Festival Rules, Guidelines, and Application Instructions
Exhibitor Fees
- Artists & Craftspeople: $100 (Local Mitchell County or Previous Year Vendors $80)
- Commercial Vendors (Products/Services): $100 (Local Mitchell County Commercial Vendors $75)
- Food Vendors: $125 (Local Mitchell County or Previous Year Food Vendors $100)
- Snack Vendors: $75
- Non-Profits: $25
At the upcoming Bakersville events, we give preference to art & craft that is original and created solely by the displaying individual. Exhibitors must check in (with proper ID) at the registration table by the gate before setting up. All exhibit spaces will be assigned, and exhibitors will be directed to their booth space upon check-in. It’s essential that exhibitors staff their booth at all times during festival hours. Booth sitters will be provided for short breaks as needed. Exhibit spaces accommodate 10'x10' tents ONLY.
Every effort will be made to accommodate special requests for exhibit space assignments, but this cannot be guaranteed. Vendor vehicles will not be permitted to remain parked on the football field during the Rhododendron Festival. All vendor vehicles must be moved to the designated parking area by 10:30 AM on Friday, June 20. Clear signage and volunteers will assist with directions.
Please note that access to electricity will not be as simple as in years past due to the new location. Be sure to bring extra extension cords to ensure you can reach available outlets. If you did not indicate a need for electricity on your vendor application, your booth will most likely not have access to power.
Each exhibitor is responsible for collecting and remitting NC sales tax of 7.75% AND, as per NC Gen. Stat. § 66-255, each exhibitor MUST display this document prominently in their tent. An accepted application is a commitment to show, and no refunds will be made for cancellation. Exhibitors who do not show will not be re-invited.
ALL pets must be on a leash no longer than 3 feet, and pet owners must clean up after their pets. Citations will be issued if owners do not comply. Exhibitors must provide their own means of display, and each exhibitor shall be responsible for their own display in case of damage or loss.
Exhibits may be set up on Thursday afternoon between 5 pm and 7 pm (no earlier, or later) or on Friday between 8 am and 10 am. All exhibits must be completely set up by 10 am Friday and must remain in place until the show ends at 5 pm. No tear-down before closing time - this is unfair to your fellow exhibitors.
The event space has very limited shade, so vendors are encouraged to bring their own pop-up tents to stay cool and protected from the sun. Evening security will be provided on-site Friday night for vendors who choose to leave their booths set up overnight. Due to limited space and event layout, food truck vendors will not be able to move their units off the property on Friday night. Please plan accordingly.
Saturday Evening Departure Notice: The festival coincides with the NC Rhododendron Festival Pageant, which begins shortly after the vendor event. To avoid being blocked in by pageant traffic, all vendors must be off the field by 5:30 PM on Saturday. After this time, vehicle access may be restricted until approximately 11:00 PM.
Please note that as per N.C. Gen. Stat. § 66-255, everyone who sells tangible property at a festival is required to collect and remit NC state & county sales tax, and to have and display their Sales & Use Tax Certificate of Registration at their booth. Failure to comply with this statute is a Class 1 Misdemeanor offence and the individual can be charged as such. If you don’t have a number, registration is free and can be completed here.