Food Vendors

FOOD VENDOR APPLICATION

     We will promptly assess all applications and notify you about their approval status. The North Dakota State Fair management will diligently consider what serves the best interests of the fair and its visitors when making these determinations.

*Credit cards will not incur any charges until application approval has been granted and the contract has been signed and returned. Fees will only be applied after receiving authorization.*

The North Dakota State Fair employs the following criteria for both evaluating existing vendors and selecting new ones:

1. Returning vendors from the previous year will have the first opportunity to renew their participation, provided they have adhered to all rules, regulations, and performance expectations. Non-compliance with these standards or the failure to introduce new and captivating products may lead to non-renewal.
2. Available spaces will be offered to new applicants who meet our criteria, without any specific order of preference.
3. Exhibits must offer reputable, family-friendly, and diverse products and present them in an enticing, professional, and businesslike manner.
4. Novel and diverse items that cater to the preferences of our fair patrons are highly encouraged.
5. Exhibits with professional displays, including elements such as lights, bright colors, signage, décor, flags, wings, etc. will be given preference.
6. Exhibits should be well-designed, functional, and provide easy accessibility for fairgoers to navigate around or through.
7. The size of the exhibit will influence the acceptance and placement of applicants within the fairgrounds.

     All vendors who have a percentage-based licensing agreement are required to use Clover point-of-sales while conducting business at the North Dakota State Fair. Sales reports must be turned in daily. Gross sales reports and percentage fees are due within two weeks after the Fair’s closing day. Failure to submit these reports by the required deadline will result in an added late fee and a record of non-compliance, and licensees may not be considered for the following year.

FOR ALL ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE REFERENCE THE 2025 VENDOR MANUAL

Contracts:

     All individuals or companies conducting business on the North Dakota State Fairgrounds are required to have a valid, signed contract in place. Concessionaires and exhibitors are strictly prohibited from assigning, subletting, or transferring the designated space allocated to them. Furthermore, they may only offer for sale those products that have been explicitly listed on the contract or approved by Fair management.

50% OF RENTAL SPACE COST IS REQUIRED WHEN THE CONTRACT IS ISSUED.

ALL FINAL PAYMENTS ARE DUE BY MAY 1, 2025. 

NO REFUNDS ON BOOTH RENTAL SPACE DEPOSITS WILL BE MADE.

Insurance Requirements:

     All exhibitors must submit a certificate of general liability insurance to the North Dakota State Fair office. Failure to send an accurate certificate will prevent you from participating in the Fair. All certificates will be verified by the North Dakota State Fair staff. Fraudulent insurance certificates will result in the forfeiture of the license without reimbursement.

(State and Federal agencies are exempt from this policy)

Your agent must include the following information on the insurance certificate:

• Insured for $2,000,000 general liability
• The Certificate Holder MUST be listed as Additional Insured to include setup and tear-down.
• 20-day cancellation notice
• Certificate holder:

              North Dakota State Fair AND the State of North Dakota

              PO Box 1796

              Minot, ND 58702

     If needed, vendors can purchase event insurance through Haas & Wilkerson by filling out the Vendor Insurance Order Form. Restrictions apply, so please read carefully.

Admissions:

     All vendors are individually responsible for acquiring their own gate admission. Every individual, whether they are employees, delivery personnel, or otherwise, must possess a valid admission ticket for each day of entry to the fairgrounds. Daily tickets or season passes are available for purchase in advance when making deposits, and they can also be purchased at the gate or online if you prefer electronic tickets. Please be aware that the North Dakota State Fair does not provide any passes or complimentary tickets of any kind.

FOR ALL ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE REFERENCE THE 2025 VENDOR MANUAL