Food Vendor Contract and Guidelines
1. Payment & Confirmation
Completed contracts and full payment are due by July 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Early Bird Rate: $500 (+$200 refundable deposit) for vendors who complete their contract and payment by May 4, 2026.
Standard Rate: $800 (+$200 refundable deposit).
Your vendor spot is only confirmed once all of the following are received:
- Full payment
- Signed contract
- Confirmation email from Black August in the Park
- Temporary Food Event (TFE) application (if applicable)
2. Marketing: BAP agrees to promote food vendors and will use its best efforts to obtain exposure in local print and radio media. Vendors must agree to promote Black August in the Park, this includes but is not limited to visibility on social media and distribution of marketing materials. *Vendors who do not fulfill this guideline may be subject to a refund and exclusion from the event.
3. Set up and Breakdown: Set up on Sunday, August 30, 2026, will be between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. All setups must be completed by 2:30 pm. Breakdown will be from 10:00 pm to midnight. Breakdown must be completed by midnight. On-site security will conduct trash checks.
4. Vehicle Unloading and Parking: Vehicles are not allowed to stay in the park after unloading at all. Please limit your transportation to one vehicle per vendor. All carts/trailers MUST unhitch.
5. Insurance: All food vendors must secure Commercial General Liability insurance. Please have a copy of your insurance coverage with you on the day of the event. Without a copy of this form on hand at the event, the vendor may not be able to participate and will not receive a refund of the $800.00 fee.
6. Food preparation: All food prepared before the event must be prepared in a licensed and approved kitchen. All food and items sold at the event must be prepared by the vendor’s employees. We are anticipating a large number of attendees. Please estimate your needs accordingly.
7. Serving Area: Please be sure to maintain an attractive and sanitary serving area throughout the event. If you have hot equipment (ovens, fryers, warmers, etc.) at or around your station, make sure they are out of reach and inaccessible to event attendees.
8. Electrical: Food vendors needing 120/20 or more amp service will be charged an additional fee. Please be specific about your electrical needs on this form.
9. Attire: Due to safety concerns, all personnel at vendor stations must wear appropriate attire for their respective duties. No open-toe shoes, please.
10. Signs and Decorating: Vendors are required to display a sign or banner to identify their business and display menu items and prices. Signs should be easily seen by attendees.
11. Sanitation and Safety: Vendors are responsible for maintaining acceptable standards within and around their station. Each vendor is responsible for the disposal of their own trash and recycling. Vendors that discard trash at DCP will not be refunded their security deposit. Please bring bags and plan accordingly. Overflowing trash and recycling containers are not acceptable. Vendors are responsible for all grease and food spillage at their station. Cardboard or other suitable covering must be used wherever grease, charcoal, or food spillage is likely to occur. Do not dump grease or oil on the grass. All grease must be removed from the venue by the vendor. Keep the areas around your station clear of equipment and hazardous items.
12. Food Exhibitor Station: Vendors will use their assigned space only for the purpose of selling menu items described and identified in this contract. Only food is to be sold at your station (i.e., no books, shirts, CDs, merchandise).
13. Release and waiver: As a vendor of Black August in the Park, you agree to release, hold harmless, defend and indemnify Black August in the Park, the planning team of Black August in the Park, the organizations each the planning team members represent, the City of Durham, their directors, employees, volunteers, and affiliates from any and all loss, damage, liability, cost or expense that may incur as a result of any claim of any kind whatsoever arising out of your participation in Black August in the Park. Black August in the Park, nor its representing agencies, will not be responsible for the security of your belongings and personal items. They are the responsibility of their owners.