Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  • What is the Public Market House?
    The Public Market House is a beautiful wood shelter beside the Eno River park and restored creek, on Margaret Lane behind the Orange County Sheriffs Office. (see directions)

    The shelter is owned by the citizens by way of our county government, made possible through federal funds brought to us by Congressman David Price. This place has great potential to add significantly to the long list of why it is wonderful to live in Hillsborough. Not just for a farmers market on Saturday, but as a community gathering place for any number of events throughout the year.
  • What is the Orange County Farmers Market (OCFM)?
    The Orange County Farmers Market is a community group operating a farmers market in downtown Hillsborough on Saturday mornings and Tuesday afternoons. The OCFM is a producer-only market, focused on locally grown or produced foods and goods.

    The OCFM was organized in 2008 by Orange County to operate a farmers market at the brand new Public Market House that would be open to everyone. The OCFM is supported by Orange County, tourism grants from the Town of Hillsborough, and vendor fees. As the OCFM evolves it is expected to be self supporting through vendor fees, plus other grants obtained by the group.

    Our vision for the OCFM is a place that local farmers and artisans can find economic success, where customers can obtain and support local food and goods, where local merchants and restaurants benefit from people visiting our area, and where the greater Orange County community has a gathering place we can point to with pride.
  • When is the OCFM open?
    Saturdays, 8AM until noon, and Tuesday’s 4 until 6 PM until Labor Day.
  • How can one become a vendor at the OCFM?
    Contact our market manager, and complete an application. (see Be a Vendor page)
  • How much are vendor fees?
    The vendor fee is $5 per day to set up at the OCFM, with no other application fee.
    Currently fees are determined by the Board of County Commissioners, however in the future when the OCFM is turned over to a community run board, that board will determine the fees.
  • What is a "producer-only market"?
    OCFM vendors must grow or produce the goods offered for sale at the market. For example, a vendor cannot buy tomatoes from Florida to resell at the OCFM. (see market rules)
  • Are craft vendors accepted?
    Yes. The OCFM is primarily a farmers market focused on farm and garden items and locally produced food and artisan products. However we value the variety and interest that crafts add to the market and our community. By the rules that govern the market, up to 25% of the market can be craft vendors. We are also supportive of the Hillsborough Arts Council, which is developing a crafts market for our community.
  • How many vendors can the OCFM have?
    While the shelter has 24 full sized spaces, we have lots of room to expand beside and beyond the shelter, and can accommodate as many market vendors as are currently set up throughout downtown Hillsborough on Saturday mornings.
  • How can my nonprofit or school set up at the OCFM for a fundraiser or information booth?
    We welcome community groups to participate in the OCFM, such as selling plants as a fundraiser, volunteering with children’s games or facepainting, or setting up information tables.

    Please make arrangements in advance of when you would like to be at the market by contacting our market manager, Robin Mulkey.
  • How can I play music at the OCFM?
    Contact our market manager, Robin Mulkey.
  • Who operates the OCFM?
    Orange County is operating the market until it becomes self-sustaining. The OCFM is managed by a part-time market manager, with oversight by a committee of interested citizens, the Community Oversight Committee. This committee is charged with shepherding the market toward becoming a non-profit organization governed by vendors and citizens, as well as providing guidance to the market manager in the interim.
  • Who is on the Citizen’s Oversight Committee?
    The Citizen’s Oversight Committee is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, and charged with transitioning the market to a community governed non-profit organization, and providing guidance to the market manager in the interim.
    Appointees are:
    Mayor Tom Stevens
    Holly Reid
    Barbara Marotto
    Commissioner Eric Hallman
    Joe Clayton (resigned for business reasons)
  • How can I volunteer or get involved?
    Contact our market manager, Robin Mulkey (contact info in the sidebar on the right), or any of the Community Oversight Committee members.
  • Can other groups use the Public Market House shelter?
    Use of the Public Market House is by permission of Orange County officials. Currently only the OCFM is permitted to use the facility while construction continues on the adjacent jucidial building. After the judicial building construction is complete, the Public Market House will be available for any number of community activities, including special events, crafts markets, and concerts.
  • Can you bring dogs to the farmers market?
    Orange County has prohibited dogs under the shelter, in much the same way they would not be allowed in other public facilities where food is offered and people may be crowded together. There is lots of open park area for walking animals, and numerous places to comfortably tether you dog outside of the shelter while you shop and visit at the market.
  • Why are there two markets downtown? Can’t they get together?
    Based on the great success of the farmers market in downtown, the Public Market House is where our community requested a farmers market shelter and invested resources to create a beautiful community facility.

    At the time the Public Market House became available, the original farmers market in downtown Hillsborough had split into two groups, with both separately seeking to use the Public Market House. Since both groups have much to offer the community, the OCFM was created as a neutral third party to allow both groups to have access to the Public Market House.

    One of the competing groups created a new farmers market in Chapel Hill, while members of the other group choose to remain at the SunTrust lot downtown. We fully respect the rights of others to operate independently if they choose. However we also believe that all of us working together under one roof will create a more vibrant and exciting farmers market that benefits vendors, customers, and community alike. An open invitation remains for all who want to be part of a farmers market in Hillborough at at the Public Market House. (see the     mayor’s op-ed from the News of Orange)

    The vendors at the OCFM are local farmers and artisans. Some are or have been associated with other markets, others are new on the scene. All are committed to coming together and working toward a vibrant community-supported and comunity-operated farmers market at the Public Market House. We invite everyone in the community to be a part of it.
  • What are the future plans for the OCFM?
    The OCFM is planning special events throughout the summer and fall. We are also arranging food demonstrations with local chefs, and more family oriented activities.

    Be sure and sign up for our e-newsletter, to stay informed of upcoming events.
  • When will the construction be finished on the Justice Facility?
    Construction is expected to be completed at the end of 2008 or early 2009.
  • Other Questions?
    If you have other questions, please contact the market manager, Robin Mulkey, or any member of the Community Oversight Committee.

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