All food vendors are required to have either business liability insurance or event insurance (e.g., Thimble Event Insurance) specifically covering the day of the event. The Certificate of Insurance (COI) must list the venue (Carroll Creek/The City of Frederick) as additionally insured. Please ensure that COIs are submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date, as vendor spots will not be secured until this requirement is met. Questions? Email blackfrederickfestival@gmail.com

All food vendors must ensure their businesses are properly permitted and established with the state and/or county health departments to sell food, whether packaged or hot. If uncertain, please contact the Frederick County Health Department at 301-600-2542.

This event is subject to inspection by the health department, and it is the responsibility of all vendors to ensure compliance with inspection requirements. Vendors found non-compliant will not receive refunds on vendor fees.

Furthermore, vendors who knowingly violate local and state codes, rules, or guidelines set by the hosting organizations will be disqualified from future vending opportunities and will forfeit their vendor fees.

All vendors must comply with federal, state, and local laws, including all necessary permits and licensing requirements for operating their businesses and conducting merchandise sales. This includes adherence to copyright laws for artists who create and sell non-original designs. The same regulations apply as stated above.

We DO NOT accept businesses who represent Multi Level Marketing
(MLM) companies. Businesses must be completely independent and Black owned/co-owned.

As you prepare for the upcoming African American Festival, please take note of the following guidelines and responsibilities:

• Vendors must bring a 10x10 tent, tables, chairs, tent weights, and any other necessary items for their booth setup. If electricity is required, please specify this in your application.

• Entry for vendors to set up begins 1 hour before the event start time.

• Each vendor is responsible for their own setup and breakdown, although volunteers will be available to assist with loading and unloading.

• Load-in starts two hours prior to the event start time, and all vendors must be fully set up and ready for business 30 minutes before the event begins.

• Vendors are not permitted to dismantle their booths before the official end of the event.

• Please ensure you have enough products to sell throughout the entire duration of the event.

• By participating, vendors consent to the use of photos and/or videos taken at the event for promotional purposes.

• All vendors agree to promote the African American Festival using content provided by the event organizers; creating individual marketing materials for this purpose is prohibited.

• Consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs at vendor booths is strictly prohibited.

• The event will proceed rain or shine.

If you have any questions or require further clarification on these guidelines, please contact us directly.