Food Vendor

1st Fridays on the Lawn – Food Vendors Wanted!

The City of Wilson – Human Relations Commission sponsors a city-wide annual concert series. The celebrations are held every first Friday, July-October. The concerts celebrate family fun and invite a variety of musical talent and local performance groups to entertain. The Human Relations Commission is searching for local food vendors desiring to sell food during the 2007 concert series.

Food vendors can expect an average of 300-400 citizens in attendance at each concert.  To maximize vendors’ time and efforts, we are limiting participation to approximately three vendors per concert.  Applications will be considered for type of food served, family based pricing and willingness to support community celebration. All vendors must be certified by the Wilson Health Department.

Due to the family focus of the concert series, each vendor must offer a “1st Friday Combo Meal.” The combo meal should offer at least 2 food items for a maximum price of $2. Remaining menu items and prices may vary.

Notwithstanding any other portion of this application, the Human Relations Office reserves the right to make any and all decisions regarding the participation of vendors.

Download and print a 1st Fridays Food Vendor application below.

Food Vendors General Information: 

  1. The Human Relations Office – Youth Council will conduct all sales of soft drinks and bottled water. Vendors may sell other drinks, but no sodas or bottled water. All food vendors may sell coffee, hot chocolate, tea, lemonade, etc., but no sodas, alcoholic beverages or bottled water.
  2. Applications will be considered on rolling bases. Once the vendor booths are full, vendors will be considered for the next concert date.
  3. Non-profit and commercial vendors are allowed.
  4. Approximately three vendors will be chosen for each concert date. Vendors will be chosen based on the variety of selections offered. We will not allow two vendors to sell the same main food items. 
  5. If your primary food item has already been spoken for and approved, you may select another primary item.
  6. A vending area will be established on the front lawn, for ease of utility distribution and safety measures. 
  7. Vendors must supply all equipment, tables, chairs, tents and signage for their space. 
  8. No amplified sound is allowed.
  9. All activity is confined to designated space.
  10. Space should be kept neat and clean in appearance.
  11. Vendors are encouraged to bring garbage containers for work areas.  City workers will assist with paper disposal through out the day.
  12. Do not pour grease, oil, soapy water or food debris on the ground or in public trash containers.  Each vendor is responsible for handling grease, oil, soapy water and food debris in the proper manner as described by the Health Department, and for removing it from the festival site at the end of the evening.
  13. Space assignments, additional information, parking instructions, parking permits and maps will be mailed to you prior to the concert date.
  14. The 1st Fridays on the Lawn concert series will be held rain or shine.  Should it rain, the concerts are moved to the Boykin Center, 108 West Nash Street, in Downtown Wilson.  We do not expect food vendors, or vendors needing outdoor space, to participate at the alternative rain location.  However, if your services can easily be set up indoors, in a relatively small space, the Human Relations Office will work with you to set up a table area inside the Boykin Center lobby or on the side walk just outside.  Vendors should mark their application accordingly.
  15. Preparing food outside requires strict preparation and storage procedures.  All Wilson County Department of Public Health state regulations regarding food preparation and procedures must be followed. Health Department staff will inspect booths/areas during the established set up time.  If vendors do not meet standards, the vendor will not be allowed to serve at the concert.  For more information concerning food preparation permit requirements, consult the Wilson County Health Department at (252) 291-0468.  NC state regulations that govern county health departments can be found at:  http://www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/ehs/rules/t15a-18a.26.pdf
  16. Set Up begins at 1 p.m. and should be completed by 4:30 p.m. Vendor must be ready for service by 4:30 p.m.
  17. Vendors may stop services at 9:45 p.m.  Breakdown may begin at the conclusion of the final concert performance, not prior, so that the performance and audience will not be distracted by noise.
  18. All booths must be manned at all times.

Downloads

1st Fridays Food Vendor Application 1st Fridays Food Vendor Application (78 KB)