The Villages® Brownwood Paddock Square® is the center of many activities and plays an important role in contributing to our friendly, hometown atmosphere. These guidelines are established to ensure the fair, continued, and profitable participation of our valued vendors in The Villages® Hometown Market.
Location & Schedule
Brownwood Paddock Square® hosts the Hometown Market every Saturday* from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, year-round.
Market dates are subject to cancellation due to The Villages Entertainment (TVENT) Special Events.
Vendor Space & Rates
Monthly fees vary by space size (10’x10′ to 20’x20′) and location (Standard or Premium).
Premium Spaces are on the square with the most foot traffic.
Standard Spaces are on side streets with lighter foot traffic.
Corporate Spaces are charged at triple the standard rate.
| Space Size | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 10×10 | $150 | $225 |
| 20×10 | $300 | $450 |
| 10×20 | $300 | $450 |
| 20×20 | $600 | $900 |
| Corporate Vendor Space Size | Rate |
|---|---|
| 10×10 | $450 |
If your desired setup size is not listed, please give us a call to discuss options.
Space Use Rules
Vendors may not share, sublet, or sell spaces.
Only pre-approved products may be sold.
To add items, vendors must get preapproval from TVENT staff.
Vendors will have 1 foot of space between other tents.
All products must fit under the given tent space. If it cannot fit under your tent, TVENT staff will require the product to be removed from the space and placed back into your vehicle.
Once you are given your space number and location, that will be your location. Vendors will not move around based on absent vendors.
Payment & Attendance
Invoices & Payment
Invoices are sent monthly on the 15th and are due on the 7th.
Invoices paid anytime from the 8th – 15th will receive a $15 late fee.
Accounts 2+ weeks overdue will receive 1 reminder via email that payment is due.
Accounts 3+ weeks overdue will be suspended from the market.
Three late payments may result in removal from The Market.
Attendance
Weekly attendance is expected.
Vendors must notify staff if they are ill or on vacation.
Two consecutive no-calls, no-shows result in removal from The Market.
If you leave the market early by walking your product out, without prior authorization by the TVENT Coordinator, it will be reflected in the attendance log as a no-call, no-show for the market.
Telling the coordinator on-site you will be out on a scheduled market day does not qualify as letting us know. It must be written and sent via email to be excused.
Returned Check
First returned check fee: $35
Second and subsequent returned check fee: $45
Following a returned check, payment must be made by money order or online.
Set Up & Tear Down
Entrance
Use the barricade between World of Beer & the Sales Center.
Vendors will receive a Vendor Pass to help with market entry:
Place it in your driver’s side window or hold it up for staff to see upon arrival.
Setup Time
Setup is from 6:00 AM to 8:30 AM. Vehicles may be used to unload but must be moved immediately.
Tear Down Rules
Vendors may not leave early or begin teardown before 1:00 PM without the approval of TVENT Special Event Coordinator (The Market Coordinator).
Two warnings in a 12-month period will result in suspension from the market.
All merchandise must be packed before vehicles return to the Square.
Vehicles cannot idle near chains, stop signs, or intersections.
Tent & Equipment
Tent Weights
Vendors must use a minimum of 25 lb per leg.
No setup is allowed without proper weights.
Weights must be at the base of your tent legs – they cannot hang from your tent.
Weights must be on each leg. If you have a 10×20 or larger and are connecting tents to create that size, your middle two legs will count as one and will need 25 lbs on each one.
Missing Weights
1st offense: You’ll be asked to pack up and leave for the day (no refund).
2nd consecutive week: Suspension from the market.
Continued issues: Further action will be taken.
Additional Requirements
Vendors must provide their own tables, chairs, and lighting.
Use of square-provided chairs is not permitted.
Display Restrictions
No tying off to structures or landscaping.
Nothing may be stored in landscaped areas.
Signage
Signage must be approved by TVENT, not impede foot traffic, and remain close to the booth.
Feather flags are not permitted.
Power & Safety
No power is provided.
Power must come from a whisper-quiet (60dba) generator, inverter system, or battery-powered lights.
Using square outlets is prohibited.
No open flames or flammable materials are permitted.
Gas cans cannot remain in vendor areas.
Clean-Up
All trash must be bagged and removed by the vendor.
Do not leave trash near containers or storm drains.
Non-biodegradable items must be disposed of properly.
Weather Policy
Delays or cancellations are decided by TVENT on-site management.
If The Market is cancelled, vendors do NOT get the option to stay open.
Once set up, vendors must remain until the market ends unless released by The Market Coordinator.
Parking
Vendors must park in the rear of the parking lot behind World of Beer, Cody’s, or Gator’s Dockside.
Parking near the square or businesses is prohibited.
Vendor Required Documentation
Documentation for new vendors is required to be turned in prior to the market start date. Failure to do so will postpone your start date – without a refund of monies.
Required Documentation
Financial & Tax
Current Florida State Tax ID form (if applicable)
Completed W-9
Insurance
Certificate of Insurance listing the following as Additionally Insured Holder/Loss Payee:
Operating Company of The Villages, The Villages Entertainment / Special Events
3619 Kiessel Road | The Villages, FL 32163
Required to have $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate
Food Vendor
Cottage Food License Certificate
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Certification
Cottage Food Information (Labeling, Allergens, Florida Statutes Section 500.80, Federal Regulations 2017 Food Code)
Health Department Permit
Fire Certificate
Florida Business License for Food Vending / Food Handlers Permit
Failure to comply with health and safety requirements (such as no Temporary Event License, proper sanitation, hand wash station, etc.) may result in immediate closure of your booth by the inspector. In addition, the following penalties will apply:
1st Shutdown: $100 fee
2nd Shutdown: $200 fee
3rd Shutdown: Removal from the market
If the Health Inspector requires you to shut down your booth space for any reason, no credits will be given for that time.
Important Notes
Specific documentation requirements may vary based on your products.
Please contact us with any questions regarding required documents.
It is the vendor’s responsibility to know and follow all health and safety regulations.
TVENT Staff will not provide your documentation at Hometown Market. You are required to have it at your booth space – per your license/certificate requirements.
Vendors must have all required paperwork and documentation on hand at all times (licenses, permits, insurance, etc.).
Vendors are responsible for knowing what they are permitted to sell under their licensing.
Product
All items must be pre-approved by TVENT.
Changes to inventory require written approval by TVENT.
Exclusivity is not guaranteed.
Credit card acceptance is encouraged.
Scales must be certified, and certificates available on-site.
Produce must be attractively displayed.
Seafood vendors must label the origin and freshness method.
Cottage food items must follow labeling and allergen laws.
Spills
Vendors must notify staff of spills immediately and are responsible for cleaning up.
Cleaning fees will be charged if left unattended.
Solicitation
Designated Sales Area
All sales transactions must occur within your assigned vendor space.
No Solicitation
Solicitation activities are prohibited on all squares.
Restricted Distribution
Flyers and advertisements may only be distributed from your designated vendor space.
Two warnings in a 12-month period will result in suspension from the market.
Dress Code & Conduct
Clothing must be neat and tidy.
Vendors represent The Villages and should act accordingly.
The use of drugs, alcohol, and smoking at or near booths is not allowed.
Vulgar or disrespectful behavior is prohibited.
Vendors must follow staff directions.
Two warnings in a 12-month period will result in removal from the market.
Termination Without Cause
Right to Termination
The Villages Entertainment reserves the right to terminate any vendor’s participation in events at any time, with or without cause.
Notification
If termination is exercised, The Villages Entertainment will provide written notice to the vendor.
Refund Policy
If The Villages Entertainment terminates a vendor’s participation, and it is not due to the vendor’s violation of these guidelines, a refund of prepaid monies may be issued.
Refunds will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
Entire Agreement
The Villages Entertainment may terminate any vendor’s participation at any time without cause. Refunds for prepaid fees will be considered case-by-case.
Agreement & Acknowledgment
Participation confirms the vendor has read and agrees to all guidelines. Violation may lead to termination from future events.
Hold Harmless Agreement
Vendors agree to hold The Villages and all related entities harmless for injuries, damages, or claims arising from participation.
Trademarks
The Villages® names and logos may not be used without written permission.
Jurisdiction & Legal
These guidelines fall under Florida law.
Legal disputes will be handled in Sumter County, Florida.
The prevailing party in any legal action is entitled to attorney’s fees.