Dear Vendor:

Central State University will celebrate its annual Homecoming from October 7–11, 2026, and we cordially invite you to participate in the Homecoming Vendor Fair. The Vendor Fair will be held on Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10 a.m. until midnight each day. This marquee event welcomes alumni, students, families, and community guests to campus.

All vendors must set up between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. and be fully operational by 10 a.m. each day. Breakdown and removal of all equipment and displays begins immediately following the close of the event at approximately midnight on Saturday, October 10. The set-up and tear-down times will be strictly enforced. Your full cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Please note two important changes for 2026: (1) food service will be limited to licensed food truck vendors only — food booths and tents will not be permitted for food sales; and (2) any vendor selling merchandise bearing the University’s name, logo, mascot, or other marks must purchase a Central State University Trademark License, valid for one year (see the Logo Use & Merchandise section).

To participate, please complete the attached forms and return them with full payment by September 23, 2026, to:

Office of Alumni Relations
Attn: Homecoming Vendor Fair 2026
Central State University
P.O. Box 269
Wilberforce, Ohio 45384

Upon receipt of your completed forms and full payment, the Vendor Fair Coordinator will contact you to finalize your registration. Vendor locations are assigned at the sole discretion of the authorized representative of the Office of Alumni Relations. No refunds will be issued except as provided in the Cancellation Policy.

All food truck vendors must obtain a Greene County Vendor Permit and be prepared for scheduled or unannounced inspection by the Greene County Combined Health District (GCCHD) and/or the State Fire Marshal. To obtain a permit, contact the Greene County Combined Health District, 360 Wilson Drive, Xenia, Ohio 45385, or call 937-374-5607.

We look forward to celebrating with you at Homecoming 2026! For questions, please contact: Office of Alumni Relations — 937-376-6641 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.)

Event Operations

• Dates & Hours: Friday & Saturday, October 9–10, 2026, 10 a.m.–midnight each day.
• Set-Up: 8–10 a.m. daily; booths must be fully operational by 10 a.m.
• Breakdown: Immediately after midnight on Saturday, October 10.
• Staffing: Booths must remain staffed and operational during all fair hours.
• Weather: This is an outdoor, rain-or-shine event. No indoor space is provided. All fees are non-refundable except as stated in the Cancellation Policy.

Booth Fees & Details

• Non-Food Vendor: $300 (single, up to 100 sq. ft.)  |  $480 (double, up to 200 sq. ft.)
• Food Truck Vendor: $350 (standard truck space)  |  $450 (oversized truck/trailer space)
• Only licensed food trucks may sell food. Food booths and tents are not permitted for food sales. Beverage tents are acceptable.
• Booth fees include: post-event clean-up, trash removal, and vendor support services.
• Booth locations are assigned at the sole discretion of the Office of Alumni Relations.

Amenities Provided

• Grease disposal station for food truck vendors to discard grease safely.
• Running water for sanitary purposes, portable restrooms for vendors and guests, and special event parking (instructions will be provided 72 hours prior to event).

Vendor Responsibilities

• Vendors must provide their own tables, chairs, tents, awnings, signage, UL-grounded extension cords, fire extinguishers, and insurance.
• Food truck vendors must obtain and display a Greene County Vendor Permit and be prepared for Health Department and/or State Fire Marshal inspection.
• All licenses and permits must be displayed conspicuously at the booth or truck.
• Vendors operate as independent contractors and are responsible for the conduct of their staff.
• Provide a copy of your University vendor license certificate upon check-in.

Logo Use & Merchandise

• All Central State University names, logos, seals, mascots, and slogans are registered trademarks and the exclusive property of the University. The official presidential seal may not be placed on any merchandise.
• Any vendor selling merchandise bearing University marks must purchase a Central State University Trademark License, issued through the Office of the General Counsel and valid for one year from the date of issue.
• Trademark License Fee: $500 (in addition to the booth fee). The fee is the same for all vendors — there is no distinction between alumni and non-alumni.
• All designs must be submitted to the Office of Alumni Relations for brand-compliance review at least 15 days prior to Homecoming. Only approved designs may be sold.
• Violations may result in removal of merchandise, booth closure, forfeiture of fees, and ineligibility for future events. (please review the license policy)

Prohibited Items

• Weapons of any kind (including stun guns and self-defense weapons), alcohol, illegal substances, and any unapproved merchandise are prohibited.

Payment & Deadlines

• Contracts and full payment are due by September 25, 2026.
• Accepted payment: Money Order, Cashier’s Check, or Credit Card.
• Personal and business/company checks will not be accepted after September 28, 2026. A $30.00 fee applies to any returned check.
• Make all checks and money orders payable to Central State University, place Homecoming 2026 in the memo line

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations must be received in writing by 4 p.m., Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
• Cancellations after this time will incur a $125.00 cancellation fee. All fees are otherwise non-refundable.

Liability

• Vendors assume full responsibility for their property, staff, and compliance with all applicable laws.
• Vendors agree to indemnify and hold harmless Central State University as set forth in the Vendor Contract Agreement.

I, the undersigned, have enclosed the required fee for vendor space at Central State University’s 2026 Homecoming Vendor Fair, Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10, 2026. 

All University names, logos, seals, mascots, and slogans are registered trademarks and the exclusive property of Central State University. Any vendor selling merchandise bearing these marks must purchase a Central State University Trademark License, issued through the Office of the General Counsel and valid for one year from the date of issue. All designs must be submitted for brand-compliance approval prior to Homecoming; requests to use University logos, and any artwork that modifies a University logo, must be emailed to the Office of Marketing and Communications for approval by the University’s Art Director prior to production. The official Presidential seal may not be placed on any merchandise.

License Fee: $500 (in addition to the booth fee). The fee is the same for all vendors, with no distinction between alumni and non-alumni. The license is issued through the Office of the General Counsel and grants the right to use the University’s marks on approved merchandise for one year from the date of issue; it includes review of artwork for brand compliance and listing as an approved vendor.

Please list below all merchandise bearing Central State University’s marks that you intend to sell (e.g., items referencing “Central State University,” “Central State Marauders,” the Clocktower, or the Marauder mascot). Attach additional sheets if necessary.

A Trademark License is $500 in addition to the booth fee, issued through the Office of the General Counsel, valid one year, same fee for all vendors. Designs must be submitted for brand-compliance review at least 15 days prior to Homecoming.

This Agreement is made between Central State University (“University”) and applicant listed above (“Licensee”). The Licensee shall rent vendor space on campus during Homecoming 2026 on Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10 a.m. to midnight each day.

By signing below, the Licensee agrees to the following Contract Specifications:
Contract Specifications

1. Contracts and full payment must be received by the Office of Almuni Relations no later than Monday, September 28, 2026, payable to Central State University. Payment must accompany a completed and signed contract. Food truck vendors must also submit proof of a temporary food license from the Greene County Combined Health District. Personal and business/company checks will not be accepted after this date.

2. Vendor space is determined and assigned solely by the University. Disagreements over space assignments that result in contract termination by either party will not result in a refund.

3. Vendor space must be set up and fully operational no later than 10 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. No set-up is permitted before 8 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026. Violators will be asked to leave the premises and will not be eligible for a refund.

4. The Licensee is responsible for the decoration and set-up of its vendor space and all items and supplies.

5. Vendors must provide all tables, chairs, UL-grounded extension cords, fire extinguishers, tent permits, and other items necessary for their operation.

6. The Licensee holds the University free from any liability or damage to the Licensee’s workers, or from loss, theft, or destruction of the Licensee’s property during set-up, operation, and removal. Vendors are responsible for their own insurance.

7. The Licensee serves as an independent contractor and assumes full responsibility for the acts of its employees and agents during the event.

8. All vendor space must be staffed and operating during event hours.

9. The University reserves the right to approve or disapprove all products and information distributed to the public.

10. The Licensee shall not sell or dispense any illegal item or substance, or any item prohibited by law or University policy. No weapons of any kind (including stun guns and self-defense weapons) and no alcoholic beverages are permitted.

11. All fees are non-refundable regardless of weather. No indoor space will be provided.

12. All permits and licenses issued to the Licensee must be conspicuously displayed.

13. Food service is limited to licensed food truck vendors. Food booths and tents are not permitted for food sales.

14. Any vendor selling merchandise bearing the University’s marks must hold a current Central State University Trademark License (issued through the Office of the General Counsel, valid for one year) and may sell only designs approved by the University. The Licensee shall provide an account of all University-trademarked items sold upon the University’s demand.

15. The Licensee shall ensure its use of the licensed property conforms to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations, and shall obtain and maintain all necessary clearances, licenses, and permits at its own expense, and pay all applicable taxes and assessments.

16. The Licensee shall maintain liability insurance covering bodily injury and property damage for the duration of this license.

17. In consideration of this license, the Licensee agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the University from and against any claim, damage, liability, injury, expense, or loss (including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs) arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, whether resulting from the negligence or willful misconduct of the Licensee, the University, or their employees, it being the intent of this provision to protect the University from any loss, including loss due to its own negligence. The University may be represented by counsel of its choosing at the Licensee’s reasonable expense.

18. All cancellations must be received in writing by 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 30, 2026 to be considered for a refund. Cancellations after this time incur a minimum $125.00 fee (no exceptions).

19. The University makes no representations or warranties regarding the condition of the licensed property; the Licensee accepts all such property in “as is” condition and shall not use it in any manner constituting waste, nuisance, or illegal use.

Acknowledgment: By signing below, the Licensee acknowledges having read, understood, and agreed to all terms of this Agreement, including the Vendor Guidelines, Rules & Requirements and the Logo Use & Merchandise policies.

We do not accept cash. Make all checks or money orders payable to Central State University with "Homecoming 2026" in the memo line. A $30.00 fee applies to any returned check. Personal and business checks will not be accepted after September 28, 2026.