Market Programs and Activities
Music
While music is an important tool for creating ambiance and bringing your market to life, it’s important to learn the rules around copyright. Sometimes markets will need licenses to play music.
The Michigan Farmers Market Association put together this music copyright fact sheet.
POP (Power of Produce) Club
Many markets hold a kids club, oftentimes called POP Club or Market Sprouts. Kids have the opportunity to talk directly with farmers, play educational games, and try new fruits and vegetables. In addition to these activities, participants receive vouchers to spend at the market on fruits and veggies, which allows them to make independent shopping decisions.
Both FMC and UMN Extension have toolkits about implementing POP at your market.
You can also get in touch with the Oregon City Farmers Market, where POP Club was founded.
Food Demos
Live food demos with food samples can highlight in-season foods and encourage customers to try unique produce they might not be accustomed to seeing at the grocery store.
Make sure your market is following food safety guidelines by reviewing our sampling toolkit.
Community Tables
A community table, sometimes called a consignment table, is a great way to support new producers or growers who can’t commit to a full booth.
A few markets who host community tables have shared their guidelines, policies, and pros and cons, which you can find in this folder.
OFMA hosted a Peer Learning Circle where market managers shared their experiences running community tables.