Application Deadline
The deadline for all applications is April 1, 2023. Those applications postmarked or submitted online after April 1 must add a $75 late fee. Fees are non-refundable.
Acceptance to Event
The North Carolina Pickle Festival (Festival) accepts vendors on a first come, first served basis. We limit both the number and types of vendors so that there will be the possibility for a greater profit for everyone, so the prompt return of your application and required documents is to your benefit.
Payment is required at the time application is submitted. However, online payment will be processed and checks cashed upon acceptance. Only those who submit all required documents and who receive approval by the Festival may display and sell.
Hours of Operation
The Festival operates from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday, April 29, and Vendors are required to stay open during that time. Vendors are allowed to shut down their booths during festival hours if necessary. Vendors should not breakdown and physically leave the festival area prior to the 6:00 pm closing time. This applies to ALL vendors, including CHAMBER MEMBERS. Streets will remain closed to vehicle access until 6:00 pm.
Booth Requirements
Booths are 10’ x 15’ including towing tongue. If your booth or trailer is longer than 15’, you must purchase 2 spaces. Locations are not guaranteed.
All items, equipment and materials must fit within the purchased booth space. Sidewalks and walkways must remain clear. Vendors must arrange their booths so as to not obstruct the view or interfere with other booths.
Fire Permit Requirements: ALL vendors are required to have a flame retardant tent and fire extinguisher per fire code regulations. Tents, tarps and canopies must also be anchored to withstand wind and collapse.
Vendors are responsible for providing all tables, chairs, electrical cords. Electrical cords must be heavy duty with no visible signs of damage, and appliances must be in good working condition.
Vendors may not sell knives, mock guns, pop rocks, play cigarettes, inappropriate adult materials, etc.
CHECK-IN / SET UP
Vendors receive their booth assignments at check-in.
Friday Night Check-In, 6-8 pm: Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce Office at 123 NW Center, Mount Olive, NC. Vendors with trailers are encouraged to check in on Friday night.
NOTE: Vendors may NOT check in and set up their booths prior to 6:00 pm on Friday. We must give our downtown businesses and their customers enough time to conclude their business for the day.
Saturday Drive-Thru Check-In, 5-8 am: Mount Olive Family Medicine Center, 201 N. Breazeale Avenue.
UNLOADING
Unload your vehicle at your space and immediately park your vehicle in a designated lot. You may then return to your booth for set up. Please be mindful of others and do not block access for unreasonable amounts of time. Your vehicle must be out of the festival area by 8:30 am Saturday.
INSURANCE
ALL Vendors at the Festival must provide a certificate of insurance. A sample is provided. Food vendors, ride operators, those providing animal attractions, and all face painters must provide a certificate of insurance that lists the North Carolina Pickle Festival, Inc. as an additional insured. Address, 123 N. Center Street, Mount Olive, NC 28365.
The Festival offers cost-effective user liability coverage in place of a certificate of insurance for arts and crafts, information, home-based consultants, and nonprofit vendors only.
PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS
ALL Vendors must submit the Fire Protection Permit Application and $15 fee with their applications.
The Mount Olive Fire Inspector will inspect all vendor booths for compliance with the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code. Vendors must display a copy of their Fire Permit.
Please review the Fire Code Requirements included with your vendor information package.
Food Vendors must submit a separate application and fee to the Wayne County Environmental Health Department and receive a Food Handling Permit prior to the festival. Vendors must display the permit in their food booth. An inspector from the Environmental Health Department will inspect food vendors on festival morning.
VENDOR SERVICES
Power – No generators. 120v Electricity is available for an additional fee and must be indicated on the vendor application.
Water – free, but connections are limited and must be indicated on the vendor application.
NOTE: Power and water connections will not be available on festival morning to any vendor that has not applied for them in advance on their application.
Ice is available for sale in 20 lb. bags to Vendors downtown on Saturday, April 29. Learn more at check-in.
A complimentary Vendor Breakfast, provided by Mt. Olive Pickle, will run Saturday from 6:30-9 am at the Mount Olive Chamber Office, 123 N. Center Street.
PICKLE-THEMED ITEMS
Vendors, particularly food, arts & crafts, commercial and non-profit, are asked to consider a pickle-themed item to make and sell at their booths. In doing so, the festival agrees to include information about the item in its promotions, provide vendors with special signage at check-in, and enter participating vendors into a drawing to win 50% off one vendor space for 2024. Vendors must provide information about their pickle-themed item on their applications.
GENERAL POLICIES
All vendors are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner when interacting with festival visitors, fellow vendors and festival organizers. Aggressive and inappropriate conduct and/or contact with festival visitors or volunteers will be addressed by representatives of the Festival, and if necessary the Mount Olive Police Department.
The Festival is not responsible or liable for the failure of any Vendor to comply with these requirements. It reserves the right to take any action, up to and including shutting down a Vendor’s operation for the remainder of the day, and barring participation in future Festival events. No refunds will be given in these cases.
Further, the Festival, the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce and festival sponsors are not liable for any damages, injury or loss to any person or goods from any cause whatsoever, nor for any claims for damage, injury or loss arising out of or in connection with use of space or grounds at the festival. All decisions of the Festival and its organizers are final.
