2024 Small Business Vendor Booth: Home-Based/Non-Profit Sales or Retail

This category is for Home-Based/Non-Profit Sales or Retail including clothing/jewelry (non-handcrafted) or Home-Based Businesses (limit of 1 per brand) or non-profit groups selling products or services. Examples include clothing/accessories, toys, and home-based businesses such as Scentsy, Tupperware, Mary Kay, etc. 

 

Non-profit organizations selling on behalf of their organization may have demonstrations, displays, or activities related to specific products/services, but the emphasis is on the sale of products or wares. The sale of one food item such as kettle corn, snow cones, cotton candy, and similar foods does not subject the vendor to health regulations.

If you are interested in representing a business such as Mobile, Home Repair/Enhancement Products, Business Services, Mobile/Cellular Phones, Banking, etc., please register as a 2024 Business Vendor (Not Selling).

 

Background: The 2023 Mush, Music & Mutts Festival had 15,000+ in attendance. Our goal is to have a balanced mix of food and beverage vendors, locally crafted vendors, businesses, and non-profits.

 

We are especially interested in vendors with liver mush-related angles, high-quality products/services, unique and/or handcrafted items, and positive experiences for our attendees. We will select from applicants that support this mix. 

 

Each standard vendor spot is 12' x 12', allowing for a 10' x 10' setup plus a little additional space for merchandise or other items. Vendors are not to exceed the designated space. If you will need additional space for merchandise, supplies, equipment, etc., please select the Double Booth Option. Vendors must provide their own supplies including tables, full table coverings, chairs, and/or tents.

 

Would you like to have a more substantial marketing presence during the festival? Consider a festival sponsorship! All sponsors have the option of a booth in a prime location on the square. Sponsorships start at $600, please contact Emily Epley at emily.epley@clevelandcountync.gov for more information.

 

BOOTH RATES DO NOT INCLUDE ELECTRICITY. MUST PURCHASE BOTH BOOTH and ELECTRICITY. A limited number of electric hookups are available, so please be sure to request it in your application. We will prioritize requests based on the business needs (i.e. Food Trucks vs. plugging in a fan).

 

You are responsible for providing your own extension cords and power strips if needed. Extension cords can’t be placed where hazards may be created. Safety covers are required for public safety.

Have questions? Need support processing your application? Let us know, we are happy to help and will reach out as quickly as possible! 

Application Deadlines
Applications Open to General Public: March 15th

 

Early Bird Review Round Closes: April 15th *Early Bird Rates Apply
Applicants Notified of Status on or before: May 1st
 
2nd Review Round Closes: June 15th *Standard Rates Apply
Applicants Notified of Status on or before: July 1st
 
3rd and Final Review Round Closes: August 15th *Standard Rates Apply
Applicants Notified of Status on or before: September 1st
 
The 2024 Mush, Music & Mutts: NC’s Official Fall Liver Mush Festival is a juried festival.
 
Selected vendors are based on, but not limited to, the following criteria:

• Our commitment to offer a diverse, quality assortment of food/craft, retail, and non-profit options.
• Rotation of previous vendors with new vendors to allow someone new an opportunity to vend as well as new options for our festival patrons.
• Previous history with us. Previous participation in the Mush, Music & Mutts: NC’s Liver Mush Festival does not guarantee a space for future festivals.

• For approved vendors: The remaining payment will be processed upon approval by the Vendor Committee. This payment will cover booth space and electric hook-up if requested.
• Payments not fulfilled within two weeks of your acceptance notification will be considered forfeited and your space will be replaced with a vendor from the next round of applications.

All payments are processed through Eventeny. A vendor will not be finalized until full payment has been received. Late applications received after August 15th will not be accepted.
 
Liability Insurance - New for 2024
All approved vendors must carry their own product liability insurance and present a certificate of insurance. Vendor Insurance must include Cleveland County Tourism/Cleveland County Government, NC as additional insured for one million ($1,000,000.00). Address for insurance purposes: Cleveland County Government, 311 E. Marion St., Shelby, NC 28152.
 
The Vendor Committee will place each vendor in the location that best fits the festival footprint. Booth assignments will be sent out in late September.
 
Booth placement is based on, but not limited to, the following:
- Receipt of payment.
- Previous history with us.
- Our commitment to offering a quality assortment of options.
- Variety of booth types.

As a courtesy to others, no loud or explicit music is to be played. This is a family-friendly event - products, displays, and audio/video should be appropriate. Anyone that chooses not to follow these rules may be asked to make changes, asked to leave, or blacklisted from future participation. This is at the discretion of the festival management. 
 
This festival is open to the public from 9 am - 4 pm. To ensure the best experience for the festival attendees, all vendors must be fully set up during those hours. Any vendor that arrives late or starts to break down early may be charged an additional fee and/or not be allowed to participate in the future.
 
A limited number of electric hookups are available, so please be sure to request it in your application if needed. We will prioritize requests based on the business needs (i.e. Food Trucks vs. plugging in a fan).
 
You are responsible for providing your own extension cords and power strips if needed. Extension cords can’t be placed where hazards may be created. Safety covers are required for public safety.
 
Purchase Policy
All vendor payments are final and cannot be exchanged or refunded. Vendors are responsible for transaction fees associated with credit card payments through Eventeny.
 
This is a rain-or-shine event. No refunds will be made in case of inclement weather.
 
In the event of dangerous or severe weather designated by the National Weather Service, Cleveland County Emergency Management will notify festival leadership regarding event closure.
 
By purchasing a vendor booth for this event, you agree to this purchase policy. Before submitting your application, we urge you to read all the vendor information, guidelines, and rules provided above and in the application descriptions. 
 
Any questions or concerns can be directed to the Festival Team at info@nclivermushfestival.com or call 704-484-4750.