2023 Food Vendor Application

The North Carolina Seafood Festival
October 6-8, 2023

Food Vendor Application*

Non-Refundable Application Processing Fee $50.00

*Please note Pre-Packaged food vendors require a NCSF ARTISAN APPLICATION. Food vendors are defined as booths in which food is prepared or assembled and is subject to Health Department safe handling requirements.

Welcome to the 37^th Annual NC Seafood Festival Application Process!

The North Carolina Seafood Festival (NCSF) has partnered with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Seafood Division (NCDA) and Carteret Catch to promote the Crystal Coast’s greatest asset: North Carolina harvested seafood. The overwhelming public demand for locally caught seafood goes hand in hand with the “Eat Local” movement which people are embracing and seeking more natural, local products. People want to know what, and from where, they are eating. The NCSF is dedicated to educating the public on what seafood is available in North Carolina waters and offering full support to our economy vital commercial fishing fleet.

Vendors selling North Carolina harvested seafood will be given the following considerations:

First consideration on booth acceptance and placement.
A "Fresh. Local. Got to be NC Seafood" bow banner displayed at your booth.
NCSF social media will do spotlight features on those vendors displaying the flag in the run up to and during festival weekend and will promote the fresh seafood flags in general which in return will draw more people to your booth.
Your booth will be highlighted in the print tabloid and marked on all festival maps which will be delivered to local residents, businesses and available to the visiting public at our Information Booth and through the NCSF app.

If vendors agree to sell North Carolina harvested seafood, purchases must be validated with the NCSF office by forwarding a copy of the invoice or purchase order no later than September 15^th for inclusion in the tabloid publishing. After the September 15^th deadline, all other perks still apply.

We are working with area wholesalers and fishermen to help all vendors find the product desired at a reasonable price. A vetted list of these providers is attached and will also be included in your vendor packet but further negotiations will be between the provider and NCSF vendor. Vendors may also purchase directly from local fishermen provided they are licensed to sell to the public. In order to be allowed to fly a “Fresh.Local.” flag, you must purchase ample supply of this product to reasonably cover sales for three days. If you have questions, please contact the NCSF Office at 252‑726‑6273 or via email at vendor@ncseafoodfestival.org.

We have no objection to vendors offering a wholesaler display space within your booth for the provider’s sign and/or business information if this will help vendors negotiate a satisfactory price.

Application Process

Your application will not be considered by the Vendor Committee unless fee, tax or registration number, and all other requested materials are included with the application. Payments by credit card are subject to 3% processing fee plus local and state taxes.

Online applications are received immediately and reviewed upon receipt. If you prefer to pay by check, please return to the Vendor page, print out the posted pdf Vender Application form to fill out by hand and mail with your check made out to NC Seafood Festival. The application fee must be paid by separate check—do not include any booth fees. If you are a returning vendor and want to include your booth fees, they must be on a separate check from the application fee. There is a $35 fee for all returned checks.

REFUNDS: FORCE MAJEURE

Vendors will not hold the Festival participants, directors, volunteers, employees, Town of Morehead City, or Festival sponsors responsible for claims, losses, fees, damages or expense. The Festival will not refund fees due to inclement weather, pandemics, government action, strikes, terrorism acts, or other matters beyond its control, including but not limited to cancellation of the festival due to a direct result of a natural or unforeseen disaster which renders the festival unable to continue, whether for safety or monetary purposes.

If accepted, you will be notified by the Festival office via email from address vendor@ncseafoodfestival.org. Please make sure this address is added to your contacts for acceptance. You will be given (10) working days from date of notice to make payment in full for your requested number of booth spaces plus any electrical set-up and insurance coverage requested. Booth costs are non-refundable.

Please Read the Vendor Policies & Regulations, Town of Morehead City Fire Department Requirements and the Carteret County Health Department TPE Permit Requirements. By submitting this application you are signifying your agreement that you have read and fully understood these policies and will abide by all stated rules and satisfy all requirements should you be accepted as vendor for the 37th Annual NC Seafood Festival, 2023 or risk being denied set‑up or being removed from the Festival grounds with no refunds given.

Official Booth Name

Please give name as to be listed

Vendor Information

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Must select to receive Festival communications:

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State

Postal Code

Phone Number

North Carolina Sales & Use Tax or Certificate of Registration Number

No application will be accepted without this #

Provide social media address (if applicable) for your business - website, Face Book, Twitter, etc.

Attending Booth Contact if different from Vendor:

Include full name and mobile phone number

Emergency Contact in case of accident or no-contact absence:

Include full name and mobile phone number

Have you previously been a vendor at the NC Seafood Festival

If yes, which years?

New Vendors please list your largest and/or most recent past three events attended:

Please list event, location, month and year

Booth Space Selection

Booths are allotted in 10’ x 10’ marked and numbered spaces. Trailers, trucks, tents, vans, buses, etc. must not exceed 10 feet in length including the tongue. A second booth is required if the length of the vehicle including the tongue exceeds 10 feet in length. No incremental spaces are allowed to cover any amounts more then 10 feet but less than 20 feet. All signs, banners, product stands, displays and any additional inventory for resupply are limited to the 10’x10’ booth dimensions. No encroachment upon foot traffic space in front of, or the fire compliance space between booths allowed.

To qualify for the non-profit rate, vendors must provide non-profit status documentation. Preference will be given to North Carolina seafood vendors.

Please select the vendor space that best matches your booth:

Note: Cost is per (1) 10'x10' booth space

Number 10'x10' Spaces Requested

Description of Booth

Size of Booth/Tent/Trailer (LxWxH)

Booth Picture Download

Setting Up

How long does it take for you to set up your booth?

Do you plan to keep your booth open into the evening? This is important to know for booth placement

Vendor Insurance Coverage Through West Bend Mutual Insurance

All vendors are required to carry liability coverage with a minimum amount as indicated below. Coverage can be purchased for festival weekend through the Festival’s insurance company for $100.00 per vendor. Coverage is for liability only and does not cover your property in the event of damage or theft.

$1,000,000 Products & Completed Operations

$2,000,000 Products Aggregate Limit

Do you wish to purchase liability insurance coverage from West Bend Mutual Insurance?

Cost is $100.00 per vendor

If no, please provide a current Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI) from your insurance company listing as an additional insured:

NC Seafood Festival

412-D Evans Street

Morehead City, NC 28557

No vendor without a current COI on file will be allowed to set up Festival weekend.

Electrical Service Set-Up

Do you require electrical service?

Electrical Needs

MAXIMUM POWER PER VENDOR BOOTH IS 50 AMPS
Look at the name plate rating located on each piece of equipment to determine the amperage needed for that item
If you have a trailer that comes with a cord, select from the list below. It must be a ground faulted connection with a 120 volt outlet.
Direct Wire Service requires special arrangements, may not be available depending on location, and is not encouraged.

Based on OSHA regulations, you must have 100 consecutive feet of grounded #12 wire extension cord in good condition with three conductors.

NOTE: temporary power loss or surges are not uncommon. Proper action should be taken by the vendor to protect any sensitive equipment. For all services of 30 amps and above, a photo of your electrical plug should be included with your application. Absolutely No electrical cords, lights or surge protectors will be provided by the Festival.

Number of 120 v outlets required

Number of 220 V - 30 amp service

Number of 220 V - 50 amp service

List all items requiring power within your booth

Internet Needs

Do you require secured wireless internet service?

How many devices will you be using?

Contractual Obligations

Selection Process: Each application is juried by the NC Seafood Festival Vendor Committee. All vendors will be notified of their status in a timely manner. All Notifications and communications will be provided by email. Included Payments for space and/or services will be held until acceptance is granted. Any payments from unapproved vendors will be returned via USPS. Application fee is non-refundable.

Security: Vendors may leave product in their tent overnight at their own risk. Damage or loss will be the responsibility of the vendor.

Restocking and Vendor Parking: No vehicles will be allowed to enter the Festival footprint after 11:00 am Friday until vendor move-out at 6:00 pm Sunday. Vendors are encouraged to bring hand-carts for restocking items each day. Extra inventory must fit within the confines of the contracted space. Free parking is offered at the State Port, Saturday and Sunday only.

Publicity: In consideration of acceptance of entry into the NCFS, the entrant agrees to permit the NCSF to use their name, photographs, films or other likeness of participants, their wares, and booth set up for publicity, advertising and commercial promotion, before, during and after the Festival and gives permission to publish or dispose of same.

Waiver of Liability: Participation in the North Carolina Seafood Festival shall be at the participant’s own risk. The North Carolina Seafood Festival, its Officers, Directors and/or Agents shall not be liable of any damages arising from personal injuries or damages sustained by the participant in or during active or passive participation in the aforementioned event. Participant hereby warrants there is no disability, impairment or ailment that would prevent active or passive engagement in the event, nor will it be detrimental to participant health, safety, physical or mental condition if he/she/they so participates. Participant assumes full responsibility for any injuries or damages, and does hereby release and discharge the North Carolina Seafood Festival, its Officers, Directors and/or Agents from any and all claims, demands, damage, rights or causes of action present or future resulting from participation in the North Carolina Seafood Festival at Morehead City, NC.

By submitting this application, you are confirming that you have read and fully understand and agree to all terms within the Vendor Application, Policies & Regulations, Carteret County Health Department TFE Permit requirements and MHFD Fire Code Addendum or risk being denied set‑up or being removed from the Festival grounds.

I have read the NC Seafood Festival Rules & Regulations and Fire Marshal Requirements
*

I have read the MCFD Fire Marshal requirements
*

I have read Carteret County TFE Permit Requirements
*

Going Forward

2023 NC Seafood Market List
Click here to source fresh local seafood *

Indicate any additional information concerning your booth that the vendor committee should consider

Submit