Food Vendor Rules and Regulations

The Franklin Day Committee (FDC) believes in equal opportunities for all vendors, and we will actively seek fair evaluation of all applications. We do not allow personal beliefs to conflict with application consideration. In selecting participants, criteria may include menu items, past history, the promptness of application arrival, and event area accommodations. The FDC reserves the right to deny acceptance of any vendor if past experience or other factors warrant exclusion.

In submitting a vendor application and agreement, you are accepting responsibility for complying with the following vendor responsibilities and guidelines.

VENDOR REGISTRATION FEE:       

• Once approved, your payment reserves your space for the event.
• Checks should be made out to “Township of Franklin-Franklin Day””

Please note: Due to the size and complexity of this one-day event no rain-date will be scheduled. Due to financial obligations and contractual commitments, there will be no refunds.

SETUP:

• Food vendors must be ready for inspection at 10:00 a.m.
• Food vendors must be open for business by 11:00 am on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
• Booth set-up may begin as early as 7:00 am on Saturday, September 13th and must be finished by 11:00 am at which time all vehicles must be contained within your allotted space.
• Vendor’s area must be staffed during the entire time that the event is open to the public.
• Vendor’s area may not extend beyond the limits of their booth space or into any side space.
• The Vendor is responsible for supplying all elements needed for their operation, including cooking equipment, generator, propane, tents, lighting, tables, and chairs. Banners and signs must look professional.

INSPECTIONS 

• Inspections will be conducted by the Somerset County Health Department and the Franklin Township Office of Fire Prevention beginning at 10:00 a.m. Inspection failure will result in the closure of your booth and forfeiture of all fees.
• Upon request, food vendor must show flammability certificate or manufacturer’s tag indicating flame retardant materials if using a tent. Documentation must be always available during the event. (NFPA 701: Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films compliance) 

VENDOR LOCATIONS:

• Vendor locations will be assigned by the FDC. Please include any special requests along with your paperwork. We will do our best to accommodate all requests but cannot promise anyone a specific spot at the event.

HOURS:

• The event officially opens at 12:00 pm. The booth must be in order by 11:00 am. Vendor may not break down booth until 5:00 pm.
• Vendor will be open for business during event hours, regardless of the weather. The FDC must approve any deviation from posted hours.

DECORATIONS AND HOUSEKEEPING:

• The overall appearance and presentation of your booth is critical to the overall feeling of the event and to your retail success. Décor and cleanliness are an essential part of the event, so please keep in mind the emphasis on design and sanitary conditions when planning your booth.
• All food vendors shall clearly display in plain sight to the public a menu listing all the items being sold and the price for each item as approved by the FDC. These signs must be visible and clearly displayed on each of the serving sides.
• All food vendors shall advertise and only sell those food items that have been approved and assigned by the FDC.
• All booths should be neat, attractive, and well-maintained throughout the event. Housekeeping of the exhibit areas and its immediate vicinity will be the responsibility of the Vendor.
• All booths utilizing tables shall have tablecloths extending to the ground. No boxes, extra merchandise or debris should be visible. If a tent is used, it must be weighted down.
• Vendors are responsible for the removal of all their set up and the cleanup of trash from their designated area. Trash receptacles are located throughout the event area. If you have excessive trash, please bring your own trash bags, and clean up after your area.

ELECTRICITY

• Electricity is not provided. All generators must be quiet and without fumes.

ALCHOLIC BEVERAGES, TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND FIREARMS

• No sales, use or possession of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or firearms is permitted. If vendor or their worker/volunteer violates the above rule, that vendor will be removed from the Event and barred from participation in future events.

SUBLETTING OF BOOTH SPACE

• Subletting of booth space is strictly prohibited.

CANCELLATION POLICY

• There will be a 50% charge for contracts cancelled more than 30 days prior to the Event. NO refunds for contracts cancelled within 30 days prior to the event. Cancellation requests are to be made only in writing and only by mail to Franklin.Day@franklinnj.gov. YOU MUST RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION OF YOUR CANCELLATION E-MAIL. All refunds are at the sole discretion of the Franklin Day Committee and the Township of Franklin.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

• In case of potential inclement weather please check the event website at Franklin.Day@franklinnj.gov or the by calling 732-873-2500 x6428 for event details.

Food Vendor Agreement

As a participant of Franklin Day, food vendors fully understand and agree to the following:

• Food vendors recognize and acknowledge that I assume full risk of any injury, property damage or loss which I may sustain as a result of my participation in any and all activities connected with or associated with my participation in the Event. Furthermore, I understand that I must carry my own insurance and that I store my products and equipment at my own risk.
• I agree to waive and relinquish all claims I may have against the Franklin Day Committee, the Township of Franklin, and all associated sponsors, staff and volunteers of the Event and agents thereof from all claims other parties may have resulting from injuries, damage, or loss caused by, arising out of, connected with, or in any way associated with the activities of Franklin Day.
• I agree to provide a specified list of all menu items I plan to sell, and I acknowledge that I may not be permitted to sell each of the items I submit. I understand that I must comply with all Somerset County Board of Health regulations pertaining to food sales at special events. I understand that failure to comply with the Somerset County Board of Health regulations may result in being asked to leave the Event, forfeiting all fees.
• I agree that I am responsible for the transportation, insurance, and sale of my products.
• I agree to pay all the necessary fees set forth in this application. I understand that checks will be deposited upon application arrival, although I may not be selected to participate in Franklin Day. I further understand that if I am not accepted into Franklin Day, I will receive a refund for fees paid.
• I agree that all booths may be photographed for publicity purposes.
• I agree to abide by all Food Vendor Rules and Regulations.
• I have read through the application, and I agree to abide by all rules set forth in this agreement.

Vendors that do not comply with the guidelines of the event will be asked to leave at any time and will not be permitted to return.  Refunds will not be given for violations.