Food & Beverage Vendor Application

Thank you for your interest in serving food and beverages at the 2026 Sourwood Festival! To provide a safe, enjoyable, and high-quality experience for our guests, all food and beverage vendor applications are reviewed by a jury. The jury considers menu quality, originality, pricing, and overall presentation, including booth, tent, trailer, or food truck appearance.

To be considered, each application must include:

• One (1) photo of your booth, tent, trailer, or food truck.
• Four (4) Photos of the food and/or beverage items you plan to serve.

We value vendors who offer fresh, well-prepared, and thoughtfully presented food and beverages. Unique menus and locally inspired offerings are encouraged.

All food and beverage vendors must comply with North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and local county health department regulations.

Please note:

• Vendors serving food or beverages are required to obtain and display the appropriate temporary food establishment permit or applicable license as required by the local health department.
• A health department inspection may be required prior to or during the festival.
• Vendors must follow all food safety, sanitation, handwashing, temperature control, and food handling regulations set forth by the State of North Carolina.
• Copies of required permits and licenses must be provided upon acceptance and prior to the event.
• Vendors who do not meet health department requirements may be asked to close and may forfeit vendor fees.

Please keep in mind:

• Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance.
• Being a vendor in past years does not automatically ensure approval for 2026.
• Applications missing the required photos, or with photos that are unclear or do not accurately represent your booth or merchandise, may be denied.
• Photos should reflect what you intend to bring to the festival.
• By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree to these guidelines and understand that jury decisions are final.

If you have any questions please email director@explorethevalley.org.

• Applications will be evaluated on a bi-weekly basis. Vendors will be charged booth fees on approval.
• All vendors are required to upload images of booth and products.
• Cancellation/Refund Policy: Before June 1, 2025 – 50% refund; no refund after June 1, 2026.
• 20% discount for Swannanoa Valley non-profit or current Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber Members. Please reach out to the Chamber for a discount code.
• Please recognize that power is extremely limited. It is not guaranteed, it will be first come first serve. It will also be an additional $50, charged once power is confirmed.
• Prior to the event, all approved vendors must submit a certificate of liability insurance. Certificate of liability insurance must name Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Black Mountain as additional insured. General liability insurance limits required are $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate; policy must include products and completed operations coverage.
•  If you need insurance please visit  https://app.actinsurance.com/policy/buy/ai/Njg1OA==
• Per the Town of Black Mountain Fire Code all tents must have 40 pounds of weight on each leg and have a fire retardant canopy.