VENDOR RULES, REGULATIONS, & REQUIREMENTS

Thank you for your interest in becoming a vendor at our 1st Annual Pan-African Festival. We are excited to review your application and invite you to participate. Please review the following information and follow the instructions to complete the application process.

To be considered for participation, your vendor must meet the following requirements:

1. Legality: Vendor information may be required by the New Jersey State Division of Taxation in accordance with state rules and regulations. All vendors must be legally registered and in compliance with local, state, federal, rules, regulations, and permits and have proof of the same. You must be able to present a valid business license or tax identification number. Vendors must notarize and submit a Hold Harmless Agreement, enclosed. Food vendors must submit liability insurance with NJPACCI and Brookdale Community College listed as additionally insured.
2. Vendor Fees and Discounts: Vendor fee is required in full at the time of application. An early bird discount is available to applicants who submit their applications by the early bird deadline of JUNE 24,2024. Vendor fees will be returned to applicants whose applications are not accepted.
3. Quality and Uniqueness: Your products must have a high level of quality. The festival aims to provide attendees with a diverse selection of unique and high-quality products. Limits will be placed on the same type of vendors. If you are interested in exclusivity, please call. 
4. Appropriateness: Your products must be appropriate for the event and align with the values of the festival. We reserve the right to refuse applications that do not align with the theme or promote controversial or offensive content. 
5. Spaces: Spaces are 10’x10’. Space needs must be clearly stated by vendors. If you wish to sell a space that includes trailers, trucks, etc., please include these details in the request for sale. If a vendor needs more space than indicated on the accepted app, they will be charged a penalty fee of the highest fee plus 10% and may lose their space. Consequently, if you decide to leave or decline placement, your vendor fees will not be refunded. You must provide your own equipment and setup. 
6. Presentation: Please provide a picture if available, as presentation is important. 
7. Responsibility: You will be responsible for adhering to any regulations or guidelines provided by the festival organizers to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. Vendors should dispose of trash/debris and grease products properly in order to avoid a summons. 
8. Fire Prevention: Vendors using a flame or generator 1) must pay an additional Fire Prevention fee of $54.00. Money Orders are to be payable to “MIDDLETOWN FIRE PREVENTION” 2) have Type “K” Fire Rated Extinguisher and 3) mobile units must have a fire suppression system. Click this link for app: SPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATION
9. Parking: Food Vendors in Lot 7. Unload at the entrance path closest to the vendor's locations, adjacent to Lot 7. Once unloaded you must remove your vehicle to the far-right corner of Lot 7.
10. Professional Conduct: Vendors are expected to maintain a high level of professionalism at all times. This includes being punctual, dressing appropriately, and demonstrating respectful behavior towards employees and customers. Vendors should also refrain from engaging in any form of discriminatory or offensive language or behavior.
11. Compliance with Safety Standards: Your products must comply with all relevant safety standards and be safe for consumption or use by attendees. There will be a removal of items that are not on the "allowed items" list. Outside of allowed vending spaces, merchandise, products, or information cannot be sold, solicited, promoted, or distributed. Our organization reserves the right to monitor vendor compliance with these rules. This may include conducting audits, inspections, or requesting documentation to verify compliance. Vendors are expected to cooperate fully with any compliance monitoring activities.
12. Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with these vendor rules may result in the termination of the vendor's contract and the discontinuation of any future business with our organization. Serious violations may also be reported to the appropriate authorities.