Application and Vendor Info

Applications & Forms

By completing and submitting an application, you agree to abide by the Festival Rules, Guidelines, and Application Instructions outlined below.

ALL Food Vendors are required to fill out and submit this Temporary Food Establishment Vendor Application:

Festival Rules, Guidelines, and Application Instructions

1. Exhibitor Fees

• Artists & Craftspeople: $100  (Local Mitchell County or Previous Year Vendors $80)     

• Commercial Vendors (Products/Services): $100 (Local Mitchell County Commercial Vendors $75) 

• Food Vendors: $125 (Local Mitchell County or Previous Year Food Vendors $100)

• Snack Vendors: $75 

• Non-Profits: $25

2. We give preference to art & craft that is original and created solely by the displaying individual.
   
   

3. Exhibitors must check in (with proper ID) at registration table by the pavilion before setting up.
   
   

4. All exhibit spaces will be assigned. Exhibitors will be directed to their booth space on check-in.
   
   

5. Exhibitors must staff booth at all times during festival hours. Booth sitters will be provided for short breaks as needed.
   
   

6. Exhibit spaces accommodate 10'x10' tents ONLY. There are limited numbers of electric outlets. Please indicate any electricity requirement in the "Special Needs: field of the application.
   
   

7. Every effort will be made to accommodate special requests for exhibit space assignments, but this cannot be guaranteed. Preference will be given to handicapped exhibitors and those with special needs (please indicate any requirement in the "Special Needs" field of the application.
   
   

8. Vendor vehicles will not be permitted to remain parked on the football field during the event. All vendor vehicles must be moved to the designated parking area by 10:30 AM on Friday, June 20. Clear signage and volunteers will assist with directions.

9. Please note that access to electricity will not be as simple as in years past due to the new location. Be sure to bring extra extension cords to help ensure you can reach available outlets. If you did not indicate a need for electricity on your vendor application, your booth will most likely not have access to power.
   
   

10. Each Exhibitors is responsible for collecting and remitting NC sales tax of 7.75% AND, as per NC Gen. Stat. § 66-255, each exhibitor MUST display this document prominently in their tent.**
    
    

11. An accepted application is a commitment to show, and no refunds will be made for cancellation. Exhibitors who do not show will not be re-invited.
    
    

12. No animals will be permitted in the immediate festival area. We love our furry friends, but health & safety regulations do not allow for their presences at the festival. Thanks for understanding!
    
    

13. Exhibitors must provide their own means of display, and each exhibitor shall be responsible for his/her/ own display in case of damage or loss.
    
    

14. Exhibits may be set up on Thursday afternoon between 5 pm and 7 pm (no earlier, or later) or on Friday between 8 am and 10 am. All exhibits must be completely set up by 10 am Friday, and must remain in place until the show ends at 5 pm. No tear-down before closing time - this is unfair to your fellow exhibitors.
    
    

15. The event space has very limited shade, so vendors are encouraged to bring their own pop-up tents to stay cool and protected from the sun.

16. Evening security will be provided on-site Friday night for vendors who choose to leave their booths set up overnight.

17. Due to limited space and event layout, food truck vendors will not be able to move their units off the property on Friday night. Please plan accordingly.

18. Saturday Evening Departure Notice: The festival is taking place at the same location as the NC Rhododendron Festival Pageant, which begins shortly after the vendor event. To avoid being blocked in by pageant traffic, all vendors must be off the field by 5:30 PM on Saturday. After this time, vehicle access may be restricted until approximately 11:00 PM.

This year, the vendor event coordinators are also coordinating the pageant. We kindly ask that you direct any questions prior to June 16, as festival prep will be in full swing the week of the event, and emails may not be answered as promptly during that time. We truly appreciate your cooperation and flexibility as we adapt to changes this year. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions before June 16. We look forward to a fantastic weekend and thank you again for being part of the NC Rhododendron Festival!

**Please note that as per N.C. Gen. Stat. § 66-255, everyone who sells tangible property at a festival is required to collect and remit NC state & county sales tax, and to have and display their Sales & Use Tax Certificate of Registration at their booth. Failure to comply with this statute is a Class 1 Misdemeanor offence and the individual can be charged as such. If you don’t have a number, registration is free and can be completed online at www.dornc.com/press/2012/nofee.html.