Uncle Carl's BBQ Showdown

Thank you for your interest in being a vendor at the Uncle Carl's BBQ Showdown Festival! The Dogwood Fall Festival will take place March 27-28, 2026. This is the application for FOOD VENDORS. If you are not an FOOD VENDOR, please return to the event application page to complete the correct vendor application. Failure to complete the correct vendor application may result in an denial.   FOOD VENDORS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTACTING THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH TO COMPLETE AN EVENT APPLICATION.  

Booth fees will not be charged until approval into the festival. The same payment type will be used at the time booth fees are charged. Invalid payment methods may risk loss of space. Vendor supplies their own tent, table, and chairs. Overnight security WILL be provided. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY FEBRUARY 27, AT 11:59 PM -- APPLICATIONS PAST THIS DATE/TIME WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
 
APPLICATION DECISIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY OCTOBER 1ST.
 
Please note the following information: 

- Vendors will be notified via Eventeny/email of the decision.

- Staff cannot disclose the decision of your application. All decisions are made by the Vendor Committee.

- Additional information will not be supplied prior to the receipt of an approval email. 

- Upon approval, accepted vendors will be charged per the same payment type as paid during the application fee process. Expect a payment to process at the moment approval comes through. 

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR FOOD VENDORS: 

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

- Food Vendors should be prepared to serve a high volume of people. 

- Soft drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages may be sold by food vendors.

- Food Vendors must abide by NC Health guidelines and will be inspected prior to opening. For more information contact the Cumberland County Health Department at 910-433-3660.

- Food Vendors are subject to Fire Marshall regulations.

- Be free of grease splashes, spills, and/or any grease containers. Grease disposal and clean-up is the responsibility of the Food Vendor - subject to fee if this occurs.

- Be free of trash or any other items on the ground. Trash must be disposed of properly in the appropriate trash can subject to fee if additional clean up is needed. 

Do you sell BBQ Supplies (Aprons, Grills, Cutting Boards, Grill Tools, Sauces, Seasonings, etc.) 

Fees: Payment

Booth fees will not be charged until after your application has been reviewed and approved. The same payment method used at the time of application will be charged upon approval. If your payment is invalid at that time, your space may be forfeited.

Vendor Setup: Supplies
Vendors are responsible for providing:

• Tent

• Tables and chairs

• Power source (see below)

Power: Generator
No power will be provided. If you require electricity, you must bring a quiet, compact generator that fits under your table or within your booth space.

Security: Overnight
Overnight security will be provided for vendor areas.

Connectivity: Payment
Wi-Fi will not be provided. If you plan to accept payments other than cash (such as card readers), please ensure you have your own hotspot or data-enabled device.

Insurance: Required
All approved vendors must provide proof of insurance for the event. Instructions will be sent upon approval.

Please note:

• All decisions are made by the Vendor Committee and are final.

• We cannot provide status updates or feedback prior to approval notifications.

• Be prepared for your payment to be processed immediately upon approval.

We’re looking forward to an amazing festival weekend and hope to see your handmade work on display!

• Teams may consist of 1 to 5 members. No one under the age of 18.
• $125 per category OR $400 for all four categories.
  • All fees are non-refundable.
• To qualify for Grand Champion, your team must enter all four categories
  • Brisket
  • Chicken
  • Pulled Pork
  • Ribs
  •  
  •  
• Individual category entries are welcome and encouraged, but do not qualify for Grand Champion.
• Space and check-in instructions will be sent to the Team Captain via email.