Food & Beverage Vendor Application

The Ham & Yam Festival is one of North Carolina’s most beloved spring traditions, drawing more than 15,000 visitors to Downtown Smithfield each year—and they come hungry! Our Food & Beverage category is designed for vendors serving delicious festival fare, specialty treats, refreshing beverages, and, of course, creative takes on our famous ham and yam theme. Whether you operate a food truck, trailer, tented setup, or specialty beverage stand, this is your opportunity to reach thousands of eager customers throughout a full day of nonstop activity.

All food and beverage vendors must comply with Johnston County Health Department and NC Department of Agriculture guidelines. Vendors should plan to be fully self-contained, prepared for high volume, and ready to help us offer an unforgettable culinary experience.

Stretching across more than six blocks of our historic downtown—with three stages of live music, a car show, kids and adult activity zones, and continuous crowds—Ham & Yam provides an exceptional platform to showcase your menu and connect with new customers. Join us and help make this year’s festival the tastiest one yet.

Ham & Yam Festival Vendor Terms & Conditions

By participating in the Ham & Yam Festival, all vendors agree to abide by the following terms and conditions. NO EXCEPTIONS! IF YOU CHOOSE NOT TO FOLLOW THE RULES, YOU WILL NOT BE WELCOME AGAIN!

Product Exclusivity

Festival directors cannot guarantee that other vendors will not sell similar or identical items.

Booth Specifications

Each booth space measures approximately 12’ wide by 10’ deep, extending from the curb.
Vendors must supply their own tables, chairs, drop cords, and canopies as needed.  

NOTE:  Access to power is limited and we cannot guarantee that you will be placed near electrical outlets.

Operating Hours

Booths must remain open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday, even if inventory is sold out.
Early dismantling is strictly prohibited and will result in exclusion from future festivals, per Town of Smithfield Police requirements.

Weather Policy

The festival will proceed as scheduled, rain or shine. No rain date or alternative indoor location will be provided.
Registration fees are non-refundable under all circumstances.

Prohibited Items & Activities

The sale of flea market or yard sale items, silly string, ink dyes, stink spray, weapons, and stun guns is strictly prohibited.
Non-food booths may not sell or give away drinks. Violations will result in immediate removal.
Vendors may not conduct sales or distribute materials outside their assigned booth space. Solicitation, strolling sales, and roaming handouts are prohibited.

Re-Supplies: If you have need to re-supply your booth throughout the Festival, please be prepared to walk or wheel your supplies from street ends. NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED ON THE FESTIVAL STREETS BETWEEN 8:00AM AND 10:00PM ON SATURDAY.

Inclusivity & Conduct

The Ham & Yam Festival fosters an inclusive and family-friendly environment. Offensive or inappropriate behavior, displays, or materials will not be tolerated. This includes but is not limited to inappropriate language, imagery, or conduct that is unsuitable for children or families.
The festival directors reserve the right to deny admittance or remove any vendor whose behavior or materials are deemed offensive, inappropriate, or in conflict with the values of the event.

Security & Safety

Vendors are responsible for the security and safety of their booth space and merchandise during festival hours.
Overnight security will be provided, but vendors are responsible for securing their booth overnight.

Taxes & Permits

Vendors must prominently display a valid certificate of registration from the North Carolina Department of Revenue. For more information, visit http://www.dornc.com.
Vendors are responsible for collecting and reporting sales tax to the NC Department of Revenue at:
Sales & Use Tax Division
NC Department of Revenue
PO Box 25000
Raleigh, NC 27640

Festival Rules

Vendors are expected to maintain a clean and safe booth space.
Any vendor who violates these terms will be subject to removal from the festival without refund and may be barred from future participation.

Important Reminder
NO EXCEPTIONS! IF YOU CHOOSE NOT TO FOLLOW THE RULES, YOU WILL NOT BE WELCOME AGAIN!

By submitting an application and paying the registration fee, vendors acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to these terms and conditions.

 
For questions or additional details, please contact the festival organizers. We look forward to seeing you at the Ham & Yam Festival!