Food Vendor Information
On the First Friday of every month, throughout the year, downtown businesses and DGI host special events with extended hours, entertainment, and shopping specials. Every month features a special theme with entertainment and activities for the whole family. Hours from 5 p.m to 9 p.m. The event is held regardless of weather – no refunds will be given.
Time frame |
First Fridays “Food on the Go” set-up begins at 3 p.m. 'For-profit' health department inspections begin at 3:30 p.m. Tear down begins at 9 p.m. and must be completed by 10 p.m. |
Location |
A limited number of slots are available for food vendors, especially during the summer months. Summer location (June - October) is on the south side of the Courthouse. Winter location (November - May) is on West Washington between Main St and the alley. |
Info |
Questions? Contact Jerry Peters, First Fridays' Logistics Coordinator at jerry@cityonthego.org. Please keep in mind that First Fridays staff and volunteers only work a few hours a week. We kindly ask for your understanding if we cannot respond right away. |
Requirements
- Completed Food Vendor Application
- Signed Hold Harmless Agreement
- Payment in full
- Temporary Food Permit from the Elkhart County Health Department (for profit vendors only)
Elkhart County Health Department Requirements
'For-profit' food vendors MUST contact the Health Department at least 30 days in advance at 574-875-3391 to give notice of intent to operate and to schedule an inspection time. Requirement for temporary food establishments can be viewed at the Elkhart County Health Department web site. Facilities must be able to pass inspection in order to receive a temporary food service license.
Location / Equipment
DGI provides vendors with a designated 10’ x 10’ space. Vendors must provide and set up their own equipment (tent, tables, chairs, etc). Food vendors using grills must provide a means for smoke abatement and an appropriate fire extinguisher.
Food/Beverages Served
DGI has non-compete policy and will not approve applications for food vendors who compete directly with downtown restaurants. DGI gives preference to vendors serving ethnic and/or healthy food.
Tents – Set Up And Tear Down
All tents must be secured with weights – stakes are strictly prohibited.
Garbage In – Garbage Out
Vendors must provide two 40-gallon trash barrels and three well-marked recycling containers (cardboard, aluminum, plastic) for public use.
- All materials brought with the vendor and all recycling/trash collected during the night must be removed by 10pm.
- Vendors may not throw trash bags in or beside city trash cans, nor pour any waste materials in the lawn or street drain.
- Trash or recycling left at the vendor’s site will be removed at vendor’s expense.
- Wastewater, such as water used for washing dishes or from washing hands, must be disposed of in an approved sewer or at a wastewater dumping station. Wastewater may not be dumped on the ground or poured down a storm water drain.
Electrical Access
Vendors must provide their own generators. Generators must be safe, and in good working order. Loud generators are not permitted. If your generator is too loud, we will ask that you bring a different generator for the next event.
Music
Vendors must seek prior approval from the First Fridays Logistics Coordinator if they want to play music at their location.
Certification
Food vendors must have all proper documentation/permits necessary to sell food to the public.
Registration
All food vendors are required to submit an application for approval. Allow 30 days for processing. The Logistics Coordinator will notify you of your status via email. If approved, DGI must receive your payment 15 days prior to the event.
- Food Vendors will receive a First Friday permit via email, this permit must be printed and displayed somewhere visible on your booth at each event you attend.
- DGI has the right to revoke vending privileges and/or remove them from the site without refund if the vendor does not follow the guidelines.