The Woodland Park Farmers Market (TCFMA/WPFM) is a federally tax exempt nonprofit organization under IRC 501c3 and thus prohibited from political activity. We are and have always been apolitical, nonpolitical. Thus we do not provide or sell booth space to any one or group seeking space for a political or religious purpose. This is, in part, because our customers and vendors prefer it. It is in part because doing so could easily balloon into not having spaces always available for our produce and other market vendors.
Under 501c3, we are specifically prohibited from involvement with any candidate or legislation. The prohibition extends to influencing, engaging, supporting, opposing, or taking any position, on any candidate, campaign, issue, legislation, party or platform. All politically motivated activity -- including (in an abundance of caution) voter registration -- is thus prohibited within the Market.
In the past, during the hours that the Market occupies city space, that space was deemed to cease being a public forum temporarily and instead deemed a private space during those hours. This policy from the City has changed. Current City policy, which complies with all laws and comports with what other Colorado towns are doing, is that Memorial Park is public space and thus free speech cannot be prohibited but can be regulated. WPFM thus will continue to decline to provide booth space within the Market for political/religious activities. WPFM cannot prohibit political or religious speech on Park sidewalks, as long as it does not interfere with or intimidate our vendors and our customers.
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