2024 Food and Vendor Guidelines
Event Schedule and Requirements:
- The event spans two days. Vendors are expected to be present both days and should not dismantle their booths before the official end time on the last day. If an extreme emergency arises, such as a death in the family or an unexpected medical emergency, please contact a Chamber volunteer or staff member. Failure to notify may result in disqualification from future events.
- The event will proceed rain or shine. Please be prepared for adverse weather. The Chamber is not liable for any damage to tents or goods caused by weather. Vendors are advised to lower tents, pack goods in storage containers, and move them to vehicles if necessary to ensure protection.
Electricity and Registration:
- Electricity is limited and will incur a $10 fee. Requests must be made at the time of application and are provided on a first-come, first-served basis to those who have paid in full. Requests made on the day of the event may not be accommodated.
- Full payment is required to complete your registration. Without full payment, your space is not guaranteed, nor can we honor specific space requests.
- No refunds will be issued after July 31st.
- Registrations made after July 31st will include a $10 late fee. Payments must be made online or postmarked by July 31st to avoid a $5 late fee.
- Registrations will close two weeks before the event. A waitlist will be available for cancellations after that time. Those on the waitlist are not eligible for discounts, and payment is required immediately.
- A map of vendor spaces will be provided via email one week before the event. Any cancellations or substitutions after that time will not be reflected in the map.
Setup and Space Management:
- Check in with a volunteer or staff member upon arrival to confirm your assigned spot and provide your vehicle’s license plate number(s).
- Setup times are from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM on the Friday before the event and from 7:00 AM to 9:15 AM on the Saturday of the event. All booths should be ready by 9:30 AM.
- Vendors must supply their own tables, chairs, tents, etc.
- You are responsible for unloading, setting up, and breaking down your booth. For liability reasons, Chamber volunteers cannot assist.
- After unloading, please move your vehicle to the designated parking area before setting up your booth.
- If parked in a non-designated area, we will attempt to contact you to move your vehicle. If it is not moved, it will be towed at your expense.
- Stay within your assigned space and avoid encroaching on others’ spaces.
- Arrange your booth so you can easily access restrooms, etc., without disturbing neighboring vendors.
- Booths should be staffed at all times.
Vendor Categories:- The Arts & Crafts Committee, under the oversight of the Blackstone Chamber of Commerce, reserves the right to limit the number of vendors in specific categories (e.g., jewelry, wreaths, etc.). Priority will be given to unique and handcrafted items.
Food Vendors:
- All prepared foods must have a VDA inspection from the county where you reside and be appropriately labeled.
- Vendors preparing/cooking food onsite must comply with permitting requirements and have General Liability Insurance. Additionally, meal taxes to the county must be paid within 30 days of the event.
- Refunds will not be provided for failure to comply with Virginia Department of Agriculture or Virginia Health Department regulations.
- The Chamber will not accommodate requests to limit a food vendor’s menu.
General Agreement:- By completing the registration form, you agree to uphold the standards outlined above.