Farmers Market Manager

City of South Lyon Downtown Development Authority

Request for Proposal

Submissions Due by March 6, 2026 (5 p.m. ET)

City of South Lyon Downtown Development Authority

The South Lyon Farmers' and Artisans' Market is a weekly outdoor farmers' market that takes place from 9am - 2pm every Saturday from May through October in downtown South Lyon. The South Lyon market has grown to feature more than 60 vendors per week and has more than 1,000 visitors per day. It has quickly become one of the area's best markets.

The South Lyon Farmers' & Artisans' Market is a dynamic weekly farmers market that brings healthy food choices and community building assets to South Lyon. At each market and event, you will see dozens of local artisans, farmers, ranchers, bakers, chefs, and artists. In addition, the Market holds a monthly Food Truck Rally offering a diverse selection of flavors. Our farmers’ market has been a community anchor for more than 15 years and historically located in Downtown South Lyon at the parking lots at Liberty and Lafayette.

(Subject to change temporarily, due to road construction).

The vision of the South Lyon Farmers' and Artisans' Market is to provide a vibrant farmers market connecting South Lyon's farmers, creators, and consumers.

• Support local farmers and businesses by providing an outlet for them to sell directly.
• Enrich the community by making farm fresh in-season produce available.
• Inform the community about healthy and sustainable food choices.
• Give the community access to locally produced baked goods and food products, and locally handcrafted items.
• Highlight the increasing vibrancy of downtown South Lyon.
• Create a festive atmosphere and be a downtown destination.

The DDA desires to retain the services of a Contractor as Market Manager for the South Lyon Farmers Market ("the Market").

The selected Contractor will serve as Market Manager and perform the duties set out in the job description and others, as shall be assigned by the DDA, including but not limited to:

• Operate twenty-six (26) Markets (May through October 2026), in a manner consistent with DDA mission and objectives.
• Perform general administration of the Market operations and activities, including monthly Food Truck Rallies at the Market.
• Open and close the Market, including installation of directional and parking signage and barricades, including oversight of breakdown and clean-up of Market-related activities; remain on-site during Market hours of operation.
• Interpret and enforce Market rules and regulations adopted by the DDA.
• Ensure compliance with all pertinent laws, safety, codes and regulations and coordinate health department and other inspections, as needed.
• Be responsible for vendor recruitment and relations, quality control, enforcement of Market rules, regulations and communications; investigate buyer and seller complaints and mediate disputes; perform customer relations.
• Use database/software provided by DDA to track data relating to the Market Vendors and Market statistics. Maintain appropriate documentation regarding vendor stall rentals and space assignments, stall rental fees, vendor attendance; deliver report to the DDA and City of South Lyon on a weekly basis.
• Maintain records of Market activity and outcomes; conduct periodic surveys of Market participants; gather and report data related to sales and attendance; prepare a monthly written report on Market activity or as requested by DDA.
• Coordinate marketing and promotions of Market events, special events, community events, and entertainment, and implement marketing and promotions plans and strategies.
• Attend meetings of the DDA and its Promotions Committee.
• Solicit and secure sponsors for the Market, maintain working relationships with sponsors, and provide a record of sponsorship fulfillment, in cooperation with other DDA representatives.
• Research and recommend alternative sources and forms of revenue (i.e. grants) for the Market.
• Coordinate "Friends of the Market" volunteers for weekly and special activity needs. Be onsite coordinator with said volunteers.
• Track and collect, with volunteer assistance, customer metrics via surveys,…