City may crack down on event vendors

They blow into town from parts unknown, setting up their tents and booths along the streets of Sisters, looking to make a buck during the town's special events.

Many vendors sublet space from businesses during events. Others set up without permission on city property.

The increasing numbers of transient vendors have become a headache for the City of Sisters, which has to issue licenses and enforce compliance. The transient merchants are also a concern for event organizers like Jean Wells, who stages the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show each July.

In a letter to Sisters business owners, Wells said, "untold numbers of visitors have complained about the vendors obstructing the quilts (hung on buildings), potential damage to the quilts and how they make it difficult to get to the quilts. Most importantly, visitors are mentioning that transient vendors are taking away from the beauty of the day."

In response, the city council may decide to eliminate or restrict transient merchant sales on private property.

In a workshop on Thursday, August 17, the council discussed confining transient merchants to a specific area such as a closed-off Ash Street during events such as the quilt show. Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce Manager Kathy Holroyd said the chamber would be interested in managing a vendor "mall."

The council also discussed limiting the amount of space that merchants may use for merchandising outside their stores.

Councilors noted that store front areas often become so crowded with vendors that it is difficult for pedestrians to maneuver around them.

"That seems to be what's ticking most people off ... the clutter density," said Mayor Steve Wilson.

Author Bio

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.

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