RETAILERS

Important Application Notice

Participation is subject to approval. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the festival. Retailers must meet all event requirements, deadlines, and operational standards outlined in this application.

Fees & Payments Disclosure

All application fees, processing fees, and site fees are non-refundable, regardless of acceptance status, retailer cancellation, weather conditions, or event changes, unless otherwise explicitly stated in writing by festival organizers.

Application and processing fees are non-refundable in all circumstances.

Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance.

If a retailer cancels participation for any reason, no refunds will be issued.

If a retailer pays the full site fee and is not accepted, the balance paid (less non-refundable application and processing fees) will be refunded.

Acceptance Notification

Retailers will be notified of acceptance status by May 15, 2026.

Event Disclaimer

This is a rain or shine outdoor event. Festival organizers are not responsible for sales volume, weather conditions, attendance fluctuations, or individual vendor performance.

Compliance & Permits

All retailers are solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining any required sales tax licenses, permits, insurance coverage, and approvals necessary to operate during the event.

Retailers must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

Agreement Acknowledgment

By continuing with this application, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the festival’s terms, policies, and retailer requirements, which will be presented in full within the application.

Application & Site Fees

Payment is required at the time of application in order to be considered.

Standard Retailer Site Fee

$300 site fee (per 10×10 space)

$50 non-refundable application/processing fee

Total due at submission: $350 + applicable processing fees

Retailers requiring multiple 10×10 spaces must submit a separate application and payment for each space.

Festival Cancellation & Deadlines

If the festival is canceled or postponed, application and processing fees will not be refunded or rolled over.

Upon acceptance, retailers must complete all required steps by the deadlines provided. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of the retailer’s spot without refund.

Selection Criteria

Applications are reviewed based on product mix, craftsmanship, presentation quality, and overall festival fit. Retailers may not be accepted for reasons including, but not limited to:

• Overlapping or oversaturated product categories
• Incomplete or inaccurate application submissions
• Poor presentation or prior operational issues at festival events
• Products not aligned with the festival’s marketplace standards

Festival Services Provided

The festival will provide the following services to accepted retailers:

• Assigned retailer space
• Overnight security
• Scheduled inspections
• Access to shared amenities as outlined after acceptance

Electrical access is not guaranteed and must be requested during the application process.

Retailer Responsibilities

Retailers are responsible for:

• Providing a fully self-contained retail setup (tent, tables, displays)
• Maintaining a clean, professional booth throughout the event
• Displaying clear signage and pricing
• Remaining open during all posted festival hours
• Keeping all areas around and beneath their setup clean and free of debris
• Following all festival load-in, load-out, and operational guidelines
  

Waste & Cleanup Policy

Retailers must dispose of all waste in designated dumpsters.

Retailer areas will be inspected after the event.

Retailers leaving the grounds without inspection may be fined $300.

Cleanup standards will be provided upon acceptance.

Load-In & Load-Out

Final setup instructions will be emailed by August 1, 2026.

• Standard load-in: Friday, August 14, 2026 (time TBD)
• Retailers must arrive during their assigned load-in window
• Retailers may not leave the grounds after Friday load-in
• Load-out begins immediately after festival close on Saturday, August 15, 2026
• Vendor areas must be cleaned, inspected, and cleared by 9:30–10:30 PM

Insurance Requirements

Retailers must carry General Liability Insurance and may be required to submit a Certificate of Insurance upon request.

Indemnification & Liability

Retailers agree to indemnify and hold harmless the festival organizers and affiliated parties from any claims, losses, or damages arising from participation.

Retailers acknowledge participation is at their own risk and that festival organizers are not responsible for financial outcomes, including profits or losses.

By submitting this application, you accept these terms as a legal and binding agreement.

Closing

Thank you for your application and continued support of the Columbus Food Truck Festival. We are proud to host this event for the 14th year and look forward to working together to create an outstanding experience for retailers and guests alike.

— The Columbus Food Truck Festival Team