Apply below to be a vendor at the 2026
Holiday Makers Market:

TWO-DAY EVENT

Saturday, Dec. 5th | 3pm-9pm and Sunday, December 6th | 10am - 2pm
Jefferson Street Inn, Downtown Wausau

Applications close October 23rd, 2026

Thank you for your interest in the Wausau River District’s Holiday Makers Market event. We are now accepting applications for makers! As this is an indoor event, we will not be accepting mobile food trucks. The event will be curated by a committee of WRD staff and downtown stakeholders. All applications will be judged on the following criteria: Quality of product; originality of product; creativity of branding and booth design/setup; and relevancy to Market audience.

Please note: This is a pop-up event with a layout designed to fit the unique venue. Booth sizes will not be the typical 10’ x 10’ size, but will vary as needed to fill the space. Please keep this in mind when applying to vend - we understand that smaller booth sizes may not work for every vendor but that is for applicants to decide.

ALL VENDORS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE ON BOTH DAYS. The event space will be secured overnight.

The fine print.

  • 1. Selection Process: All events are produced by Wausau River District (WRD), and will play a role in selecting all vendors participating in events. Vendors will be selected based on the aforementioned criteria. Our goal is to have a variety of goods offered to the public at the event, however we do not guarantee exclusivity of product.

    2. Interpretation and Enforcement of Rules: Each vendor shall comply with the following rules and regulations, in addition to complying with any and all statutes of the State of Wisconsin, Marathon County and the City of Wausau pertinent to maintenance, health and fire safety. WRD shall have the right to interpret the following rules and regulations:

    3. Conduct: WRD hosts family-oriented events. You are responsible for controlling your employees, and all vendors must conduct themselves in a courteous and polite manner. Any violation of these rules and regulations shall result in a single warning and then forfeiture of all rights of participation in the event and future events.

    4. Liability Indemnity: Vendor covenants that it will protect, defend, hold harmless and indemnify WRD, their directors, officers, agents, employees and volunteers from and against all expenses, claims, actions, liabilities, attorney’s fees, damages, and losses of any kind whatsoever, actually or allegedly, resulting from or connected with the participation as a vendor in the event. WRD shall not be liable for any loss or damage to any merchandise or personal property in or about the vendor’s booth, regardless of the cause of such loss or damage. An insurance rider must be provided. See application for specific information.

    5. Booth Setup/Removal: Vendor will be permitted to setup on the following dates, concurrent with the following event: 2026 Wausau River District Holiday Makers Market.

    6. Cleanup: Vendor is responsible for removing all items (booth infrastructure, inventory, signage, etc) at the end of the event. Failure to do so will result in negative light the following year.

    7. Merchandise: At no time shall vendor display for sale or otherwise materials, which in the sole judgement of the WRD shall be deemed obscene, dangerous or unlawful. Additionally, no vendor shall be permitted to sell raffle tickets or apparel/merchandise items with WRD or Holiday Makers Market branding.

    8. Cancellation: Vendor shall notify WRD in writing of intent to cancel this contract no later than one week prior to event. No refunds allowed.

    9. Access to the Grounds: Access to the grounds will be as follows, per event: Access to event grounds starts 2 hours prior to event start time, vendor MUST park more than 2 blocks from event (after setting up) to ensure enough parking options for attendees.

    10. Electricity: Vendors are not guaranteed access to electricity. If electricity is needed, vendor must schedule a one-on-one conversation with event organizers to explain needs.

    11. Access of Location During Event: During the event hours, you will not be allowed to operate a motor vehicle to and from your vending location. Please have your supplies there. This rule must be enforced for the safety of all guests.

    12. Health Department Inspection: Vendor may be subject to an inspection by the Marathon County Health Department. If you have any questions regarding the Health Department requirements or licenses, please contact at 715-261-1919. This is your responsibility.

    13. Event Schedule: Inventory shall be available for the duration of event hours.

    14. Exclusivity: WRD is unable to guarantee any exclusivity or restrictions on the number of vendors or the type of products sold unless negotiated in advance. You will be assigned a space based upon the judgment or our staff. No locations are guaranteed. We will do our best to provide you with a convenient and suitable space for the sale of your products.

    15. Security: It is the vendor’s responsibility for the protection and safeguarding of valuables and release WRD for any losses.

  • 1. Applications without links to social media, website or portfolio will not be considered.

    2. The Health Department requires food truck vendors to have HOT WATER available. You may need to use an appliance to keep it heated.

    3. We encourage vendors to bring battery-powered lights for the later Market hours. Please consider if a reliance on natural light/vendor-supplied lighting will be an issue before applying.

  • 1. Wausau River District cannot control the weather - although we really wish we could! Vendors will be notified as soon as possible in case of a cancellation; booth fee refunds will not be given.

  • 1. Refunds will not be given to vendors who cancel or fail to show up to an event, or for events cancelled due to weather.