FESTIVAL DESCRIPTION:
The Mississippi Earthtones Festival is part of a statewide celebration called It’s Our River Day, started by the State of Illinois in 2007. The goal of this day is to promote education, recreation, and conservation of our state’s waterways. MEF is the principal destination in our area to learn about environmental issues and solutions in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

WHO ATTENDS:
A diverse group of people who are actively seeking information on how to be environmentally-friendly, as well as people who are new to the movement and have been attracted by the music and art for this celebration of the river, making the MEF an ideal setting to promote your product or service.

VENDOR LAYOUT:
The festival will feature zones that group similar vendors and activities together:
Art Zone, Kid Eco-Zone, Adult Eco-Zone, Food & Beverage Zone

PASSPORT FOR KIDS:
All vendors/exhibitors who offer an educational or hands-on activity for kids will be included on a passport. Families will visit your booth to take part in your activity and have their passport stamped, making them eligible for prizes. If you would like assistance with determining quality content for your activity, please contact us.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY:
Vendors/exhibitors will only be accepted if they are selling products or promoting services that are in keeping with the environmental spirit of the festival.

A) As not to aid companies in "green-washing" their product or service we have determined these quality control stipulations.
Your product must encompass one or more of the following:
- Sustainable products that are biodegradable, organic, locally-made, or use all-natural/locally-sourced ingredients
- A product or service that results in significant energy savings
- Handcrafted items using recycled, up-cycled, or reclaimed components
- Informational booths relating to water/air quality issues, native plants & animals, environmental activism

B) Please help reduce your environmental impact by minimizing the number of printed materials to distribute at the event.  Instead, please collect email addresses for future electronic (paperless) promotion or present a QR code at your booth that attendees can scan to find your information.

C) No Styrofoam containers will be allowed for food/beverage. If you would like assistance with finding an eco-friendly alternative made from compostable or recyclable materials, please contact us.

The Mississippi Earthtones Festival committee reserves the right to decline vendors/sponsors that are incompatible with our mission; a full refund will be issued if your registration is not accepted.

THINGS TO REMEMBER:
1. The event will be held rain or shine; fees are non-refundable.
2. Food items and beverages can not be sold or given away by a non-food vendor.
3. Recycling is expected, and receptacles will be provided.
4. Vendor booth spaces consist of a 10 x 10 area; you must bring any tables, tents, chairs, lights, etc. that you require.
5. Tents must be secured for safety reasons, but staking tents into the ground is not allowed due to the risk of puncturing the irrigation system. Acceptable methods of weighting your tent include: sand bags, cinder blocks or water ballasts tied to the tent frame.
6. Set up starts at 10am. All registered vendors will be emailed full details on load-in procedures the week before the event.
7. Booths must be ready by Noon and remain open until the end time that you selected on this form (either 6pm or 10pm)
8. Vendors must comply with all rules & regulations set forth by the City of Alton and the Madison County Health Department.