2026 St. Louis African Arts Festival
Food & Drink Vendor Rules and Regulations

The St. Louis African Arts Festival (STLAAF) reserves the right to approve or deny any food vendor or menu item. All menu items must be approved in advance. Menu additions or substitutions must be submitted and approved no later than fourteen (14) days prior to the Festival. Sale of unapproved items will result in immediate cessation of sales, forfeiture of the Vendor Security Deposit, possible removal from the Festival, and disqualification from future participation.

By participating, Food Vendors agree to comply with all STLAAF policies, the Vendor Security Deposit Policy, and all applicable health and safety regulations.

Food Vendor Requirements

• Vendors must be fully open and ready to serve by 10:00 AM each Festival day.
• All food must be prepared on-site in compliance with City of St. Louis Health Department regulations.
• Only approved menu items may be sold. No substitutions or additions without written approval.
• Sales of bottled water and all alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited.
• Individual generators are not allowed.
• Valid food permits are required and will be verified daily by the City of St. Louis Health Department. Vendors are responsible for applying for permits with the St. Louis City Food and Beverage Control Program: (314) 657-1539
• Propane or open-flame cooking must be disclosed in the application and permitted by the City and STLAAF no later than the Monday prior to the Festival.

Environmental and Cleanup Requirements

• Vendors must operate in an environmentally responsible manner.
• Recyclable or compostable food service items are required.
• Styrofoam and #6 plastics are prohibited.
• Food booths will be inspected daily before opening and during operation.
• A $40.00 refundable Environmental Compliance Deposit is required, payable by separate money order. Non-compliance results in forfeiture.

Enforcement

Failure to comply with these rules may result in:

• Warning or suspension of sales
• Booth shutdown or removal from the Festival
• Forfeiture of Security Deposit and/or Environmental Compliance Deposit
• Disqualification from future STLAAF events

All enforcement decisions by the STLAAF are final and non-appealable.

St. Louis African Arts Festival

Vendor Policy

1) Merchandise Approval and Refund Policy

• The St. Louis African Arts Festival Committee reserves the right to review and approve all food vendors and menu items. Vendors are solely responsible for ensuring that all food offerings comply with festival requirements and applicable health regulations. All vendor fees are non-refundable, regardless of approval status or participation.

2) Liability Waiver

• Vendors acknowledge that the African Heritage Association, the St. Louis African Arts Festival Committee, volunteers, and affiliated parties are not liable for any personal injury, property damage, loss, or theft occurring before, during, or after the Festival.

3) Independent Contractor Status

• Vendors participate as independent contractors only. No employment, partnership, or agency relationship is created by participation in the Festival.

4) Vendor Responsibility and Indemnification

• Vendors assume full responsibility for all merchandise sold and business activities conducted. Vendors are responsible for all required licenses, permits, fees, and taxes. Vendors agree to indemnify and hold harmless the African Heritage Association, the Festival Committee, volunteers, the City of St. Louis, and all co-sponsoring organizations from any claims or damages arising from participation.

5) Trash and Booth Cleanliness

• Vendors must keep their assigned area clean and remove all trash daily, using designated Festival trash and recycling receptacles.

6) Loss and Theft Disclaimer

• The St. Louis African Arts Festival assumes no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to vendor merchandise, equipment, or personal property.

2026 St. Louis African Arts Festival (STLAAF)
Vendor Security Deposit Policy

To participate in the 2026 St. Louis African Arts Festival (STLAAF), all approved vendors are required to submit a $300.00 Vendor Security Deposit. This Security Deposit is intended to protect the Festival against damage to festival grounds, vendor spaces, equipment, and other festival-provided property, as well as violations of Festival policies, rules, or agreements.

1. Security Deposit Requirement and Payment

• A $300.00 Security Deposit is mandatory for all vendors and must be submitted as part of the 2026 STLAAF registration process.
• Payment must be made by Cashier’s Check or Money Order only.
• Security Deposits must be submitted in person on Friday, May 22, 2026. Vendors who fail to submit the Security Deposit by this date may be denied booth access.

2. Security Deposit Refund Procedures

For the avoidance of doubt, the Security Deposit and $40.00 Eco Fee are the only amounts subject to refund under the Security Deposit Policy.

In-Person Refunds

• Security Deposits may be refunded in person at the conclusion of the Festival, no later than 9:00 PM on Monday, May 25, 2026.
• Vendors must present valid government-issued identification to receive an in-person refund.

Mailed Refunds

• Vendors who do not collect their Security Deposit in person will have their refund mailed within seven (7) business days after the close of the festival to the mailing address listed on their Vendor Application.
• Vendors are solely responsible for ensuring that their mailing address is accurate.
• The Festival is not responsible for delays or losses resulting from incorrect or outdated address information.

3. Conditions for Security Deposit Refund

To receive a refund of the Security Deposit, vendors must fully comply with all Festival requirements. No partial refunds will be issued. Vendors must:

• Comply with all 2026 STLAAF rules, regulations, and vendor agreements.
• Maintain their assigned vendor space in good condition and cause no damage to the festival grounds or property, including, but not limited to, tents, flooring, tables, electrical equipment, or surrounding areas.
• Completely clear and clean their vendor space at the conclusion of the Festival, removing all merchandise, equipment, trash, and personal belongings.
• Adhere to the Festival schedule. The Festival ends at 6:00 PM on Monday, May 25, 2026, and all vendors must vacate the premises no later than 10:00 PM.
• Departure must not disrupt Festival operations, staff, or attendees.
• Avoid any violations of Festival policies, including but not limited to unauthorized sales, prohibited activities, or breaches of vendor conduct or operational rules.

4. Forfeiture of Security Deposit

• Failure to meet any of the conditions outlined in this policy will result in full forfeiture of the Vendor Security Deposit. STLAAF’s decision regarding the Vendor Security Deposit forfeiture is binding and final.