I RESPECT BLACK FESTIVAL

Vendor Invitation
Be Part of the I Respect Black Festival
JCW & Associates, former co-organizer of Juneteenth 253, MOSAIC formerly known as Ethnic Fest, and Tacoma 4th of July Summer Blast, in association with the Tac City Bolts Foundation, invites you to participate as a vendor at the I Respect Black Festival.

The festival will take place:

July 25 & 26, 2026
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wright Park | Tacoma, Washington

The I Respect Black Festival is more than an event. It is a powerful community-centered celebration rooted in respect, unity, healing, culture, family, and community restoration. Our tagline, “Change Begins With Us,” reflects the belief that positive transformation begins when individuals choose to uplift, support, protect, and invest in one another.

The name I Respect Black is not a message of division or exclusion. It is a declaration of dignity, accountability, compassion, and respect. The “I” is intentional. It means respect begins personally. Anyone, of any race, creed, color, or background, can stand with this message and help build a stronger, safer, and more connected community.

This festival is designed to bring together families, youth, elders, local businesses, artists, food vendors, faith leaders, community organizations, public safety partners, and neighbors from across the region for two days of celebration, connection, and impact.

We are seeking vendors who want to contribute to a positive, welcoming, family-friendly experience while showcasing their products, food, services, resources, art, culture, and creativity.

Vendor Opportunities
Vendor opportunities are open for:

Food trucks and food vendors
Retail and merchandise vendors
Black-owned businesses
Artists and makers
Health and wellness vendors
Community resource organizations
Nonprofits and service providers
Youth entrepreneurs
Cultural and educational vendors
Family-friendly activity providers
As a vendor, you will have the opportunity to connect directly with festival attendees, promote your business or organization, build new relationships, and be part of a meaningful community tradition focused on culture, healing, respect, and unity.

Festival Features
The I Respect Black Festival will include:

Live entertainment
Food and cultural cuisine
Vendor marketplace
Arts and culture
Youth and family activities
Faith and healing spaces
Community resources
Public safety engagement
Opportunities for connection, visibility, and community impact
All members of the community are invited to attend, participate, and celebrate together.

If your business, organization, or service aligns with community, culture, family, wellness, entrepreneurship, creativity, or positive impact, we invite you to join us.

Be a vendor. Be visible. Be connected. Be part of the change.

Change Begins With Us.

Vendor Application & Payment Information
All vendor applications must be returned with the required vendor fee to:

JCW & Associates, LLC
I Respect Black Festival Vendor Organizers

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. If your application is not selected, your payment will be promptly returned in full.

Registration Deadline
Vendor applications will be accepted at regular rates until:

July 15, 2026

Late registration applications submitted after July 15, 2026, along with any special requests, will be considered on a first-paid, first-served basis as space permits.

A 10% late fee will apply to late registrations.

Once a vendor is accepted, no refunds will be issued.

Food Vendors
Food vendor spaces are outdoors and available in the following sizes:

10’ x 10’
10’ x 20’
Vendors interested in purchasing multiple spaces should indicate this clearly on the application.

Food Vendor Setup & Operations
Food vendor setup will take place on the morning of the event. Food vendor operating hours are:

11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Vehicles may not park on or drive on the lawn. One parking pass will be provided so vendors may park in a designated vendor lot near their booth after unloading.

A limited number of spaces are available for food trucks and trailers. Please indicate your setup needs on the application and apply early.

Food vendors are responsible for providing their own booth, tent, equipment, display materials, and supplies.

Food Vendor Fees & Licensing
Registration fees include the cost of a mandatory City of Tacoma vendor license and payment of applicable B&O taxes.

Fees are not refundable after July 5, 2026, once a vendor has been officially accepted.

Health Department Requirements
Food vendors are responsible for obtaining all required food handler permits and passing inspection by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.

For food handler permit information, contact:

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
Phone: (253) 649-1417

For questions, contact:

Amanda Peters
Phone: (253) 649-1705
Email: apeters@tpchd.org

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department accepts cash, MasterCard/Visa, or cashier’s checks only. Personal checks are not accepted.

Electrical & Fire Requirements
Electrical service is available at an additional charge based on the type of service required. Electrical needs must be identified early, and all related fees must be paid in advance.

Food vendors must also comply with all applicable Tacoma Fire Department regulations.

Non-Food, Craft & Commercial Vendors
Non-food vendor spaces are outdoors and are generally:

10’ x 10’

Most vendor spaces are located on grass and do not include electricity.

Vendors are responsible for providing their own:

Tent
Tables
Chairs
Displays
Signage
Equipment
Supplies
The event does not provide tents, chairs, tables, or display materials.

Tent & Safety Requirements
Vehicles may not drive or park on the lawn.

Stakes are not allowed for securing tents. Vendors must use proper tent weights to safely secure all canopies and tents.

Parking
One parking pass will be provided per vendor for a designated vendor parking area near the booth location after unloading.

A limited number of spaces are available for heavy exhibits or vendors who sell directly from vehicles. Please indicate your needs on the application and apply early.

Non-Food Vendor Hours
Non-food vendor operating hours are:

11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Important Reminder
Please keep this information page for your records.

For vendor registration and details, visit:

irespectblack.com

For questions, contact:

JCW & Associates
Email: vendors@jcwandassociates.com

James Watson
Phone: (253) 495-3093

Candace Wesley
Phone: (253) 414-4355

General Festival Contact:
(253) 693-0274

Booth Selection Booths are rented on a first come, first served basis. Tables and Tents are not provided.

(Non-food vendor spaces will not have any power available.)
(Non-food vendors should bring battery power lights or equipment)

Please choose one of the following payment options:

• Pay in Full Today – secure your vendor space by paying the entire amount now.

• Pay 50% Non-Refundable Deposit – pay 50% today to reserve your space. The remaining 50% is due no later than July 10, 2026.

If the remaining balance is not paid by this date, your space may be released and the deposit will not be refunded.

Note: Discount codes apply only to full payments and do not reduce the non-refundable deposit.

2026 I RESPECT BLACK FESTIVAL

Vendor & Exhibitor Agreement

 

This agreement is entered into this day, by and between the JCW & Associates, a Washington corporation,

hereinafter referred to as “JCWA” and the vendor listed on the opposite page hereinafter referred to as the “VENDOR”.
In consideration of the mutual promises and covenants hereinafter contained, it is hereby agreed as follows:

1. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR status. The VENDOR is considered to be an independent contractor who shall at all times perform its duties and responsibilities and carry out all services as an independent contractor and shall never represent or construe its status to be that of an agent or employee of the JCWA, the City of Tacoma, or the Parks Tacoma, nor shall they be eligible for any employee benefits from those listed above. The VENDOR represents and warrants that any and all federal, state and mandatory deductions or other charges and taxes imposed by law shall be the sole responsibility of the VENDOR. As per ordinance #24760, the fee for art, craft, food, and information booths includes City of Tacoma vendor licenses and vendors are not obligated to pay any additional B & O tax to the City of Tacoma for goods sold at the JCWA. If the JCWA is assessed, liable or responsible in any manner for those deductions, charges or taxes, VENDOR agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the JCWA and the other parties named, from those costs including attorney fees. JCWA reserves the right to change the location of the event and location of VENDOR booth space therein.

2. SCOPE OF WORK. VENDOR agrees to perform services under this Agreement primarily by serving as a merchandise, services, or information vendor at Tacoma I RESPECT BLACK FESTIVAL at Wright Park along the S. I Street entrance between the hours of 11:00AM and 7:00PM on July 25th & 26th, 2026. VENDOR will fully comply with the Special Event Requirements of the Tacoma Fire Department. VENDOR agrees to dispose of all waste appropriately and leave the concession area clean. The VENDOR agrees to utilize only electrical equipment that complies in all aspects with the National Electrical Code. The VENDOR further agrees they will not use any non-grounded two-wire extension cords or any non-grounded equipment. The VENDOR will not sell or give away any food or beverages without prior knowledge and written approval of the JCWA.

3. EXCLUSIVITY CLAUSE: All products and services to be sold, distributed for free, offered or referred to during the I RESPECT BLACK FESTIVAL by Vendor must be included in this Agreement (Add a product list when submitting this application). The JCWA reserves the right to exclude the sale or distribution of any product. Vendors will only be permitted to sell or distribute certain “Exclusive” beverage products purchased through the designated I RESPECT BLACK FESTIVAL designated distributor. The JCWA agrees to provide an order form for the “Exclusive” beverage products to the vendor in adequate time to place the beverage order. Vendors may select to purchase and sell/distribute their own beverage products in place of the “Exclusive” products for an additional $500 fee payable directly to the JCWA. Vendors are strictly prohibited from giving away complimentary cups, bottles or containers of water and/or other complimentary beverages and further agree to pay the additional $500 if they provide these items on a complimentary basis or if they violate the terms stated in this agreement. A Credit Card form will be pre-completed and signed by each Vendor to assure compliance. Vendor agrees that Credit Card will be charged $500 if they violate this agreement.

4. PAYMENTS: VENDORS must provide this completed agreement and pay the full vendor fee to the JCWA before the due date of July 15, 2026. Applications received AFTER July 15, 2026 will incur an additional 10% fee. Vendor fees will be fully refunded if an application is not accepted. The VENDOR understands absolutely NO Cancellations or Refunds will be granted after July 5th, 2026. 
Special requests for booth spaces will be prioritized according to the date the application is received with a full payment and a written request for the specific location.

5. INDEMNIFICATION. VENDOR indemnifies and holds harmless the JCWA, its Sponsors, Tacoma CeaseFire, Parks Tacoma, their officials, representatives, officers, agents, and employees from, and shall process and defend at it’s sole expense, any and all claims, demands, damages, suits at law or at equity, liabilities, losses, judgments, lien, expenses, and costs arising out of or occasioned by the performance, acts, and/or omissions by the VENDOR, it’s employees, agents, representatives or volunteers relative to any activity and/or omissions by VENDOR, its employees, agents, representatives or volunteers relative to any activity and/or services covered hereunder. In the event of recovery due to the aforementioned circumstances, VENDOR shall pay any judgment or lien arising there from, including any and all costs as part thereof. VENDORS offering: henna tattoos, body piercing & massages; rentals; medical/dental services/screening/testing; climbing walls; herbal supplements, weight loss/stop smoking patches/pills, auto or auto parts, inflatable amusements; and amusement rides or devices; will be required to provide a certificate of General Liability Insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000 / $2,000,000 liability insurance limit of liability coverage naming the JCW & Associates & Parks Tacoma, as an additional insured no later than July 15th, 2026.

6. ENFORCEMENT. If by reason of the default on the part of either party in the performance of any of the provisions of this Agreement it becomes necessary for the non-defaulting party to employ an attorney, the defaulting party agrees to pay all costs and legal expenses expended an/or incurred by the non-defaulting party.

7. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. The VENDOR agrees to abide by the rules and the directions of the event staff. Space assignments are subject to change. Exclusivity was not implied or granted. This constitutes the complete and final agreement of the parties. It replaces and supersedes all oral and written proposals and agreements heretofore made on the subject matter, and may be modified only in writing and signed by both parties, both acknowledge receipt of an executed copy of the agreement. VENDOR must sign and return this agreement with the full vendor fee.

My signature below certifies that I have read, understand and agree to comply with all the terms of this Agreement.