Matters ▸ Attachment
PE Union Sq Farmers 5-13 — File 23-0257
PUBLIC EVENT/SPECIAL ALCOHOL LICENSE APPLICATION
City of Somerville, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Application #: PEL23-000010
File #: 14-003922
Application for: Public Event
Organization name: Union Square Main Streets
Event name: Union Square Farmers
Market
Description: In its 19th season, this COVID-19 conscious, open air,
weekly market features ~33 vendor booths offering the best locally
grown and regionally produced agricultural items, including:
vegetables, fruits, cheese, eggs, meats, fish, bread, pastries,
and chocolate. We also reserve booth space for community groups
and nonprofits to utilize for outreach and education and feature rotating
guest vendors, and provide live entertainment when pandemic
conditions and space allows.
Location: Union Square Plaza, Union
Square Central parking lot, and cobblestone
area in front of Somerville Media
Center.
Date(s):
05/13/2023,05/20/2023,05/27/2023,06/03/2023,06/10/2023,06/17/2023,
06/24/2023,07/01/2023,07/08/2023,07/15/2023,07/22/2023,
07/29/2023, 08/05/2023,08/12/2023,08/19/2023,
08/26/2023,09/02/2023,09/09/2023,09/16/2023,09/23/2023,
09/30/2023,10/07/2023,10/14/2023,10/21/2023,10/28/2023
Rain date(s): none
Setup starts at (time): 6:45 am
Event starts at (time): 9:00 am
Cleanup after the event ends at (time): 2:00 pm
Event ends at (time): 1:00 pm
Entertainment: When space permits, live music is played by local
musicians and residents. Music primarily serves as ambiance and is at
a volume low enough as not to interfere with businesses or
vendor/customer interaction.
Temporary Structures: Vendors typically
utilize 10' x 10' pop up tents
Attendees:
Max attendance at one time: 300 people
Total people attending: 3,000 per market
Maximum attendees accommodated: 6,000 per market
Total Somerville residents attending: 55% of
attendees
Attendee fees or suggested donations: The Union Square Farmers
Market is free to attend.
What is your budget for this
event: $2,000/day
Social or cultural benefits:
The Union Square Farmers Market is integral to the Union Square
community. It serves as a catalyst for vibrancy, community, and
economic activity in Union Square. The Market provides visitors and
city residents with top-quality, fresh, and local produce at fair prices,
encourages healthy eating and active lifestyle values, educates
consumers about farming and locally sourced foods, and provides
customers with opportunities to interact directly with farmers. The
Market also provides information and education about community
issues, promotes local activities and businesses, and provides
opportunities for the community to gather and visit. The Market
additionally provides a crucial resource of healthy and nutrient-dense
foods.
Financial benefits:
The Union Square Farmers Market has a
positive economic impact of $2M each
season for neighborhood businesses.
Event Contact: Lizzie McCarty
Event Contact Phone: [phone removed]
Event Information
Yes/No
If yes, Describe
Open to the public?
Yes
We utilize the Union Square Main Streets website,
listings on area calendars, as well as the Union Square
Farmers Market social media accounts (Facebook
@unionsquaremarkets and Instagram @unionsqmarket)
to publicize the event. We also publish a weekly e-
newsletter to nearly 3,000 subscribers, and work with a
local artist to create posters for each season.
Food served?
Yes
Fresh produce, meat, seafood, cheese, specialty foods
(jam, juice, bread, etc.) and ready-to-eat meals. Farmers
Market permits will be obtained for all processed foods.
Caterer used?
No
Alcohol served?
Yes
Grill/open-flame device used?
No
Streets blocked?
No
Sidewalks blocked?
No
Arrangements:
Police Detail:
No
Parking (for Attendees)?
Yes
Metered spaces surrounding the Plaza area and
residential side streets
Restrooms?
Yes
For vendors, we will have restrooms with hand-washing
at 66-70 Union Square.
Liability Insurance?
Yes
Union Square Main Streets will obtain liability insurance.
Will any public parks be used?
No
Has the event occurred in the last two years?
Yes
Each summer season since 2005.
Approval Conditions:
Approved By:
CS Mayor, Approved
Albert Bargoot, Approved
Maureen Lee, Approved
Kevin Roche, Approved
Timothy Bakey, Approved
CS Traffic and Parking, Approved
Timothy Mitsakis, Approved
Eric Weisman, Approved
Kimberly M. Wells, Approved