2026 Food Vendors w/Booth Spaces

Below are some helpful details about Prairie Fest. 
 
What items can I sell?
Each vendor will be allowed one (q) exclusive food item (per 10x10 space) determined by the order in which the applications are received. Priority status will be given to previous vendors. The City has final approval on the participation of any food vendor and the food items being sold. 
 
If an item has been approved as an exclusive for another vendor, you may not sell it at your booth. Any item not selected by another vendor as an exclusive is fair game. All vendors may sell water, sports, soft drinks, bagged potato chips, or plain french fries. 
 
 
Applicants must submit at least 2 Taste Bites.  Taste Bites is a sample of the menu items you offer. Taste Bites may not exceed $5.00 per item. The Taste Bite Menu must be displayed at each vendor booth during the fest.
 
 
Carnival Food Sales
The carnival is located at the opposite end of the festival grounds and sells select food items. NOTE THE Carnival Exclusives: No food vendor may sell the following: popcorn, corn dogs, funnel cakes, and cotton candy. THE ABOVE ITEMS ARE NOT ALLOWED BY ANYONE OTHER THAN THE CARNIVAL. 

Can I sell alcoholic beverages?
The sale of alcoholic beverages by food vendors is prohibited, and this policy will be strictly enforced unless prior permission is granted by the City of Wood Dale.
 
General notes about vendor space:
Vendors must use power from their booth space only.
Food vendors must use the tents provided by the city-approved tent company. 
Absolutely no booths may be subleased to another vendor.
Refrigeration is the responsibility of the vendor.
No beverages shall be sold in glass bottles. 
Smoking shall not be permitted in tents, canopies, or membrane structures.
Vendors must stay within their space. There will be no soliciting on or around the festival grounds.
Ice is available for purchase on the day of the festival; the cost is $8 for 20 lbs. This will be deducted from your voucher reimbursement.
Water Hook-Up: Cold, non-potable water hook-up is available free of charge. Vendors are responsible for providing 100’ of food-grade hose. You may not leave hoses attached during festival hours.
Vendors must provide their own flooring to go over grass (rubberized mats, wood, etc.)

General notes about open cooking:
Open cooking on stove and charcoal grills must be done outside, behind the vendor’s booth.
Fryers may not be placed under the tent roof unless vendors provide a protective metal barrier. Vendors with a metal barrier must place the fryer along the rear of the tent.
Only steam tables and warming ovens will be allowed inside the booth.
All vendors must have a minimum of 5 lb. ABC fire extinguisher.
Vendors utilizing an application that uses oil to cook are to have a Type-K extinguisher (current inspection tags must be attached to the extinguisher).
Portable LP-gas constrainers, piping, valves, and fittings used to fuel equipment must be located outside the booth and securely fastened (with chains) to the metal stake provided to prevent movement.
The propane tank relief valves will be pointed away from ALL tents and combustible materials.
Approved extension hoses may be required to obtain the minimum separation distance.
If containers are over 500 gallons, they must be securely fastened 25’ from all tents.
Charcoal ash and grease must be disposed of in designated containers only.
What is the inspection schedule?
A mandatory health, fire, and safety inspection will be on Thursday, June 18, at 2 pm. The inspection schedule will be included in your vendor acceptance paperwork. 
 
What if I need to withdraw my application?
You may withdraw your application and receive a refund of your deposit by May 11, 2026.   After that date, no refunds will be granted.
 
Please contact Janelle Silva at (630) 354-6333 regarding the withdrawal process.
 
Upon acceptance, vendors are responsible for the balance of payment, the Certificate of Insurance, and the DuPage County Temporary Health Permit.