You all continue to be an important part of our event and we value you greatly. You bring a lot of variety and color to the park and provide a wholesome place where folks can come and enjoy eating, shopping, “just looking” and enjoying the festive atmosphere that you help provide. We are, like every venue, limited by many factors. We can’t give everyone the “perfect spot,” though last year many of you told me you had the “perfect spot,” and wanted it again this year. I was very happy to hear that and will accommodate you all I can.
All you wonderful food vendors will be located on either side of E. Court Street as usual because that is where the bulk of our electrical power and water supplies are located. It also levels the playing field if all food vendors are located in the same area. I try to follow the “car dealership” approach. If all the car lots are located next to one another, it makes it easier for the person looking for a car to find a car. So, having a “food court” makes it easy for hungry folks to find you.
For those of you who are contemplating joining us, I am always happy to have new faces and new offerings. It can be challenging sometimes for new food vendors, especially, to be accepted because we do give first preference to our long-term vendors. Early applications with unique menus, particularly ethnic foods, are given strong consideration. I try to have a good balance so that there are lots of choices for your customers, and this means that I try not to duplicate very similar items, particularly if that is the only item being offered by a vendor. I want everyone to be treated fairly, but I do have the final say on what may or may not be sold. I do this to protect your interests as well as provide attendees with variety and a great experience shopping with you. If you are a new vendor, I encourage you to e-mail or call me before you send in your application and be sure to include pictures of your set-up when you apply.
We have a new festival website this year that focuses on the festival side of things and our webmaster assures me that even I will be able to add your pretty pictures and promotional material to our website as soon as you are accepted if you include your pictures and sign the promotional release that is in the vendor packets. It helps us promote your products and it adds a lot of color and interest to our website.
We will still have continuous top-notch entertainment on stage and all the regular activities, such as Kids’ Day, Battle of the Bluegrass Bands, Fire Departments’ Hose Competition, etc. as well as something new here and there to draw folks to City Park. (For those unfamiliar with our event, the National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Festival handles ONLY the facilities in City Park. Memorial Park vendors are not handled by us.) I look forward to hearing from you soon. It always amazes me how quickly everything starts to happen after the new year turns over. Call or email me (festival@fiddlecontest.com) if you have questions. I can’t wait to see you all.! Hope your year has gone well.
Best regards,
Sandra Cooper
Festival Director
(208) 414-0255
