Published on December 30, 2025



Beginning Thursday, Feb. 5, we will welcome a variety of food trucks from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Read on to find out how to apply to be a vendor!

This program is brought to you by Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area (GCRA) at Cornerstone (2153 SE Hawthorne Rd.)

Located on SE Hawthorne Road, the Cornerstone Campus is home to the GTEC Center and Merrieux, and within walking distance of the newly opened UF Health Urgent Care Clinic.

Fees and Payments

There will be no fees to participate.

Space Allocation

  • Vendors will be assigned a designated space by staff.
  • The GCRA will have tables, chairs and tents available. Vendors may provide their own tents, tables and chairs if desired. 

Setup and Teardown

  • Vendors must be set up 30 minutes before the start time and be fully set up and ready to operate by start time.
  • If a vendor will be late or needs to cancel, they must notify staff at least two hours prior to the event start time.
  • Teardown may not begin until the agreed upon end time or sell out. Vendors must ensure their area is clean and free of debris before leaving.

Permits and Licenses

  • Vendors are required to obtain and display any necessary permits or licenses relevant to their business. This includes health permits for food vendors.
  • Proof of permits must be provided to the staff before the event.
  • If vendor needs assistance with acquiring the necessary permits or licenses, please contact staff.

 

Product Guidelines

  • All products sold must be of quality and follow all legal guidelines. The sale of counterfeit, offensive or prohibited items is strictly forbidden.

Conduct and Professionalism

  • Vendors must conduct themselves professionally at all times. This includes courteous interactions with customers, fellow vendors and staff.
  • Maintaining a clean and attractive booth space is essential. Vendors are responsible for removing their own trash. Trash cans will be provided by staff.

 

Sanitation

  • Vendors handling food must follow all health department guidelines for sanitation.
  • Vendors are required to keep their areas clean, with all waste properly disposed of in designated bins.

Food Safety

  • Food vendors must comply with all local health department regulations, including maintaining proper food storage temperatures and hygiene standards.
  • Only approved and properly labeled food items are permitted for sale.

Emergency Procedures

  • In the event of an emergency, please follow the instructions of market staff and emergency personnel. An emergency meeting point will be clearly marked.

Inclement Weather

  • The GCRA will proceed rain or shine unless conditions are deemed unsafe. In case of severe weather, notifications will be sent out via email and posted on-site.
  • Vendors should be prepared for weather changes and bring appropriate coverings for their booths.

 

Eco-Friendly Practices

  • Vendors must follow Gainesville Zero Waste Ordinances. 
  • Vendors are encouraged to minimize the use of single-use plastics and opt for sustainable packaging options.
  • Please help us reduce waste by providing recycling options at your booth.

Waste Management

  • All vendors must dispose of their waste in the designated bins.
  • Please ensure your area is left clean and free of litter at the end of the event.

Noise Control

  • Vendors must keep noise levels, such as music or generators, at a moderate level to ensure a pleasant environment for all attendees.
  • Music is acceptable at a reasonable level and must be family-friendly. 

Insurance

• Vendors are required to carry liability insurance and must provide proof of coverage prior to the event. This ensures protection for both the vendor and the GCRA.

Agreements

• Upon agreement of participation, vendor agrees to abide by these guidelines and any additional rules set forth by the City of Gainesville and the GCRA. Failure to comply may result in removal from the event.

Financial Reporting

• Vendors are responsible for their own sales tax reporting and compliance with local, state, and federal tax laws. The GCRA is not liable for any financial or legal issues arising from vendor sales.

Post-Event Feedback

• Vendors are encouraged to fill out the post-event survey after each of the selected days.

Feedback Form

Vendor Application