Appalachian True Heritage Festival 2026 - Vendor Application
About the application
Welcome to the 2026 Appalachian True Heritage Festival Vendor Application! We appreicate your interest.
The Appalachian True Heritage Festival is a two-day celebration of the rich history, traditional crafts, and vibrant mountain culture of Western North Carolina. The event brings together cultural bearers, artisans, musicians, storytellers, and the broader community for a hands-on, educational, and immersive experience. Please note: Vendor booths will be set up on the second day of the event only. By submitting this application you are applying to vend on Saturday, April 18th, 2026.
NEW IN 2026:
Hearth & Heritage
A dedicated foodways area showcasing traditional Appalachian cuisine, heirloom plants, natural products, and homesteading practices through both vendors and live demonstrations.
Hand to Heritage
Explore Appalachian craft traditions through hands-on activities and live demonstrations. Experience time-honored skills like spinning, weaving, and carving, led by skilled artisans who share the cultural history behind their craft. This interactive area celebrates the living legacy of Appalachian making and storytelling.
Stitch by Stitch: A Community Quilt Show
Held at First Baptist Church of Waynesville, this exhibit celebrates the heritage and artistry of quilting in Western North Carolina. Featuring works by local quilters and selections from the Shelton House’s historic quilt collection, the show highlights both traditional patterns and contemporary interpretations. Stitch by Stitch honors the stories, skills, and connections stitched into every quilt.
Front Porch Jam
A lively music stage rooted in Appalachian culture. Enjoy live performances, storytelling, and traditional dancing. Join in for an open community jam—just like gathering on a welcoming mountain porch.
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Vendors from the following Western NC counties are encouraged to apply:
Haywood, Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, Mitchell, Swain, Transylvania, and Yancey.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority given to vendors that best align with the theme. Notification sent via email upon acceptance. Entry Fee: $25 (non-refundable)
Please read the event's terms & conditions before submitting your application.
For questions, please contact:
Beth Gilmore, Executive Director, DWC
bethgilmore@waynesvillenc.gov
Jerry Jackson, Festival Coordinator
jacksonpeachland@gmail.com
252.813.3489
About the event
Terms & Conditions
Booth Options & Fees
Double booths are limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fees due upon application approval – no booth assignment until payment is received.
Festival Guidelines:
- To maintain the integrity of the cultural heritage theme:
- All products must be handmade by the artist.
- No mass-produced, imported, kit-based, or machine-manufactured goods.
- No generators or amplified sound systems.
Artists Must:
- Be present for the full festival duration
- Supply their own tent, tables, chairs, and displays
- Remain open until 5:00 PM (vehicles allowed after 5:15 PM)
Booth Setup
- Arranged in back-to-back pairs or quads
- Bring a tent back or a divider for privacy
- No selling or soliciting outside your designated booth area
- Outdoor, rain-or-shine event — no weather-related refunds
- Booth locations may be modified by staff as needed
Event is rain or shine. All vendor fees are nonrefundable and nontransferrable.
Prices
| Single Craft Booth | $150.00 | Non-refundable | |
| Double Craft Booth | $275.00 | Non-refundable | |
| Single Foodways Booth | $150.00 | Non-refundable | |
| Double Foodways Booth | $275.00 | Non-refundable | |
| Nonrefundable Application Fee | $25.00 | Non-refundable |
Questions on the application
Business information
- Business name
- Legal business name
- Contact name
- Address
- Phone
- Website (Optional)
- Logo (Optional)
Additional information
- Please describe your work and the creation process.
- Have you participated in this event as a vendor before?
- How did you hear about this event?
- What is the price range of your products/goods?
- Are you interested in demonstrating at Hearth & Heritage (foodways) or Hand to Heritage (crafts)?
- For Craft Vendors ONLY: Please select all of the following categories that apply to your business.
- For Foodways Vendors ONLY: Please select all of the following categories that apply to your business.
- A signed agreement is required to confirm your understanding and acceptance of the festival’s terms and conditions. I understand that all decisions made by the Appalachian True Heritage Festival and the Downtown Waynesville Commission (DWC) are final. I agree to comply with all festival rules and regulations. I understand that if I violate any festival rules or regulations, or misrepresent my work, the DWC may terminate my participation without a refund and I may be excluded from future DWC events. I understand that I am responsible for paying all applicable North Carolina state taxes. I release the Town of Waynesville, the DWC, its Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, event representatives, and sponsors from any responsibility for theft, damage, loss, or injury.
Picture requirements
- Minimum pictures required: 4
