Inclement Weather Policy
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​All markets operated by Salem Community Markets are open rain or shine. However, if the wind gusts become too strong or there is threat of lightening, it becomes a safety issue, we will close early if it is unsafe.

Since markets are held in open-air venues, SSM reserves the right to close a market (with or without prior notice) if it is determined that severe weather conditions could compromise the safety of vendors, market staff and market guests.

Please note the following:

  • If an "Extreme Weather Warning" is issued from NOAA (National Weather Service), the market closure time will be more closely evaluated for safety of market staff, vendors and guests.
  • Notice of market cancellations will be issued as far in advance as possible and will be delivered to vendors by email and to the public through social media and press releases.
  • If a decision is not made in advance and it is determined the "day of" due to unexpected extreme weather, participating vendors will be notified in person as to early closure.
  • If the market remains open past noon, there will be no booth fee discount/refund.

Adopted 8/10/15

Pets at the Market
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Well-behaved pets are welcome at the Salem Saturday Market as well as the Thursday Farmers’ Market. All markets remain open to service animals. 

We ask that pet owners be courteous and comply with the following guidelines and ODA health regulations to make the pet's visit to the market a good experience:
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  • ​Dogs must be kept on a short leash.
  • Dogs other or pets must be on a leash, under control of the owner and accompanied by the owner at all times while at the market.
  • Dogs must be friendly with other dogs and children to earn the right to be at the market.
  • Owners must clean up after their dog! Bags are available at the Information Booth if needed.
  • Owners must be considerate—not everyone loves dogs and some customers are allergic to animals.
Market management reserves the right to ask that owners remove pets from the market.

Oregon Department of Agriculture health regulation state that animals are not allowed inside booths selling or sampling any kind of food items, including vegetables, plants and produce.

Sustainability Policy
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 The COVID pandemic has temporarily put a HOLD on the Sustainability Policy. Upon approval from the local health authority, we will reinact the sustainability policy described below... 

Salem Community Markets recognizes the responsibility of all its members to support environmental sustainability.

Following proposals to ensure both the safety of our land, air and water, and the profitability and long-term sustainability of our vendors and their businesses. Our guests look to local markets to lead the way in environmentally responsible practices.   In addition, implementing these policies has the potential to reduce SCM’s garbage hauling fees, freeing up funds for better purposes.
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The following policies will be implemented in the 2020 market season.
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  • Continue the current reusable silverware system at Saturday Market.
  • Replace plastic “t-shirt” (grocery style) bags with alternatives including paper, bio based bags, and reusable. Salem Community Markets branded reusable bags will be available for sale to customers and available to vendors at cost to sell or give away at their booth.
  • Plastic and Styrofoam to-go containers must be replaced by paper or biodegradable alternatives.
  • Use of compostable alternatives to plastic cups and lids whenever possible (exceptions to this may be offered if no reasonable alternative exists).   This policy also applies to hot beverage vendors with plastic-lined paper cups.
  • Plastic straws and lids must be offered BY REQUEST ONLY, not visibly displayed or given by default.  This applies to all food and beverage vendors (e.g. coffee, iced tea, juice).  No excessive plastic packaging (e.g. “dome-style” beverage lids). Compostable alternatives may be used.
  • All backup/ additional disposable cutlery provided by vendors must be bio based/compostable. 
  • All sample cups/spoons must be bio based/paper/wood.