Sturbridge Kids Market

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Introducing the
Sturbridge Kids Market

The Sturbridge Recreation Department is excited to introduce the very first Sturbridge Kids Market — a fun, hands-on opportunity for young entrepreneurs to launch their own small businesses!

The Kids Market will take place on Sunday, August 30th from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM on the Sturbridge Town Common during the Sturbridge Farmers Market, giving participating children the opportunity to experience a real market environment while showcasing their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to the community.

The program is open to children entering grades 3–8 this fall.

Participants will have the opportunity to:
  • Create and market their own products
  • Learn basic business and financial skills
  • Interact with customers in a real market environment
  • Build confidence, creativity, and entrepreneurship skills
  • Experience what it’s like to run their own small business
Businesses may include handmade crafts, artwork, jewelry, games, inventions, decorations, and other creative products or services. The goal of the program is to encourage imagination, responsibility, problem solving, and community involvement in a supportive and exciting environment.

Participation is limited to 10 vendors for the first year, and applications will be reviewed to help ensure a diverse and balanced market featuring a variety of products and ideas.
Applications will be accepted through June 18th, with selected participants notified by July 1st.

Whether your child is an artist, inventor, creator, crafter, or future CEO — we can’t wait to see what they bring to the Sturbridge Kids Market!

Create. Learn. Sell. Grow.

Apply Here




Participation Expectations
Student Ownership
Open to Sturbridge Residents. Businesses should be primarily created and operated by the participating child. Parents/guardians may provide guidance and assistance when needed, but the majority of the work and decision making should be completed by the child.
Parents/guardians may assist with tasks involving safety concerns, including the use of tools or equipment that may not be appropriate for children to operate independently.
 
Products & Sales
Allowed Products
Participants may sell handmade items, artwork, crafts, games, inventions, or other creative products/services approved through the application process.
 
Food & Beverage Restriction
No food or beverage sales will be permitted.
 
 
Vendor Space & Setup
Vendor Setup
Each participant gets a 10'x10' spot. Participants are responsible for providing their own:
  • table
  • chairs
  • tent/canopy (strongly recommended)
 
Event Hours
The Sturbridge Kids Market runs from:
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Sunday, August 30th
All vendors must:
  • be fully set up and ready to operate by 9:00 AM
  • remain open until 1:00 PM
Participants who sell out early should plan to display samples, photos, signage, or information about their products/business for the remainder of the event.
 
Weather Policy
Rain or Shine
The event will take place rain or shine except in cases of severe weather or unsafe conditions as determined by Sturbridge Recreation. If the farmers market is operating, the Sturbridge Kids Market is operating.
 
Vendor Fees
Vendor Fee
There is a $15 Vendor fee for applicants who are accepted. This fee helps to provide print resources to each vendor as well as providing for marketing with signage at the event. Accepted participants must submit their vendor fee by:
August 1, 2025
Failure to submit payment by the deadline may result in forfeiture of the vendor space.
 
Financial Summary Requirement
Business Summary
Within 7 days following the event, participants will be asked to submit a simple business summary including:
  • estimated expenses
  • product/material costs
  • equipment costs
  • total sales revenue
This information will be used to help track the impact of the program and celebrate the accomplishments of participating young entrepreneurs.
 
Recognition Opportunity
One participant may be selected for a special featured opportunity at the Sturbridge Winter Market based on overall participation, creativity, effort, and business success.
 

Apply Here



 

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