VENDOR FAQ
GENERAL FAQ
Q: When do vendor applications go live? A: Applications go live on our website at www.laurelmainstreet.com on Tuesday morning, July 1.
Q: How do I apply to be a vendor? A: Applications can be found at laurelmainstreet.com. We've moved to a new event platform, so please follow these instructions: http://bit.ly/4lCww8J
Q: Do I need to pay when I submit my application? A: Yes, you must pay online in order to submit your application.
Q: What happens after my application is approved? A: General vendors will receive a second email with instructions and a link to select a booth location. Food and activity vendor locations are assigned by Laurel Main Street and will be contacted at a later date.
Q: What size are the booth spaces? A: Booth spaces are 10'x10' with space included for clearance between each booth. If your setup is larger, you must purchase additional spaces.
Q: What happens if my booth overflows the boundaries on event day? A: You will be asked to reduce the size of your booth, purchase additional spaces if available, or leave the festival.
Q: Does Laurel Main Street provide tents, tables, or extension cords? A: No, vendors must bring all their own materials including tents, tables, and extension cords.
Q: Is electricity available? A: Yes, electricity is available for general vendors within the festival footprint. Power outlets are on light poles and can be up to 30' away from your booth. You must bring your own extension cords. Electricity access will not be available for food vendors this year.
Q: Is parking reserved for vendors? A: No, no parking is reserved for vendors. All lots are first come, first served.
Q: What are the sales tax requirements? A: All vendors must collect sales tax at the festival and remit it to Laurel Main Street at the end of the day, regardless of where your business is licensed. Make checks payable to Laurel Main Street. Sales tax forms require your GROSS sales (total sales before expenses).
Q: Can I break down my booth early? A: No, you must remain set up for the length of the festival. If you break down early, you will not be allowed back as a vendor the following year. Vendor breakdown begins at 4PM.
Q: What if I'm tax exempt? A: If you are tax exempt, you must submit a copy of your tax exemption to Laurel Main Street no later than October 1, 2025. Please email this to director@laurelmainstreet.com.
Q: What if the festival is rained out? A: Loblolly is a rain or shine event, unless it is required by MEMA that Laurel Main Street cancel the event. No refunds will be issued on vendor application fees in the event of rain unless the cancellation is dictated by MEMA.
Q: Can I switch booth locations at the festival? A: No, booth locations are final. No "booth switching" will occur at the festival.
Q: Where can I view the festival map? A: The interactive festival map can be viewed at: http://bit.ly/3Go2dU7
Q: Who do I contact with questions? A: Please email director@laurelmainstreet.com with any questions. Questions are answered in the order received, and due to high email volume, please be patient when waiting for a response.
Q: Where can I get festival updates? A: Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/laurelmainstreet) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/laurelmainstreet/) for additional updates.
GENERAL VENDORS
Q: How do I choose my booth location? A: After your application is approved, you'll receive an email with a link to select your booth location. Vendor booths are first come, first served. If you don't choose a location, one will be assigned to you the week before the event.
Q: Do you limit multiple vendors selling the same products? A: No, we do not police multiple vendors of the same product (Tupperware, Scentsy, etc.).
Q: Are trailers allowed? A: Yes, trailers are allowed in general vendor spaces (such as boutique trailers) as long as size requirements are respected and multiple booth spaces are purchased if necessary.
Q: Which spaces can I choose from? A: You can choose any available space except yellow spaces with an "F" prefix, which are reserved for food vendors.
Q: What if I need to run cords over sidewalks? A: Vendors are responsible for taping down cords if they run over sidewalks.
Q: Is ear piercing allowed by general vendors? A: Yes, ear piercing is allowed, but tattooing and any other forms of body modification are not.
Q: How will my booth location appear on the map? A: When you select your booth location, it will update on the interactive map immediately. We encourage you to update your vendor profile and share the map link on social media so visitors can locate you.
Q: What's the difference between food vendors and cottage food vendors? A: If you're cooking on site, you need to apply as a food vendor. Cottage foods are foods that do not require special temperature controls and have been prepared off site. Learn more at: https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/resources/5375.pdf
FOOD VENDORS
Q: When will I know my booth assignment? A: Assignments will be made when we've reached vendor capacity for food vendor spaces. You'll receive an email with your booth number and the interactive map will update immediately.
Q: Is electricity provided for food vendors? A: No, no electricity or water access will be provided for food vendors this year. All food vendors must have "quiet" generators to power their equipment.
Q: Are propane cookers and fryers allowed? A: Yes, propane cookers/fryers are permitted.
Q: What's the difference between food vendors and cottage food vendors? A: If you're cooking on site, you need to apply as a food vendor. Cottage foods are foods that do not require special temperature controls and have been prepared off site. Learn more at: https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/resources/5375.pdf
Q: Which spaces are reserved for food vendors? A: Yellow spaces with an "F" prefix are food vendor spaces and are not available for general vendors to choose.
Q: Do I need to bring my own generator? A: Yes, all food vendors must have "quiet" generators to power their equipment since no electricity will be provided.