General Vendors Information

Thank you for your interest in being part of the Winterville Watermelon Festival! We are proud to host one of the largest events in the area and appreciate the many businesses and organizations, from near and far, that want to participate each year.

Due to space limitations, not all applications can be accepted.

Vendor Capacity & Selection

Vendor space at the Winterville Watermelon Festival is limited.

Each year, we typically accept:

  • Approximately 25–30 Food Vendors
  • Approximately 100 Commercial and Non-Profit Vendors

Because of this limited space, food vendor placement is especially competitive, and submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance.

To ensure variety and a positive experience for attendees, vendor selection may consider:

  • Product type and variety
  • Menu or product uniqueness
  • Pricing structure
  • Past participation history
  • Space and infrastructure limitations

The Winterville Watermelon Festival Committee reserves the right to accept or deny any application.

Application Timeline

Vendor applications are typically released in the spring.

This page is the best place to check for updates on application availability each year.

Once applications are open:

  • Application Deadline: August 1, 2026
  • Late Applications: Accepted through August 15, 2026 only if space remains
  • A $50 late fee will apply after August 1, 2026
  • No applications will be accepted after August 15, 2026

Early submission is strongly encouraged, particularly for food vendors.

Vendor Expectations & Hours

All vendors are expected to remain open during festival operating hours:

  • Friday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    • (3-day vendors remain open until 11:00 PM Saturday)
  • Sunday: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Vendors who close early may not be eligible for future participation.

Vendor Staging & Setup

To help staging run smoothly:

  • Vendors will check in on-site to receive their assigned space.
  • Arrival instructions will be provided after payment is received.
  • Vendors must operate only within their assigned space.

Vehicles & Parking

For safety reasons:

  • Vendor vehicles are not allowed on festival grounds during operating hours.
  • Vendors will receive at least one parking pass, depending on vendor level.
  • If shift changes are needed, arrangements must be made in advance to transfer parking passes.
  • To allow safe pedestrian exit, no vendor vehicles may return to festival grounds until 6:00 PM on Sunday.

Electricity & Water

Electricity and water access are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Vendors must provide:

  • Heavy-duty extension cords
  • Food-grade water hoses (if applicable)

Please refer to the applicable vendor application for full requirements.

Non-Profit Vendors

Non-Profit organizations located within Winterville town limits will not be charged for space.

Non-profit participation is typically:

  • Saturday only, unless otherwise approved

Important Vendor Policies

All vendors are required to:

  • Read and agree to the Festival Guidelines
  • Follow all rules outlined in the vendor application
  • Maintain safe and professional operations throughout the event

Pricing and full rules are listed on the corresponding vendor applications.

Vendor space is assigned based on festival needs and available space, not solely on order of application submission.

Sponsor Vendor Opportunities

Festival sponsors at applicable levels may receive guaranteed vendor space as part of their sponsorship benefits.

A limited number of vendor spaces are reserved in advance for sponsors, provided that:

  • The sponsor completes their vendor application
  • Required materials and payment are submitted within a reasonable timeframe
  • Space needs align with festival layout and safety requirements

Because sponsor vendor spaces are reserved ahead of general vendor placement, the total number of available vendor spots may be reduced accordingly each year.

Questions

All vendor-related questions should be directed to the contact listed on the vendor application forms.

You may also use the Contact Us tab on the website to submit an inquiry.