Souvenir/Non-Food Vendor

Use this application to apply as a souvenir/clothing/arts & crafts vendor to the Cinco de Mayo Festival in Valley Junction. There are limited spots available for vendors for this event, and Mexican owned vendors will take preference over any other vendors that apply.

Travel south of the border as the Historic Valley Junction Foundation presents our 17th Annual Festival Cinco de Mayo on Saturday, May 6, from Noon to 10:00 pm. Located in the 100 and 200 blocks of 5th Street, West Des Moines, IA, visitors are invited to enjoy Mexican foods, artwork, live music, dancing and family activities. Celebrating the Mexican heritage of many railroad workers during the establishment years of Valley Junction, this festival is an opportunity to recognize the Mexican community who helped James Jordan’s vision of bringing the railroad to the Des Moines area become a reality. In honor of our strong heritage, we will also present a proclamation and announcement of our Cinco de Mayo King and Queen. Valley Junction was established in 1846 when its first settler, James Jordan arrived. The name Valley Junction was chosen because it was located in the valley of the Raccoon River and served as the junction for the railroad. By 1900, the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad had moved its operation to the area. After the railroad boom ended, Valley Junction slowed its pace and changed its official name to West Des Moines in 1938. Many family members of the original railroad workers still live in the Valley Junction area today.

*Vendors who violate these terms & conditions may be removed from the event without refund without the possibility of returning to future events. Vendors are required to provide all equipment required to operate their booths including tents, tables, displays, etc. The rental fee is for the space only.
 
Clean-up and Trash Removal
Vendors must provide tables, chairs, brooms, dustpans, and their own garbage removal.  Any vendor serving food must place a tarp or mat under the space to protect the street from grease spills.  Grease spills may not be left on the street as it is dangerous and also gets tracked into stores.  All vendors are responsible for cleaning their stalls at the end of each market.  All garbage must be removed.  Garbage MAY NOT be placed in any city trash bin, private dumpsters, event trash box, or left on the curb.  These are for customers only.  Failure to follow these standards is a violation of these policies and procedures and repeat offenders may be removed from the event without refund of dues.  Additional trash maintenance fees will be applied if necessary. 
 
Sales Tax
It is each vendor’s responsibility to know if they are required to collect and remit Iowa Sales Tax.  HVJF does not accept responsibility for vendors who fail to meet this obligation.  Vendors who are required to remit sales tax must have a permanent valid Sales Tax Permit.  Temporary sales tax permits are no longer issued.  Failure to respond and reply to sales tax inquires by the Internal Revenue Service will eliminate vendors from future participation in Valley Junction Special Events. For questions, please call the Iowa Department of Revenue and Finance at (515) 281-3114.
 
Health Inspection
All Special Event vendors are required to comply with the State of Iowa Public Health regulations governing the preparation, handling, and presentation of food.  Prepared food vendors are responsible for obtaining all necessary licenses and permits required by the State of Iowa.  Please be aware that the policy for obtaining a food license for temporary events has changed.  You must have your food license prior to the event.  If you do not have a license in advance, you will be required to shut down your operation, completely fill out the application, and you cannot reopen until inspected and approved by the inspector.  Vendors are encouraged to contact the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals at (515) 281-7102 with any questions or concerns regarding product regulations, licensing, and fees. HVJF is not responsible for health permits/inspections.
 
Liability Insurance
All Valley Junction event vendors are required to have a current Certificate of Liability Insurance for the minimum amount of $1,000,000 on file with HVJF.  This certificate must be submitted by all vendors. Historic Valley Junction Foundation (HVJF) must be listed as the Certificate Holder/Additional Insured.  Please note that a copy of your insurance policy does not satisfy this requirement.  You may have your insurance agent email a copy of the certificate directly to HVJF at events@valleyjunction.com. Insurance requirements will not be waived for any Valley Junction event vendors.
 
Electricity and Generators
Electricity is not available for vendors at Valley Junction events.  If you require electricity for your merchandise, you are required to provide your own generator.  All generators must be muffled to respect Valley Junction residents, merchants and customers.  (Suggested generator - Honda EU3000is or equivalent, 60db or less under load).  Without refunding vendor fees, HVJF may request a vendor to leave if the vendor’s generator is deemed too loud.  Vendors attempting to use electricity outlets located on or near Valley Junction trees or buildings will be immediately removed from the event without refund.  These outlets are for HVJF use and may not be used by event vendors.  
 
Valley Junction Voucher Tickets
Event volunteers are given Valley Junction tickets to spend during special events.  Vendors are expected and agree to accept Valley Junction tickets. Valley Junction event tickets redeemed at $1 per ticket. Vendors may turn in tickets for reimbursement after the event or during non-event hours (HVJF office hours are 9 am - 5 pm, Monday-Friday).  Reimbursement checks will be issued within 30 days.
 
Coronavirus Guidelines
Vendors are expected to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines regarding the COVID and safe handling of food as well as local rules and regulations. If you test positive for the coronavirus, think you may have been exposed (for example, you have had close contact with a person who is showing symptoms or who tested positive for the coronavirus), or if you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19, YOU MUST NOT ATTEND the event, and find someone to replace your position. Follow CDC guidelines regarding when and how to safely attend an event after an exposure.. Vendors are encouraged to provide hand sanitizer at your booth for customer use. Vendors are encouraged to apply extra care to keep your booth clean, including use of sanitizing products regularly on frequently touched surfaces
 
By renting a space from Historic Valley Junction Foundation (HVJF), all vendors agree not to hold HVJF, its members, staff, board of directors, or sponsors responsible for damage of any kind.  Vendors assume all responsibility for the operation of their booth, and any damages or injuries that may occur in that area during normal event hours or from consumption of products or goods.  This includes all lawsuits, demands and claims including court costs, legal fees, and damages.  Vendors are also responsible for any loss or damages HVJF may incur on their behalf including, but not limited to court costs and attorney fees.  All merchandise will be handled and displayed at the vendor’s risk and HVJF assumes no responsibility for theft, accident or natural disaster.  The undersigned agrees to indemnity and hold the sponsors of HVJF events harmless in regard to all liability for any damages to personal property, for any loss of life or personal injury or theft of property that may be sustained in connection with this event.  I further give approval for HVJF to use photographs taken at this event, which might include my work, for publicity purposes.