Vending Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started?
Festevents generally only accepts vendors with experience. References from major event production companies, or similar venues, are usually required. Exceptions from this requirement are occasionally granted. Vendors must have their own equipment, including a professionally made tent in good condition. The standard tent size is 10' x 10' for retail and 15' x 15' for food, but we can accommodate almost any size operation. Festevents does not provide any equipment but can refer vendors to area rental companies. Commercial trailers, including carnival and marquee styles, are generally accepted only at Norfolk Harborfest and Virginia Children's Festival. Trailer exceptions will be made for other festivals only after notification and review of special circumstances (i.e. Weight, Dimensions, etc.).
How much does it cost?
Costs depend on the duration of the event (from 4 hours up to 3 days), expected attendance (from 1,000 to 500,000), size of operation (from pushcart to 20' x 20') and products offered for sale. Upon acceptance, fees start at $100.00 for retail and $125 plus 10% of sales after taxes for food. Exact fees are included with each application packet.
How many vendors will attend each event?
Exact figures vary for each event depending on attendance. We do not over sell the event, and try to give each vendor every opportunity to be successful.
How many guests will attend each event?
Attendance estimates are given on the application request form and are included in each application packet. These are real estimates.
How do I apply?
Fill out the application request form indicating which events you'd like to participate in. We'll send you the applications promptly. Our Concessions Committee will select the vendors based on quality and variety of products, site appearance, past experience and originality.
Do I have to sign a contract?
An officer of your company must sign a standard lease agreement with the City of Norfolk. This lease agreement protects each of us from any legal circumstances that may arise from your company's participation.
Do I need insurance?
Every vendor must carry liability insurance with minimum policy limits for damage to property. The minimum policy limits vary and will be included in your application packet. Insurance must include products liability. Upon acceptance into an event, the City of Norfolk, Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Norfolk Festevents, Ltd., their agents, volunteers, officers and employees must be named as additional insured.
What permits do I need?
Upon acceptance into an event, every vendor needs a license to do business in the City of Norfolk. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue at 757-441-2271 for more information regarding a business license and tax payments. Upon acceptance, every food vendor must have a temporary food permit on file with the Norfolk Department of Public Health. Contact the Norfolk Dept. of Public Health at 757-683-2700 for more information regarding a temporary food permit. Participation in any event is contingent upon meeting the requirements of these two City of Norfolk departments.
Does Festevents have ice available?
We will have ice available for sale at every event. Arrangements for payment will be made upon your acceptance into an event. Of course, you can bring ice with you, if you'd like. We offer ice on-site as a convenience to our food vendors, but not as a source of income. Park power limits make it impractical for a food vendor to operate an ice machine on-site.
Do any sponsors have exclusive sales rights?
Festevents will attempt to secure sponsors in the soft drink, bottled water and bread categories. Festevents reserves the right to secure and offer exclusive rights to sponsors in any other category. Upon acceptance into an event, you will be notified of our sponsors' exclusive sales rights and you will be required to purchase only these items if you choose to serve them.
