News Release

Food Vendors Invited to 2024 Spring Planting and Music Festival

NPS

News Release Date: January 17, 2024

Contact: Christopher Derman, 423-569-9778

Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area invites food vendors to participate in the 24th annual Spring Planting and Music Festival, set for Saturday, April 27, 2024. This year, the park also celebrates its 50th anniversary, offering a special opportunity for vendors to showcase their culinary skills to a large, enthusiastic crowd.

Vendors interested in participating should note a one-time fee of $25, which not only covers this event but also qualifies for potential participation in other park special events, such as the Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival on September 21, 2024. All vendors must bring their own equipment, including food trucks, tents, tables, and chairs. While electrical hook-ups and water access will be provided, generators are not permitted.

A key requirement for participating vendors is to have a Certified Food Manager (CFM) on site, as mandated by National Park Service policy. Obtaining this certification involves passing an ANSI-accredited food safety exam, which can be done online through providers like AAA Food Handler. The cost and additional details for this certification can be found here. Along with your application, please submit a copy of the CFM certificate, general liability insurance, the most recent inspection report, and business license for review and approval.

To apply, please call [phone] or via email at [e-mail]. The application form is available here. Remember, the application deadline is March 20, 2024.

For more details about this special event and other park activities, call the park at [phone] or visit: https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/springplanting.htm.