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Food/Beverage Vendor Application 

We are so glad you're interested in applying! Please read the following information carefully before filling out the form below, OR download the paper application by clicking HERE.

Note - this is the last year a paper application method will be accepted. Only online/digital applications will be accepted starting in 2025.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

The Charles City Art-a-Fest is a juried festival for up to 50 local and regional artists, as well as food and service vendors, and non-profit organizations that support the arts or align with the mission of Art-a-Fest. This festival fulfills an important role in the community and surrounding areas by supporting and celebrating local and regional artists. Our goal is to make the arts accessible to all members of our community during this one-day, free event. With interactive arts activities for children, live performing artists, and delicious food from a variety of local and regional vendors, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

 

The 51st annual Art-a-Fest will be held Saturday, August 17 from 10 AM - 4 PM in Central Park, Charles City, IA. Early sponsor shopping will begin at 9AM, an hour before the show opens.

 

Deadline to apply: EXTENDED to June 14, 2024

Application fee: $50

Jury date: June 1-15, 2024

Notification of acceptance: by June 16, 2024

 

APPLICATION FEE

An entry fee of $50 is required upon submission of the application and includes reservation of a designated space for accepted vendors. The entry fee will be fully refunded to any vendor not accepted, so long as the application was submitted by the May 31 deadline. Late entries may be accepted with a late fee for a short duration after the deadline if space is available. Accepted vendor fees are non-refundable. Payment will not be refunded in the rare event Art-a-Fest is canceled due to extreme weather. Accepted vendors may be required to coordinate with the Charles City Clerk and obtain a day permit for vendor operation during Art-a-Fest unless a permit is already on file. The additional cost for a day permit will be $25, and instructions and paperwork will be provided for vendors who are accepted to participate.

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JURY DETAILS

At least 3 quality images that represent the vendor are required upon submission of the application. The images will serve as part of the criteria used for selection by jurors, and may include the vendor logo, food truck setup, and a menu or picture of cuisine that will be offered during Art-a-Fest. A panel of 4-5 jurors, comprised of local and regional members of the art community, will review images and information submitted with the application. Food vendor applications will be prioritized by the order in which they were received, in case of multiple applications for the same type of cuisine.

 

All decisions of the jury are final. The jury process is closed. All images submitted may be used for purposes of advertising the event and participating artists.

 

FESTIVAL SETUP & PARTICIPATION

If accepted, vendors will receive a map of the festival with an assigned setup location. It is essential that participants include any special requests with the application, including specific locations for loading/unloading requirements, previous setup locations, electrical requirements, etc. The layout of Art-a-Fest changes from year to year, so we will do our best to honor requests, but no placement or location is guaranteed.

 

Event check in starts at 7am, but participants can begin setting up anytime Friday night or Saturday morning. There is no park security. Vendors must furnish tables, chairs, and any other setup items. Electricity is available but limited, and vendors will be granted priority based on order of applications received. As this event is outdoors, please be prepared for adverse weather (including wind). All vendors are expected to stay for the duration of the event. Tear down occurs immediately following the conclusion of Art-a-Fest. Late arrival or early departure may affect whether an invitation is extended for future participation.

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*Add charlescityartafest@gmail.com to your trusted email contacts, so confirmation emails and other notifications don't end up in your spam folder!*

Do you have an active business permit/license for Charles City, IA?

All mobile food vendors MUST have an approved permit on file with City Hall to operate in the city of Charles City, IA. If you do not have one, extra paperwork and a fee of $25 will be required to obtain one from the City Clerk. Follow up instructions and paperwork will be sent to accepted vendors, if needed.

Please submit 3-5 color images with your application. Images should represent your business and the cuisine you offer.

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By clicking the "Accept" button below, you are acknowledging that the information supplied is correct, and that you have a valid Iowa tax permit to participate.

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Thanks for Applying!

You will be redirected to submit payment in order to complete your application. Your application will not be submitted unless payment is made. 

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