Setting up a market booth in Arizona heat and wind
Summer heat, monsoon storms and gusty mornings: how to keep yourself, your tent and what you sell safe.
Updated
Know your market's summer plan
- Hours often move earlier. Uptown Farmers Market in Phoenix, for example, runs 7 to 11 AM on Saturdays from May through September, instead of 8 AM to 1 PM.
- Some markets go indoors or take a break. Uptown moves part of its market indoors in summer and closes its Wednesday market. Check each market's page before you plan your season.
Hold your tent down
- Weights on every leg. Most outdoor markets require them. Uptown asks for four weights of at least 20 pounds each, attached to the tent.
- Watch the sky in monsoon season. Arizona's monsoon runs June 15 to September 30, with dust storms, lightning and flash floods. When a storm builds, take the canopy down and get to shelter.
- Pack light things low. Signs, paper bags and price cards blow away first. Clip or weigh them down.
Protect what you sell
- Know what melts or warps. Chocolate, candles and some soaps can soften in direct sun. Keep extra stock in a cooler or the shade, and bring out a few at a time.
- Food that must stay cold or hot. Maricopa County's rule for event food vendors: keep cold food at 41°F or below and hot food at 135°F or above, the whole time.
- Keep your phone and card reader out of the sun. Electronics can overheat and shut off. Shade and a spare battery help.
What to look out for: heat illness
Heat exhaustion can look like heavy sweating, a fast heartbeat, weakness, dizziness or nausea. Rest somewhere cool and drink water.
Heat stroke is an emergency. Signs include a high body temperature, confusion, loss of coordination and a throbbing headache. Call 911, move the person to shade, and cool them with water. Don't give them anything to drink.
Bring more water than you think, a hat and a chair in the shade, and take turns stepping away if someone can cover your booth.
Check market days before you load up
See hours and dates for markets near you, including summer changes.
See marketsSources
- Arizona State Parks: monsoon safety
- City of Phoenix: heat tips
- Maricopa County: special events food vendor guidelines
- Uptown Farmers Market: rules and vendor information
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change, so check with the office above for your situation.