Matters ▸ Attachment
PE Union Sq Farmers Market 5-11 — File 24-0206
PUBLIC EVENT/SPECIAL ALCOHOL LICENSE APPLICATION
City of Somerville, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Application #: PEL24-000008
File #: 14-003922
Application for: Public Event
Organization name: Union Square Main Streets
Event name: Union Square Farmers Market
Description: In its 20th season, this 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 the old
firehouse at 90 Union Square.
Date(s): 5/11/2024, 5/18/2024, 5/25/2024, 6/1/2024,
6/8/2024, 6/15/2024, 6/22/2024, 6/29/2024, 7/6/2024,
7/13/2024, 7/20/2024, 7/27/2024, 8/3/2024, 8/10/2024,
8/17/2024, 8/24/2024, 8/31/2024, 9/7/2024, 9/14/2024,
9/21/2024, 9/28/2024, 10/5/2024, 10/12/2024,
10/19/2024, 10/26/2024
Rain date(s): The Union Square Farmers Market is open
rain or shine, and will only close in case of extreme
wind/unsafe weather conditions.
Setup starts at (time): 6:45am
Event starts at (time): 9:00am
Cleanup after the event ends at (time): 2:00pm
Event ends at (time): 1:00pm
Entertainment: When space permits and insurance
requirements are met, 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: $2000/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
Describe any accessibility features available to
attendees/participants
Entrances to the market area will be at the curb cuts
leading from the Plaza/sidewalk to the parking lot.
Vendors will be placed so that customers can easily
maneuver the market, leaving room for walkways.
Sidewalks will remain clear and open. Our team will work
with the Director of Traffic and Parking to ensure
appropriate HP spots are established.
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
Charles Breen, Approved with Conditions
Keep emergency lane free of obstructions according to event area map to allow passage of fire apparatus if needed
CS Traffic and Parking, Approved
Eric Weisman, Approved
Timothy Miksakis, Approved
Kimberly M. Wells, Approved