Do not leave cash unattended. Track the quantities of things you sell so that future festivals can better determine how much to order.
It is important that festival guests be able to easily identify festival hosts. A special color T-shirt is one way to accomplish this. The T-shirt can be printed with a festival design or maybe your show design.
(Not recommended at regionals)
Concessions can be handled by your staff or by some other organization. Let your imagination run. Typical items might include T‑shirts, boxer shorts, hats or mugs printed with the festival logo. Beware of investing in stock. There is no guarantee your goods will sell. A company such as Shirts Happen can print shirts on demand at the festival and share the profits with the host.
The same design used on the host T-shirts can be used on T-shirts for sale to guests but these shirts should be of a different color. T-shirt order forms might be included with the Pre-registration Packet. T-shirt concessions are not required. Get suggestions & information from last year's host. Try to track and summarize your sales for reference by future hosts. There is some question as to the economic feasibility of concessions at a Regional due to the limited number of prospective customers and time.
This can be a big money maker at both State & Regional Festivals. The wider your variety the more takers are likely. Ideas may include snack foods, pastries, fruits, sodas, juices, sandwiches, grill items, pasta, pizza. Remember it is not all kids who want to eat “junk food” and you will serve a number of adults too. A parent or other organization can take this over and make money either for that organization or for you. Get suggestions & information from last year's host. Try to track and summarize your sales for reference by future hosts. Look to wholesale grocers as a resource or for donations. These are the folks who supply the restaurant. Perhaps they have a damaged carton that they can't sell but whose contents are fine. Also contact local bottling companies, grocery stores and fast food restaurants for donations in kind.