Vendor Application

Celebrate the holiday season at the Winterfest Craft Market in beautiful Downtown Southport! Happening on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 10 AM to 4 PM, this festive outdoor market offers a joyful day of shopping, community spirit, and local charm. Winterfest Craft Market is a highlight of the Winterfest celebration and brings together artisans, farmers, bakers, and creators from across the region.

Visitors can expect a diverse array of offerings, including:

• Handmade arts and crafts

• Homegrown winter produce and fresh-cut flowers

• Baked goods, honey, jams, and pickles

• Holiday decorations and unique seasonal gifts

This event is the perfect opportunity to support local talent, find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, and enjoy the magic of Southport during the most wonderful time of the year.

Date and Time: Saturday, December 12, 2026 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Location: Bay Street, Downtown Southport
Rain or Shine: The event will proceed unless weather conditions are deemed hazardous by the Winterfest Committee.

Eligibility
Participation is open to local and regional vendors offering handmade goods, food items, and other holiday-themed or seasonal products. Preference will be given to:

• Southport-based businesses and artisans

• Vendors offering locally made or sourced products

Exceptions for non-local vendors may be granted at the discretion of the Winterfest Committee.

Accepted Products

• Handmade crafts and artwork

• Baked goods, jams, jellies, honey, and canned goods

• Produce, herbs, and fresh-cut winter flowers

• Holiday décor and seasonal merchandise

• Packaged or prepared food items (subject to safety guidelines)

Product Guidelines

• All food vendors must comply with local health and safety regulations (see permitting information below).

• Vendors selling home-processed foods must provide proof of inspection or certification from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDACS).

• Packaged foods must be labeled clearly with product name and contents.

• Non-local or imported products must be labeled with the place of origin (e.g., “Imported from Virginia”).

Vendor Selection & Approval Process

• Applications will be reviewed and approved by the Winterfest Committee.

• The Committee reserves the right to limit the number of vendors in each product category to maintain market variety.

• Vendors will be notified of acceptance via email and must confirm participation by the stated deadline.

Other Notes

• Booth spaces will be assigned in advance.

• The event is held outdoors; vendors are responsible for their own tents, tables, and displays.

• All vendors are expected to remain for the full duration of the event, unless otherwise approved.

REQUIRED PERMITS AND DOCUMENTATION

Please note that all food vendors participating in City of Southport events are responsible for obtaining and maintaining all required permits and approvals. It is the vendor's responsibility to determine what permits and approvals are required by the City of Southport, Brunswick County, and any other applicable agencies. Vendors who do not have all required permits, approvals, and documentation in place prior to the event will not be permitted to set up or operate.

Environmental Health Permit

All food vendors must possess a valid Environmental Health permit before operating at a City of Southport event.

Vendors permitted by a North Carolina county as a mobile food unit or pushcart do not need an additional permit from Brunswick County Environmental Health (BCEH) for a one-day event but must report their operating schedule to that office.
Vendors with Environmental Health permits issued outside North Carolina must contact Brunswick County Environmental Health to obtain reciprocity approval before operating.
Vendors without an Environmental Health permit for their mobile food unit or pushcart must obtain a Temporary Food Establishment (TFE) Permit through BCEH.  TFE permits are issued only in conjunction with approved festivals, fairs, and similar events.

City of Southport Food Vendor Permit

All food vendors operating within the City of Southport must obtain a Southport Food Permit (truck, cart, trailer, or tent). Permit applications may be submitted through the City's online permitting portal: https://southportnc.portal.opengov.com/categories/1080/record-types/6457.

Permit Fee: $100
Permit Term: Valid for one year from the date of issuance 
Important Southport Food Vendor Application Instructions

When asked whether you are participating in a City-run event, select "Yes."
When prompted to upload a Minor Site Plan, upload the email confirming your acceptance into the City event.
You will also be required to upload a copy of your valid Environmental Health permit as part of the City permit application.

Fire Inspection Permit

The Southport Food Vendor Permit application initiates the Fire Marshal review process when applicable.

Permit Fee: $125
Permit Term: Valid for one year from the date of issuance
Food vendors who require a Fire Inspection Permit must obtain approval prior to operating at the event.

If your application indicates "Fire Marshal Review," this does not mean your Fire Inspection Permit has been approved. It only means that the Fire Marshal is reviewing your application and determining whether an inspection and permit are required.