Non-Profit Food Booths

Croaker Festival helps to support non-profit organizations in the county by providing an opportunity for recognition and an opportunity to raise funds. Pamlico County agencies, schools, and non-profit groups are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity during this this annual celebration. Selling one or more of the area's trademark delectibles is a wonderful way to not only reach the residents of our unique area, but to help finance your good works.

Non-Profit organizations and groups located in Pamlico County are eligible to reserve a booth at the reduced rate. Non-Profits located outside of Pamlico county are ineligible for this reduced rate.

In addition to extending a reduced rate, the Festival staff attempt to restrict for-profit food vendors from selling the same exact items that our not-for-profit food vendors are offering.

Frequently Asked Questions for Food Vendors

Non-Profit Food Vendor Fees

For 2010, booth space for non-profit food vendors is $75 per booth. Booths are 10' x 12'.

Entering the Festival Grounds

All food vendors must enter the festival grounds from Broad Street, turn east onto Hodges street, go to the end and turn left onto South Street. Check in at the Croaker Booth before moving your setup to its assigned place.

Set Up and Break Down

The Croaker Festival officially starts at 5:30pm on Friday. Booth Fees include both days of the Festival. No set-ups are permitted before Friday morning.

We urge all Food Vendors to set up on Friday between 9am and 3pm. Non-Profit food vendors may set up on Saturday morning. Food vendor vehicles must be removed from the festival site by 3:30 PM. Food may not be sold until the booth is approved by Pamlico County Health inspectors. The opening ceremonies for the festival begin at 5:30 PM.

Saturday: Food booths must be open by 8:30 AM, with all vehicles removed from the festival site by 8:15 AM.

Vendors may not close or dismantle booths before 6:30 PM on Saturday, but may remain open until 9:00 PM if they so desire.

Food Offerings

Only those items approved in advance by the Festival may be sold. Additionally, all food and beverage items and their prices must be displayed prominently on the outside of the booth; food and beverage sales may not begin until this signage is in place. NOTE: Beginning in 2010 all beverages must be dispensed in cups. No bottles, or cans will be permitted.

Electricity

Electricity is available to all food vendors. Be sure that you bring adquate extension cords for hook up. If you experience any electrical failure, please notify the Croaker Booth. Please DO NOT attempt to fix the problem yourself.

Parking and Street Access

The Town of Oriental authorizes certain streets to be closed to vehicle traffic on Friday and Saturday. Streets will be closed Friday 4:30 to 8:00pm and Saturday from 10:00am to 6:30pm. No access to, or parking on, the closed streets will be permitted during these hours except for:

• Bands/musicians who may enter for loading/unloading their equipment only. (Permit Required)

• Parade participants

• Emergency vehicles responding to an emergency.

There will be no exceptions. Vendors who remove barricades or otherwise violate the closed street signs and rules may be ticketed and may be denied participation in future festival events. Plentiful vendor parking is available in the parking lot at the corner of Third and Church Streets.

Security

We cannot guarantee security. However, for the 25 plus years that the festival has been held, there have been no thefts from any of the booths left up over night. The Town provides limited police protection for the duration of the festival.

First Aid Locations

In case of a medical emergency, call 911, or notify an attendant at the Croaker Booth to call for assistance.

Trash Removal

We will have garbage cans and a large dumpster available for trash. Booths must be taken down and trash removed no later than 7:00 AM Sunday morning, prior to the Community Sunday Service in the Park. Vendors are responsible for clean-up of their own booth sites.

Cooking oil may NOT be deposited in the dumpsters, and must be removed by the vendors. Our garbologist (trash) crew will be collecting your trash periodically during the festival as they service festival garbage cans, helping you to keep your area clean.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation notice must be given to booth chairman before May 16, by written notification, or by email for a full refund. No refunds will be made after this date. The festival is a local charity event with all proceeds going directly to local charities and non-profit agencies, to the fireworks fund, or to the actual costs of running the festival.

In the event of weather-related or other circumstances that require the cancellation of the festival, your booth fee will be donated to the Croaker Festival general operating fund, unless you designate a particular non-profit organization.

Accommodations

Accommodations and campgrounds are listed on this website and on www.VisitOriental.com.

Vendors with RV units may NOT park them in the Festival area during the festival.