This event will take place rain or shine, and we expect vendors to be fully prepared to operate in all weather conditions. It is essential that tents are properly weighted down at all times. Our customers are committed to supporting the community, rain or shine, and we ask that you uphold this spirit by being prepared for any weather. Failure to do so may impact future opportunities to participate in our markets.
Vendor FAQs
How Do I Become a Maker for Market on the Mississippi (MOTM)?
Applications will open beginning January 1st, 2025 for the Spring Market. Be sure to sign up for our mailing list to be notified when they open. We take about 6 weeks to jury, meet, and decide who our 2025 Spring Makers will be.
Vendors are rotated for every show and must apply for each show to be considered as a vendor for each show. No vendor is guaranteed to be in any show as we rotate local talent based on applicant pools, craftsmanship, good attitude, and presentation. We will also limit the number of vendors in any particular category, and rotate them, to maximize a unique market experience for customers.
This is a juried market. Vendors are handpicked based on the photos, socials, website resources you provide in your application. We are always searching for new talent across the Midwest. Do not be discouraged if you are new to the scene, we love giving opportunity to new faces!
Our goal is to find curated handmade vendors for our show. We want to showcase the artisanship within the midwest. This means we're looking for your A-game: top-notch displays, incredible quality products, and a great attitude!
Sales Tax
Vendors are responsible for their own sales tax collection. Market hosts will not be responsible for individual vendor sales tax collection, or liable for failure thereof. You are required to apply for a Wisconsin Sales Tax Permit through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. A vendor selling taxable merchandise or property in Wisconsin must have a valid Wisconsin seller’s permit unless the vendor’s sales are exempt from sales or use tax.
A seller's permit is issued for a two-year period in WI, and will automatically renew unless you inform the Department of Revenue you will not be operating in Wisconsin in the future.
Sellers that do not operate in Wisconsin year-round may need a seasonal permit valid only for the months indicated on their application, each year, until closed by the seller. Questions on these processes can be directed to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
Marketing
As hosts, we do our diligence to market through our own pages, online, ads, email marketing, and additional marketing as necessary. We expect all of our vendors to market the shows they are in as well as share posts from the Market on the Mississippi social media pages. The success of a market also depends on you!
Location
We have recently teamed up with Fox Hollow in West Salem, WI as our newest venue partner! They will showcase their incredible hospitality through their bustling restaurant and bar, share their incredible views and venue with us, and will continue to believe in the mission of our curated market!
Fox Hollow has been a family owned and operated business since opening in 1994. A staple of the Coulee Region, they're located on County Highway OA in La Crosse County, just 10 minutes from La Crosse and 5 minutes from Onalaska's Valley View Mall.
For spring and fall shows, we will have indoor and outdoor spaces available. Note: For Mistletoe Market, or our holiday show, we will have only indoor spaces available (making them more limited).
Handmade Requirements
Market on the Mississippi is a handmade, curated, artisan market. This market showcases handmade items OR independently produced items only. No wholesaling or mid-level marketing is allowed. We encourage you to make all of your own products but do allow a small portion (5% or less) of products to be used to enhance your items.
Who Can Apply?
Handmade Midwest artisans are welcome to apply! We are constantly curating our vendor list depending on the season, community interest, and your craftsmanship. We encourage new business owners, seasoned makers, and handmade artists to apply.