Food Booth Application

The Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair Board of Directors invites you to apply to participate in the Annual Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair.  Old fashioned fun, food, entertainment, games, arts and crafts and community displays make this a wonderful community event.

DEADLINE: Food Booth applications are due August 12th.  

To apply for the Non-Alcoholic Beverage Lottery, please go to www.mbfair.org. Applications for the Soda/Water Lottery are due June 12th.

All Participation Fees and Health Department Paperwork due August 31st.

Food Booth Information

The Food Booths at the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair are a mix of old and new.  Several organizations have hosted a Food Booth for many years in a row and each year there are new groups who recognize this unique fundraising opportunity and apply to participate.

On average, there are 50+ local charitable organizations who apply to host a Food Booth.  For many this is a primary source of funding for their groups cause. 

The Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair Board of Directors strives to enhance the event each year to provide opportunities for our local charitable groups to thrive.  

Food Vendor Qualifications

Local, charitable organizations which are non-profit and have 501(c)3 status, are eligible to apply.  Preference is given to organizations that directly contribute to the Manhattan Beach community.  Commercial food vendors will not be accepted unless all profits are being donated to a non-profit organization. 

To maximize the fundraising opportunities for every group and to avoid duplication, only one food type (with the exception of beverages) will be allowed on Live Oak and Dorsey Fields.  In addition, organizations are only allowed to sell the food item(s) for which they've been approved, no exceptions.  For example, a group selling hot dogs may not also sell water. 

Applications are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

Participation Fees
The Base fee for a '10x10' (Single) Booth space is $95 for a Manhattan Beach Non-Proft Organization and $120 for an Outside Manhattan Beach Non-Profit Organization. If your​ organization operated a booth during the 2021 fair and would like to reserve the same space, there is a $50 fee and it is strongly encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

The qualifications for the county's fee exemption have changed.  In 2022, booths selling prepared or pre-packaged items are required to pay a county permit fee of ~$184 to sell and prepare items and ~$82 to sell pre-packaged items. Note, this in addition to the MBHTF registration fee.  The MBHTF Board is seeing rising costs across the board, but we will be offering a registration discount to help the community.  We will provide the necessary Health Department paperwork as well as other fair weekend specifics once your application is submitted and accepted.

The Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair Board of Directors strives to keep fees at a minimum so that local charitable organizations can reap the benefits of this unique fundraising opportunity.  In paying the base registration fee, each organization will be provided with appropriate space for their food or beverage booth.  Each organization is required to supply all equipment necessary to meet L.A. County Health Department regulations, including items such as a canopy that is enclosed on three sides, *appropriate ground covering*, hand washing station, tables, chairs, utensils and other supplies necessary to operate the booth.

The Health Department requires all operators to have a ground covering the same size as the booth. The covering needs to be solid and securely fastened to avoid a tripping hazard. 

We are continuing our efforts to be environmentally conscious and taking strides to be 'green'.  

Once payment is processed, please continue with application below.  Click "Submit" at the bottom of this page to complete your order.

Indemnification Statement

"The undersigned agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair Association, the Board of Directors, and the City of Manhattan Beach and its elective or appointive boards, officers, agents, attorneys and employees from any and all claims, liabilities, expenses, or damages of any nature, including attorney fees arising out of, or in any way connected with performance of, the Agreement by the undersigned, the undersigned’s agents, officers, employees, subcontractors, or independent contractors hired by the undersigned. This indemnity shall apply to all claims and liability regardless of whether any insurance policies are applicable. The policy limits do not act as a limitation upon the amount of indemnification to be provided by the undersigned."

L.A. County Health Department Compliance

Complying with the regulations set forth by the L.A. County Health Department is critically important to provide safe, enjoyable event for all.  To that end, all food booth vendors will be required to apply for a temporary health permit by completing the L.A. County "Plan and Application for Temporary Event Sponsor" form which will be made available following the submission and approval of your registration.   

All food vendors must supply all equipment necessary to meet L.A. County Health Department regulations, including a canopy that is enclosed on three sides, appropriate ground covering, a hand washing station set inside the canopy, proper equipment for storage and serving food, etc.

Additionally the L.A.County Health Department requires groups to provide proof of their non profit/501(c)3 status to avoid paying an additional fee.  Such written documentation must be provided if this is not already on file with the MBHF Food Chair 

City of Manhattan Beach Sustainability Compliance

The purpose of Municipal Code Section 5.80 is to regulate the use of certain polystyrene products and single-use plastic and other single use products in order to protect the health of Manhattan Beach citizens and promote environmentally sustainable practices in the City.

·         Eliminate Single-Use Plastic: Plastic disposable straws, utensils, and stirrers distributed by food providers, whether for use on-site, to-go, or delivery, cannot be of plastic origin.

·         Disposable straws, stirrers, and utensils must be made from non-plastic materials, including but not limited to paper, sugar cane, wood, or bamboo.

·         Polystyrene #6 egg cartons, produce trays and packing materials are prohibited.

Violation of this municipal code could result in the following fines:

·         Not exceeding $100 for the first violation

·         Not exceeding $200 for the second violation

·         Not exceeding $500 for the third violation

 For more information, please go to: https://www.citymb.info/PlasticFreeMB

Fire Department Regulations

The Manhattan Beach Fire Department requires that all tents in excess of 200 sq. ft. and all canopies in excess of 400 sq. ft. shall have all coverings and sidings made of flame retardant material.  For further information contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at (310) 545-5621, ext. 255.

ANY BOOTH NOT IN COMPLIANCE MAY BE CLOSED UNTIL
APPROPRIATE CORRECTIONS ARE MADE.

Proof of Liability Insurance Coverage

A Certificate of Liability will be required from each vendor that demonstrated insurance coverage for the event.  Further details on actual requirements will be forthcoming, along with options for where to by the coverage for a nominal cost, should your organization not curently have it.  If your organization is affiliated with the Manahttan Beach Unified School District, it is likely that an exsisting umbrella policy would provide coverage, however a copy of that certificate is required.  Other parent organizations may also have an umbrella policy, so please check before processing your own.

*COVID-19 (Coronavirus) UPDATE

The health and safety of our community is our highest priority. We stand by CDC recommendations, government mandates and directives from the city of Manhattan Beach.  If our plans change, you will be notified immediately.      

Refund Policy

Refunds are available ONLY if the event is cancelled.  Organizations will be encouraged to apply their funds as a deposit for 2023.  The processing fee of $14.99 is non-refundable.  If you apply your funds to the following year, you lock-in current pricing and will not have to pay a secondary processing fee. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Thanks again – from the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair Association Board of Directors.

Security Details

Overnight Security will be provided Friday and Saturday nights, however, each organization is responsible for its booth.  The MBHF is not responsible for loss by, or damage to any vendor, equipment, inventory and/or materials.

Failure to comply can result in closure and may exclude your participation in future fairs. By sumbmitting your application, you're consenting to receive marketing emails from the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair Association.  You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribeTM link found at the bottom of every Constant Contact email.  If you have any questions, please send an email.  Thank you!