The Crafter’s Market Network

Operated by Hearthstone Enterprises, LLC

Purpose

The Crafter’s Market Network, operated by Hearthstone Enterprises, LLC (“the Network”), is committed to providing a safe environment for vendors, customers, volunteers, entertainers, sponsors, venue personnel, and event staff.

This Safety Requirements Policy establishes the minimum safety standards for all vendors participating in Network events.

Additional safety requirements may apply based on the venue, event type, local regulations, weather conditions, insurance requirements, or guidance from public safety officials. Vendors are responsible for complying with all applicable laws, venue rules, and event-specific safety requirements.

1. General Safety

Vendors are responsible for maintaining a safe booth throughout the duration of the event.

Vendors must:

Keep booths clean, organized, and free of hazards.
Maintain clear access to emergency exits and walkways.
Secure merchandise, displays, and equipment to prevent tipping or falling.
Promptly remove or correct unsafe conditions.
Follow all instructions provided by organizers, venue personnel, and emergency responders.

The Network reserves the right to require immediate correction of any unsafe condition.

2. Outdoor Tent Requirements

Outdoor vendors using pop-up tents or canopies must properly secure each tent.

Unless stricter venue or local requirements apply, each tent leg should be secured with a minimum of 40 pounds of weight, for a recommended minimum of 160 pounds per tent.

Acceptable tent weights include:

Commercial tent weights.
Sandbags.
Concrete tent weights.
Water weights specifically designed for outdoor event use.

Tent stakes may only be used when permitted by the venue and approved by the Network.

Improperly secured tents may not be erected or may be required to close or be removed from the event without refund if the unsafe condition is not promptly corrected.

3. Weather Preparedness

Vendors are responsible for preparing for expected weather conditions.

This includes bringing appropriate:

Tent sidewalls.
Tarps or weather-resistant coverings.
Outdoor-rated extension cords (when electricity is provided).
Tent weights.
Appropriate clothing.
Water and other personal necessities.

Unless otherwise announced, Network events are generally held rain or shine. The Network reserves the right to delay, suspend, relocate, or cancel an event whenever weather conditions create an unreasonable safety risk.

4. Electrical Safety

When electrical service is provided:

Vendors must:

Use extension cords and power strips rated for the intended use.
Keep electrical cords in good condition.
Avoid creating trip hazards.
Avoid overloading electrical circuits.
Follow all venue electrical requirements.

Generators may only be used with prior written approval from the Network and only where permitted by the venue.

The Network reserves the right to disconnect unsafe electrical equipment.

5. Fire Safety

Open flames, fireworks, pyrotechnics, fuel-burning appliances, or other fire hazards are prohibited unless specifically approved by both the venue and the Network.

Vendors using cooking equipment, heating devices, or other equipment capable of generating heat must comply with all applicable fire codes, health department regulations, and venue requirements.

Fire extinguishers may be required whenever cooking equipment or other designated equipment is used.

6. Food Safety

Food vendors are solely responsible for complying with all applicable:

Health department regulations.
Cottage food laws.
Food handling requirements.
Licensing requirements.
Permit requirements.
Temperature control standards.
Labeling requirements.
Inspection requirements.

The Network does not inspect, certify, or guarantee the safety or legality of food products.

7. Display Safety

Displays should be designed and maintained to minimize hazards.

Vendors should:

Secure shelving, racks, and displays.
Prevent displays from tipping.
Stabilize heavy merchandise.
Avoid blocking neighboring booths.
Maintain safe customer access throughout the booth.

Unsafe displays must be corrected immediately upon request.

8. Walkways and Accessibility

Vendors may not:

Block aisles.
Obstruct emergency exits.
Extend displays into public walkways without approval.
Store excess inventory where it creates a hazard.

Walkways must remain accessible for:

Customers.
Individuals using mobility devices.
Emergency responders.
Event operations.

9. Children and Pets

Vendors are responsible for supervising any children accompanying them.

Pets are permitted only when allowed by venue policies or event-specific rules.

Service animals are welcome in accordance with applicable law.

Animals must not create safety concerns, interfere with customers, or disrupt neighboring vendors.

10. Hazardous Materials

Vendors may not possess or use hazardous materials, flammable chemicals, explosives, compressed gases, or other dangerous substances unless specifically authorized by the Network and permitted by applicable law.

Products requiring special handling must comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

11. Injuries and Emergencies

Any injury, medical emergency, property damage, fire, hazardous condition, or other significant incident must be reported to event staff immediately.

In the event of an emergency, vendors must:

Follow instructions from event staff.
Follow directions from emergency responders.
Evacuate promptly if instructed.
Avoid entering restricted areas until authorized.

12. Severe Weather

When severe weather threatens an event, the Network may:

Delay opening.
Temporarily suspend activities.
Require vendors to secure booths.
Order evacuation.
Relocate portions of the event.
Cancel the event if necessary.

Vendor cooperation during severe weather situations is mandatory.

Failure to comply with emergency instructions may result in removal from the event.

13. Compliance and Enforcement

Failure to comply with these Safety Requirements may result in one or more of the following actions:

Request to immediately correct unsafe conditions.
Temporary suspension of booth operations.
Removal of unsafe equipment or displays.
Immediate removal from the event without refund.
Restriction or prohibition from future participation in Network events.

The Network reserves the right to take whatever action it determines is reasonably necessary to protect the safety of vendors, customers, volunteers, staff, venue personnel, and the public.

Decisions regarding safety, emergency procedures, event operations, and enforcement of this policy are made solely by the Network and are final.

Shared Responsibility

Creating a safe marketplace is a shared responsibility.

By participating in events operated by Hearthstone Enterprises, LLC under The Crafter’s Market Network brand, vendors agree to work cooperatively with organizers, venue personnel, volunteers, emergency responders, and fellow participants to maintain a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Safety always takes priority over convenience, sales, or event operations.

Thank you for helping us make every Network event a safe place to shop, connect, and celebrate local businesses.

The Crafter’s Market Network is operated by Hearthstone Enterprises, LLC.