Become a Vendor

COAST GUARD COMMUNITY FESTIVAL - MAY 16, 2026

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Apply to be a Vendor

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 vendors to join us and strive to create a food court and marketplace that offers various unique menus and merchandise with little duplication. We also welcome other nonprofit organizations the opportunity to join us and spread awareness of their cause.

Our goal is to create a welcoming environment with ample choices for our attendees as well as allowing for your business to shine.

Vendor spaces are limited and will be granted by application only. **Payment will be accepted once your application has been approved.

Application deadline: April 25, 2026.

Apply to be a Food Vendor
Apply to be a Merchandise Vendor
Apply to be a Community Vendor

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

  • The General Public is invited to attend. 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.
  • Make checks payable to Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation.
  • Coast Guard-themed merchandise is encouraged and preferred.
  • Spaces are typically 10’ x 10’ with electrical hookups available upon request.

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.
  • 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” as co-insured.
  • All Vendors must provide a LIST OF STAFF one week prior to the event. Please list the names of all staff setting up your exhibit and working throughout the day of the event. THE COAST GUARD RUNS THIS LIST FOR SPECIAL CLEARANCE.
    *WI-FI not available on site.

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