WELCOME COMMUNITY GROUP VENDORS!
Each year we anticipate 5,000 attendees to this annual event that honors the Coast Guard and celebrates our “Designated Coast Guard Community.” We welcome local Southern New Jersey nonprofit organizations the opportunity to join us and spread awareness of their cause. The more Coast Guard centered, the better!
Our goal is to create a welcoming environment with ample vendor choices for our attendees, as well as, allowing your organization the chance to shine.
FEES: There is NO VENDOR FEE for non-profits with educational, informational and/or hands-on displays. We encourage our non-profit groups to bring their own equipment including tables, chairs and tents. If equipment is needed, rental fees will apply.
Fee for non-profits with retail sales with advance approval: $50
Rent a Table and Chairs: $50
Rent a 10×10 Tent: $100
VENDOR TIMEFRAME:
Set-up: 7 to 8:30 AM
Festival Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM
Break-down: 4:30 PM
**PLEASE READ THE VENDOR GUIDELINES BELOW BEFORE APPLYING.**
COMMUNITY GROUP (NONPROFIT) VENDOR GUIDELINES
The annual Coast Guard Community Festival is anchored at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape (TRACEN). The Festival celebrates Cape May County’s designation as an official “Coast Guard Community” and recognizes the ongoing special relationship between the Coast Guard and our local communities. Vendors are invited to enhance the Festival atmosphere by providing high-quality food service and merchandise sales with a special emphasis on products related to the Coast Guard.
The Festival Organizers will approve all vendors to ensure consistency with the mission of the Festival and the Foundation. No political, confederate or rebel merchandise allowed. **Payment will be accepted once your application has been approved.**
GENERAL
- This event is open to the General Public and admission is FREE.
- The Festival is held on an Active Military Base. All rules and regulations must be followed at all times.
- A list of names of individuals entering the base as part of each vendor’s company will be required in advance of the Festival. Adults are required to have valid photo identification. Vehicles must have valid registration and insurance. Bags and containers are subject to search.
- Any vendor who misrepresents themselves on this application will be asked to leave the Festival.
- Once your application is accepted, fees are non-refundable for any reason including weather.
- If applicable, please checks payable to Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation, PO Box 1365, Rio Grande, NJ 08242.
- Coast Guard-themed merchandise is encouraged and preferred.
- Event organizers will not supply any equipment to vendors. If you bring your own tent, please review the guidelines.
- LIST OF STAFF – Please provide a list of your staff by one week prior to the event. Please email the names of the people who will be arriving prior to the start of the festival to set up your exhibit as well as those working for the day. THE COAST GUARD RUNS THIS LIST FOR SPECIAL CLEARANCE.
LOGISTICS
- Vendors are required to have their areas set-up by 9:30 AM and must remain until 4 PM. LATE SET-UP AND EARLY BREAKDOWN IS NOT ALLOWED. Materials or items may not be left on site.
- The Festival is a rain or shine event. There is no rain date. All vendor spaces are outdoors. No shelter will be provided. Vendors must be prepared for a full day outdoors with proper precautions taken to protect from weather-related issues (wind, sun, bugs, etc.)
- Vendors are encouraged to bring their own equipment and are responsible for properly securing it for wind by using weights (sandbags, concrete buckets, water jugs, etc.). Staking of tents is not allowed.
- Vendors may bring food for their own consumption during the day. This food cannot be offered for sale. Alcoholic beverages may not be brought on base.
- Parking will be provided in a designated area for one vehicle associated with the vendor. The vehicle must remain parked for the whole event. Vehicle movement is not allowed during the Festival.
- Spaces are typically 10’ x 10’
- Electrical hookups are available upon request.
- The location of your vendor space will be determined by the committee, and you will not be notified in advance of the event.
- The Festival does not assume responsibility for any loss or damage of property related to the vendor’s participation in the Festival.
- Vendors will be required to present a Certificate of Insurance naming Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation, PO Box 1365, Rio Grande, NJ 08242 as co-insured.
- *WI-FI is not available on site.
CONTENT OF EXHIBTS
- Local community groups and organizations are encouraged to provide educational and informational displays for the benefit of Coast Guard personnel and members of our community. The purpose of the exhibit should be to heighten awareness about community resources not to sell a particular good or service.
- Exhibits should be appropriate for all ages.
- The name of the community group should be prominently displayed on the exhibit.
FUNDRAISING & SALE OF MERCHANDISE
- Requests to sell goods must be made at the time of application. Only approved items may be sold.
- A $50 fee applies for merchandise sales and must be remitted in advance.
- Requests to conduct fundraising and/or donation drives to support community groups must be at the time of application. Requests will be reviewed and approved by the Festival Organizers.
This event is produced, hosted and funded by the Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation through the generous support of our individual donors, businesses and organizations.
The Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. EIN#47-3594081
