Food Vendors

Mountain Heritage Day is a one-day, free outdoor festival where 12,000 plus visitors enjoy multiple stages of live entertainment, over 120 juried arts and crafts booths, unique food, and tons of family-friendly activities celebrating Appalachian Mountain culture. To maintain a quality show, we screen all food vendors, regardless of previous participation.  Photos are required with your application.  If you decide to participate, carefully review the enclosed guidelines, and complete the application form. Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by a juried committee. You will receive an email notification, should you be accepted. If you are accepted, you will be prompted for payment.  NOTE: PAYMENT IS DUE UPON ACCEPTANCE ONLY.  Application and booth fees are due by June 1, 2023. There are a limited number of food vendor spaces available; they are assigned on a first-approved/first-paid basis, so please apply early. 

Enjoy one of the top events in the Southeast with food and craft vendors, family-friendly activities, interactive kids area, along with performances and demonstrations celebrating the Southern Appalachian mountain culture. Mountain Heritage Day is a gift from Western Carolina University to the community, and everyone from everywhere is welcome to attend. This family-oriented festival shows how much we value this incredible, beautiful region we call home and its diverse culture and history.

·       Booth spaces are 20’X20’. Location assignment is determined by the MHD Committee after the fee is paid and the Insurance Liability Rider is received.  ·       The Food Vendor accepted for participation (who signed the application) must be in attendance during MHD.·       Vendors must supply their own tent, trailer, tables, chairs, and display materials.  Electricity is NOT available.·       Sales are limited to the food products photographed/listed/sized/priced in your application, thus approved.  Failure to adhere to this policy will result in dismissal from the festival without refund. ·       NO bottled or canned beverages may be served.  Mountain Heritage Day sells bottled water and sodas as a fundraiser.  ·       A creative approach to your food style is encouraged. Pre-packaged and store-made foods are not acceptable.  ·       Compostable and recyclable serving materials are required.  Do not use polystyrene foam (styrofoam) cups and service ware.  WCU and MHD are committed to greening our community and preserving our heritage.  ·       A Jackson County Health Department temporary permit and inspection is required to operate during the festival.  Once you are accepted, you must contact the Jackson County Health Department, 828-586-8994 to obtain a permit.  The permit is to be paid to the Health Department prior to MHD and is solely determined by the Jackson County Health Department.  MHD receives no portion of this fee.  ·       Once you are accepted, you must provide a copy of your Insurance Liability Rider naming Mountain Heritage Day & Western Carolina University as additionally insured for $1,000,000.   You may submit the rider by email to mhd@wcu.edu. ·       No raffles and/or auctions.·       Loud generators or sound systems are not allowed. Noise reducing/quiet box generators are allowed. ·       No selling or solicitation outside of assigned booth space. ·       Vendors must stay open to the public until 5pm.  No vehicles will be allowed onto the grounds until 5:30pm or festival management deems it safe.The festival is held outdoors, rain or shine.  There are no refunds due to weather.
·       Cancellations in writing by August 1, 2023, will receive a 50% refund.Your signature on the Application Form constitutes an agreement to be bound by the stated policies.
·       WCU/Mountain Heritage Day is required by state law to collect your sales tax number.  Please visit www.dor.state.nc.us.  Vendors are responsible for collecting and reporting appropriate sales tax to:  Sales & Use Tax Division/NC Department of RevenuePO Box 25000, Raleigh, NC 27640