NC Fossil Festival

Food Vendor Space

 

Food Vendor spaces are designated for those who will be preparing food on-site and selling to patrons/festival-goers

 

This is an electronic agreement. By selecting the booths, you electronically validate and approve this agreement.

Fossil/Mineral Vendor Booth Space

 

Space for Fossil/Mineral Vendors.

Arts & Crafts Vendor Booth Space 

 

Categories: Artists may apply for up to three categories, BUT you MUST submit a separate application for each category.

If you sell jewelry, you may apply in a category other than Jewelry if the jewelry is less than 10% of your items for sale. Otherwise, you must apply to Jewelry.

All work displayed in your booth must be for sale.

 

Clay: Original clay and porcelain work, functional or sculptural.

 

Fiber: Includes wearable and non-wearable. No machine-tooled, machine-screen printing, or other forms of mass production are accepted.

 

Glass: Functional and sculptural work is accepted. Kiln forming, blowing, molding, casting, and all cold working processes are permitted.

 

Jewelry: Only those artists accepted in the jewelry category may display or sell jewelry. Items made from commercial parts are not permitted.

 

Metal: Sculptural or decorative work made from metal. No jewelry will be accepted in this category.

 

Mixed Media: Work that combines materials from two or more media in one piece.

 

Musical Instruments: Handmade instruments only.

 

Natural Materials: This includes basket weaving, chair caning, brooms, gourds, and other works made from materials found in nature.

 

Photography: Includes traditional film photography, hand-colored images, emulsion transfers, and digital photography. Only the artist’s original source material is acceptable.

 

Printmaking: Only hand-pulled original prints are allowed. Prints must be in limited editions, signed, and numbered.

 

Sculpture: Three-dimensional work using additive or subtractive processes in a single medium.

 

Two-Dimensional: Drawing, painting, and digital works. Reproduction prints are not allowed.

 

Wood: Original works hand-tooled, machine-worked, turned, or carved.

Merchandise Vendor Booth Space

 

Spaces available for Merchandise Vendors. This category is limited to ONE vendor representing a particular re-sale business, commonly referred to as "network marketing".

Non-Profit (non-food) Booth Space

 

These spaces are reserved for non-profit organizations that fundraise (such as selling raffle tickets) to support their cause or give away informational items to raise awareness about their community services. No food will be sold at these booths.

 

Commercial Info Only Booth Space

 

Informational Vendor spaces are designated for those who would like to share information about their business, services, and products. No at-event selling to patrons/festival-goers occurs at these booths.

Every journey begins with setting up, and our festival is no different. We will need help to prepare for the 2026 North Carolina Fossil Festival's grand adventure! Set Up Volunteers will help with the following: -- Arrange tables, chairs, and tents in their respective places -- Placing signage and hanging banners -- Assist with other tasks that will prepare the festival for the rest of the weekend Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

Are you a people person? Do you have an outgoing personality? Are you good at answering questions and providing information? Then help out as one of our Info Station Crew! Info Station Volunteers Should: -- Welcome people entering the festival -- Encourage donations to the Aurora Fossil Museum -- Ask festival attendees to complete a survey -- Market and sell NC Fossil Festival merchandise -- Assist festival attendees with the event map and schedule of events/activities We will have two(2) Information Booth locations: -- Corner of Pearl & Third Streets (Alpha-Main Entrance) --Next to the Aurora Fossil Museum Learning Center (Bravo-Fourth Street) Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

Beer Tent Crew will have the following tasks: -- MUST BE 21 TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE BREW ZONE -- Check ID/Sell Beer Tickets -- Monitor the beer tent and area and remedy any issues -- Pick up trash around the Beer Tent Area -- Other tasks as needed Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

Are you a people person? Do you have an outgoing personality? Are you good at answering questions and handling boxes of shovels? Then help out in the Gift Shop! Gift Shop Volunteers Should: -- Welcome people entering the Main Building of the Aurora Fossil Museum and Outdoor Gift Shop -- Assist Museum Staff with handling Gift Shop items -- Market and sell NC Fossil Festival merchandise -- Encourage donations to the Aurora Fossil Museum -- Assist festival attendees with general festival & museum questions. We will have two Gift Shop locations: -- 400 Main Street (Inside the Main Museum Building) -- Fossil Park Picnic Shelter Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

Kid Zone Crew will help with the following: monitor, lead, and assist with youth activities. Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

While parking isn't the most fun position to volunteer for, it is one of the most valuable places we can use your help! Parking Volunteers will help with the following: -- Guide cars to parking spots within designated festival parking areas -- Ensure public safety in and near parking lots -- Greet people and direct them to the festival entrance. There are three festival parking zones -- General Parking -- Volunteer/Vendor Parking -- Handicap Parking Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

Are you a people person? Do you have an outgoing personality? Are you good at answering questions and providing information? Then join our Paleo Crew! Paleo Zone Volunteers Should: -- Work outdoors to greet festival attendees and direct them to the Paleo Zone -- Assist displayers with unloading, setup, take-down, and loading of their exhibits -- Relieve displayers for lunch and short breaks -- Monitor building and restrooms to ensure cleanliness and orderliness -- Assist with fossil identification -- Assist festival attendees with the event map and schedule of events/activities Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

Ssshhh! It's time for the Silent Auction, and we need your help! The Silent Auction Crew will help with the following: -- Set up, monitor, and provide information about the auction items -- Provide directions on how the silent auction works -- Assist with silent auction sign-up -- Assist with post-auction processing and clean-up Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

Are you a people person? Do you have an outgoing personality? Are you good at answering questions and providing information? Then help out as one of our STEAM Crew Volunteers! STEAM Crew Volunteers Should: -- Assist our STEAM partners with setup and take-down -- Monitor the STEAM Zone and assist with keeping it clean and orderly -- Cover STEAM partners for lunch and brief breaks -- Assist with promoting and directing festival attendees to the STEAM Zone -- Assist festival attendees with the event map and schedule of events/activities -- Sunday only: Lead and assist with STEM-based activities Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

SUNDAY ONLY: Even if you don't run in the 5k, consider being part of the Fossil 5k Crew to rev your day! Fossil 5k Volunteers will help with the following: -- Pack Leader and Turtle -- Set up guides to ensure runners stay on the path -- Filling water stations so no one gets dehydrated -- Cheering runners on at the finish line -- Cleaning up any trash after the run is over Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

Do you enjoy helping to keep the Earth clean and healthy? Want to help keep the festival area clean? Then consider volunteering for our Tidy Crew!! Tidy Crew Volunteers will help with the following: -- Monitor and pick up trash in and around the festival footprint -- Monitor and empty trash cans as they become full -- Assist the other volunteer teams with keeping the NCFF orderly and clean Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

YOU MUST BE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 13 AND 18 TO APPLY FOR THE TEEN CREW. PROOF OF AGE WILL BE VERIFIED. Are you a Teenager looking to make a positive impact? Do you like science? Then volunteer to join our Teen Crew! Teen Crew responsibilities will include: --Exhibit docent in the Main Museum --Exhibit docents in the Learning Center --Fossil Pit Monitors --Assist and lead Sunday activities in the STEAM Zone, including attending the LOGIC Teen Science Cafe. Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival TEEN Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival TEEN Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival TEEN Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

On Monday morning, the Aurora Fossil Museum will host a Veterans & First Responders Appreciation Breakfast for community members who have served and continue to serve our country and the Aurora Community. Veterans' & First Responders’ Crew will help with the following: -- Sunday afternoon preparation, including pre-breakfast setup and decorating of the Aurora Community Center for the Monday morning breakfast. -- Monday morning preparations and assistance with breakfast. -- Clean up and ensure all tables, chairs, decorations, and other related items are taken down. Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

A festival doesn't end until all evidence is gone! So, help us conclude the festival by helping out on the Post-Festival Crew! Post-Festival Crew will help with the following: -- Remove tables, tents, and chairs -- Organizing and preparing equipment for storage -- Pick up remaining trash -- Assist with other tasks to ensure the museum and town grounds are clean and orderly Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

Media Opportunities -- Logo included in all printed media (pending agreements with media partners) -- Logo included on NC Fossil Festival and Aurora Fossil Museum websites -- Sponsor name included in all press releases -- Opportunity for company CEO to be interviewed or quoted in press releases -- Inclusion in social media activities, promotions, and marketing (2025 Social Media Reach 90 days before event: over 1,000,0000) Pre-event Opportunities --Prominent location on print and digital media -- Largest logo, with top logo location on all printed materials and collateral – including save-the-date cards, event flyers, and rack cards. 3,500 rack cards and 2,000 save-the-date postcards distributed throughout North Carolina to travel & tourism outlets, area businesses, chambers of commerce, and sponsor locations -- Permanent (non-rotating) and prominent placement of linked logo on NC Fossil Festival and Aurora Fossil Museum websites (over 250,000 web sessions in 2024) -- Logo included in all NC Fossil Festival email communications to museum e-newsletter subscribers (over 5,800 addresses) Event Opportunities -- Exclusive opportunity for inclusion of corporate banner on Main Stage -- Opportunity to host a booth at the event -- Opportunity for CEO or company executive to address event participants -- Media interview opportunity for CEO or company executive -- Sponsor name recognition from the Main Stage -- Inclusion of company logo on signage throughout the NCFF Footprint -- Largest logo on Main Stage banner

Media Opportunities --Logo/sponsor name included in all press releases --Sponsor included in social media activities promoting the NC Fossil Festival (2025 reach: over 1,00,000) Pre-event Opportunities -- Large logo on all printed materials and collateral – including save-the-date cards, event flyers, and rack cards -- Linked logo in constant rotation on the NC Fossil Festival and Aurora Fossil Museum websites (over 250,000 web sessions in 2024) -- Logo included in all NC Fossil Festival email communications to museum digital newsletter subscribers (over 5,800 addresses) Event Opportunities -- Opportunity to host a booth at the event -- Sponsor name recognition from the Main Stage -- Opportunity to include company logo on signage at two of the areas listed: Info Zone, Volunteer Zone, VIP Zone, STEAM Zone, Paleo Zone, Dino Zone, Kid Zone, Brew Zone, Mining & Engineering Zone, Fossil Dig Zone -- Large logo on Main Stage banner

Media Opportunities --Logo/sponsor name included in all press releases Pre-event Opportunities -- Logo on all printed materials and collateral – including save-the-date cards, event flyers, and rack cards -- Linked logo in constant rotation on the NC Fossil Festival and Aurora Fossil Museum websites (over 250,000 web sessions in 2024) -- Logo included in all NC Fossil Festival communications to museum digital newsletter subscribers (over 5,800 addresses) Event Opportunities -- Opportunity to host a booth at the event -- Sponsor name recognition from the Main Stage -- Opportunity to include company logo on signage at one of the areas listed: Info Zone, Volunteer Zone, VIP Zone, STEAM Zone. Paleo Zone, Dino Zone, Kid Zone, Brew Zone, Mining & Engineering Zone, Fossil Dig Zone -- Logo on Main Stage banner

Media Opportunities --Sponsor name included in four press releases Pre-event Opportunities --Logo in constant rotation in sponsor box on NC Fossil Festival and Aurora Fossil Museum websites (over 250,000 web sessions in 2024) --Logo included in two NC Fossil Festival email communications to museum e-newsletter subscribers (over 5,800 addresses) Event Opportunities --Opportunity to host a booth during the event --Sponsor name recognition from Main Stage --Medium logo on Main Stage banner

Pre-event Opportunities --Logo in constant rotation in sponsor box on NC Fossil Festival and Aurora Fossil Museum websites (over 250,000 web sessions in 2024) Event Opportunities --Opportunity to host a booth during the event --Sponsor name recognition from Main Stage --Small logo on Main Stage banner

Social media, print, radio, festival “shout-outs”, and website (ncfossilfest.com) acknowledgements

--Social media, print, radio, festival “shout-outs”, --Website (ncfossilfest.com) acknowledgments

Social media and website (ncfossilfest.com) acknowledgements

Website (ncfossilfest.com) acknowledgement

Show your support by becoming a North Carolina Fossil Festival Friend! Open to individuals who would like to invest $100 (plus processing fee of approx. $8) to help make the 2026 NC Fossil Fest a success. Meeting our goal of $10,000 will greatly help offset the costs incurred to put on the largest STEM-focused event in North Carolina and the largest fossil festival in the United States. Friends will be recognized before, during, and after the NC Fossil Festival through signage, social media, and on the NCFF website. Limited number available! Invest soon for a low number!

The Aurora Fossil Museum invites you to share your fossil collection in the very popular PALEO Zone component of the North Carolina Fossil Festival.

 

This key educational component of the festival offers a platform for fossil collectors and paleontologists to engage with the public and educate them about North Carolina's unique and vast fossil record. No application fee is required, just a willingness to share your knowledge and collection with festival participants.

 

NO SELLING WILL OCCUR IN THE PALEO ZONE. If you would like to sell items, please apply to be a Fossil & Mineral Vendor.

 

Tables, chairs, and lunch will be provided. This year, the PALEO Zone will be located inside and on the grounds of the Aurora Community Center. 

 

PALEO Zone organizations will need to be set up by 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, with take-down to begin at 5:00 p.m. Afterwards, please plan to stay and enjoy the live music and the festival.

The Aurora Fossil Museum invites your non-profit organization to participate in the very popular STEAM Zone component of the North Carolina Fossil Festival.

 

This key educational component of the festival offers nonprofits a platform to introduce their organizations to festival attendees. No application fee is required, just a willingness to share STEAM & History with festival participants!

 

Tables, chairs, refreshments, and lunch will be provided. This year, the Education Exhibitors will be located near the Aurora Fossil Museum's Learning Center, under a large tent.

 

Education organizations will need to be set up by 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, with take-down to begin at 5:00 p.m. Afterwards, please plan to stick around, sit back, relax, and enjoy the live music and the festival.

The Aurora Fossil Museum invites your organization to participate in the growing KID Zone component of the North Carolina Fossil Festival.

 

This key component of the festival provides a space for our younger attendees and their families to participate in hands-on, interactive activities in a safe and confined area. We would be delighted to have your participation as we explore ways to expand this component. No application fee is required, just a willingness to share your time, talents, and resources with festival participants!

 

Tables, chairs, refreshments, and lunch will be provided. This year, the Kid Zone will be in the well-maintained lot at the corner of Main and Third Streets.

 

Organizations will need to be set up by 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, with take-down beginning at 5:00 p.m. Afterwards, please plan to stick around, sit back, relax, and enjoy the live music and the festival.