not having anything too loud too close to your booth).
• I understand that in several cases the measuring and taping of the floor takes place earlier in the week of the event and some tape could accidentally be removed before setup without our knowledge.  If you arrive and feel your booth space is not measured out properly, please contact one of our coordinators so we can remeasure and correct your booth space immediately.
• There are several areas at Great Oaks that are darker.  We strongly suggest bringing rechargeable/battery operated lights to help brighten your booth.  Here are a few varieties that can be purchased on Amazon that are vendors have used and loved: https://a.co/d/efuvvKL https://a.co/d/7zaVdHM https://a.co/d/8VyNE8U https://a.co/d/9VihJ9o https://a.co/d/66R9sYy https://a.co/d/awbFViE

FOOD/BAKED GOODS POLICY:

• Home-Based Baker products must provide proper labeling on each item packaged to sell according to the most current Lake County Health Department regulations. List product name, town/city product was made in and date product was made. List all ingredients and note that product was made in a non-inspected kitchen.  (Please call for any 2025 additions to this list and to ensure you are following county guidelines at (219) 755-3655. If you have never participated in an event it is best to call the health department to find out how to properly label. They are very nice and helpful and they do want you to succeed.
• Food Vendors are required to carry insurance and provide proof from your insurance company listing Region Social/CLFM/Great Oaks Banquet at 13109 Wicker Ave, Cedar Lake IN as additionally insured.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

• If vendor cancels for a market that was previously committed to less than 5 days before the market, the vendor will will not be refunded, credited, etc.
• If vendor cancels on a market day or does not show for a market signed up for, his/her/their future booth space and/or remaining paid markets may be forfeited. This affects other vendors who may end up with empty spaces and the open gaps in the traffic flow affects booth neighbor’s attendance.
• In the event of severe weather, booth fees are non-refundable.  Please look to the Facebook group for additional weather related info on the day of and a text will also be sent.
• In the event the market is postponed or canceled due to circumstances beyond Region Social/CLFM’s and/or Great Oaks Banquet Hall’s control, booth fees will not be refunded. In the event of government shutdowns, payments will be forwarded to a future date.  If no future date is available, refunds will be given minus the payment and administrative fees.

SOCIAL MEDIA RULES

• Vendors must share the main Facebook event each market on personal and business pages. We have a strong emphasis on social media and ask that you post fresh info on each market day on either Facebook and/or Instagram on your business or personal pages to help promote personal business at the market. In doing this it helps you and the other entrepreneurs gain more traffic flow. It’s definitely a teamwork effort to get the awesome crowds that we do. We will have step by step information provided for you in our private Facebook group to help you. If this is something new to you, Kelly, the Event Specialist, is also happy to walk you through this over the phone or in person if needed.  Also, reach out to Kelly if you would like information on upcoming classes on using social media to grow your own business.

LEGAL POLICIES

• I agree that Kelly Dykstra and/or Region Social/CLFM and/or Great Oaks Banquet Hall and its employees and officers are not in any way responsible for theft/loss/damage.
• I agree that if I cause any damage to the event space or its property, I will pay for any repairs and/or charges that incur.
• I agree that Region Social/Cedar Lake Farmers Market may use such photographs of me with or without my name and for any lawful purpose, including for example such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and Web content.

Please sign below by typing your name in the box….I HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND, AND HEREBY AGREE TO ABIDE BY AND FULLY COMPLY WITH THE RULES AND POLICIES OF REGION SOCIAL/CLFM. I FURTHER UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT REGION SOCIAL/CLFM AND/OR KELLY DYKSTRA AND/OR GREAT OAKS BANQUET HALL AND ITS EMPLOYEES AND OFFICERS ARE NOT LIABLE OR RESPONSIBLE IN ANY WAY FOR DAMAGES, INJURY, THEFT OR LOSS OF ME, MY ORGANIZATION, OR ANY PERSONS OR GOODS FROM ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER. I AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS REGION SOCIAL/CLFM AND/OR KELLY DYKSTRA AND/OR GREAT OAKS BANQUET HALL AND ITS EMPLOYEES AND OFFICERS AND ITS EMPLOYEES AND OFFICERS AGAINST ANY SUCH LOSS, DAMAGE, OR THEFT. I AGREE THAT REGION SOCIAL/CLFM AND/OR KELLY DYKSTRA AND/OR THE GREAT OAKS BANQUET HALL AND ITS EMPLOYEES AND OFFICERS AND ITS EMPLOYEES AND OFFICERS CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CLAIMS FOR DAMAGE, INJURY OR LOSS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH USE OF SPACE. IN THE EVENT THAT THIS MARKET IS UNABLE TO BE HELD AS SCHEDULED DUE TO REASONS BEYOND THE CONTROL OF REGION SOCIAL/CLFM AND/OR KELLY DYKSTRA AND/OR GREAT OAKS BANQUET HALL AND ITS EMPLOYEES AND OFFICERS AND ITS EMPLOYEES AND OFFICERS, OR, IF THE EVENT IS INTERRUPTED IN ANY WAY, I AGREE THAT NO REFUND WILL BE MADE AND THAT REGION SOCIAL/CLFM AND/OR KELLY DYKSTRA AND/OR GREAT OAKS BANQUET HALL AND ITS EMPLOYEES AND OFFICERS WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. *

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