Food vendor applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis based on event needs. Completion of this application does not guarantee acceptance into the event. The City reserves the right to select the categories/type of vendor to participate to minimize duplication and will determine needs based on anticipated attendance, duration of event and previous demand. Priority will be given to those that apply first. Approval of vendor application does not guarantee exclusivity of a particular item to be sold or showcased at the event. Vendors deemed inappropriate for the event will be declined. You will be contacted by one of our Parks & Recreation staff members within 72-business hours after receiving your application. If you have any questions about the application process, please call 941-429-PARK (7275), option 3.
**No more applications are being accepted at this time**
Event Rules & Regulations
LOCATION: The festival will be held at City Center Green/City Hall Campus located at 4970 City Hall Blvd.
CHECK IN & PARKING: Food vendor check in will be located on Kramer Way beginning at noon. At that time, you will receive your vendor space assignment. Setup begins no sooner than noon and must be completed by 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. All other vehicles must be removed from the festival area by 2 p.m.
Merchandise and Non-profit Vendors check in will be located on Kramer Way beginning at 1 p.m. and must be completed by 2:30 p.m. Reserved vendor parking will be marked on site. Sumter Blvd. will close at 2:30 p.m., access to and from the vendor location will be closed at 2:30 p.m.
EVENT HOURS: The event will operate from 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. All booths are required to remain intact during that time. You will only be allowed to shut down your booth during event hours in the event of an emergency. However, vendors WILL NOT be permitted to bring their vehicles into the vendor area until after the crowds have exited the area and the “all clear” announcement has been given by the City. Failure to adhere to event hours may result in exclusion for future City of North Port events.
VENDOR SPACES: All Vendors are responsible for their own set up and equipment and must adhere to specified load-in and load-out requirements. Food Vendor: spaces are 10'x10' each and are uncovered; please bring your own tents, tables, chairs, canopies, generators, extension cords, etc. Festival/Merchandise/Gov. & Non-Profit Vendors: Vendor Spaces are 10'x10' and will be located outside surrounding the City Center Green. If serving from a trailer/truck, you MUST list the exact length below, including the hitch, so that staff can accurately lay out the event. Vehicles must be branded to remain inside the event grounds. NOTE: Extension cords and other potential tripping hazards must be properly secured to the ground and covered; generators must be secured from public access. No electric is available.
FOOD VENDORS: Food vendors will be permitted to sell the menu on their registration form and serve drink products (excluding alcoholic beverages) as approved by City. Vendor application does not guarantee exclusivity of a particular food item or merchandise. Vendors must comply with safety standards set by the City of North Port. NOTE: Food vendors are requested to place non-flammable protection under their cooking element(s). All food vendors must comply with the Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR) requirements outlined in the DBPR's Guide to Temporary Food Service Events. We encourage all food vendors to contact the DBPR with any questions or concerns by calling 850-487-1395. Vendor's license must be present on site for review during inspection by the Fire Marshal and DBPR. Food vendors will be inspected by DBPR the day of the event. The City of North Port is not liable or responsible for the failure of vendor compliance with these requirements.
TENTS: Vendor-owned tents or canopies must conform to the booth space. Construction of the booth and displays must be able to withstand inclement weather and crowd activity. Tents and canopies must be manufactured of flame-retardant material. Each leg must be weighed down in some form or another. Leg weights are essential due to the location of this event. It is strongly recommended that all tents be 10' x 10' or smaller. Tents larger than 10' x 10' will require a permit, please contact NDS at (941) 429-7023 for permit information.
SIGNAGE/MENU: Materials must be legible.
FIRE & LIFE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: All vendors must comply with safety standards as established by the City of North Port (see website).
VENDOR ETIQUETTE: Displays must remain in their assigned spaces. Loud yelling from the booth area and solicitation of sales or distribution of information outside of the booth area is not permitted. Vendors must arrange their booths so as to not interfere or obstruct view of other booths. Please place any trash/debris in your vendor area in the trash containers provided or secure in plastic bags.
ALCOHOL/SMOKING: Alcohol use, smoking and vaping are prohibited in the vendor area.
INCLEMENT WEATHER: In case of rain before set-up begins, please call (941) 841-4410, ext. 30, for an update. In the event of inclement weather during set up, you may take refuge in your car (vendors and volunteers only). If inclement weather is observed or predicted in the area during the event, officials may ask you to vacate the event area for safety purposes. Please go to your car as soon as possible -- DO NOT DELAY. Announcements will be made when it is all clear to come back to the event area and the event will resume.
SAFETY: Safety is important to all participants. All vendors spaces will be inspected by the Fire Marshal for compliance - please note that the City of North Port is not responsible or liable for the failure of vendor compliance with these requirements and fees will not be refunded if a vendor fails inspection.
CANCELLATIONS/NO SHOWS: Fees paid by approved vendors are non-refundable and non-transferable. NON-COMPLIANCE WITH RULES & REGULATIONS AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS MAY RESULT IN REMOVAL FROM THE EVENT.
QUESTIONS: For more information or if you have any questions, contact North Port Parks & Recreation Department at 941-429-PARK (7275) or email Parks@NorthPortFL.gov.