PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING APPLICATION

We invite you to be considered as a FOOD vendor at the 7th Annual Mermaid Capital of Texas Fest – Downtown Street Faire. This event is scheduled for September 23rd, 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.  The Downtown Street Faire immediately follows the Downtown Mermaid Promenade scheduled at 10:00 a.m. – Noon. 
 

The Mermaid Capital of Texas Fest is created to celebrate San Marcos’ vibrant community while highlighting The San Marcos River. In 2022 the festival featured over 100 parade entries, 140 artisan vendors and over 7,000+ festival-goers.  The Downtown Street Faire artisan booths will be located on the courthouse grounds and adjacent streets around the Square to include LBJ and San Antonio streets.  The selected streets will be closed to traffic to allow for this grand event.  Live music, cultural dance performances, artisan booths, food courts, and downtown pubs and restaurants will all be part of the 2023 Downtown Street Faire experience! 

Sign up TODAY to be considered for placement in our Food Courts.  PLEASE NOTE:  Food Vendor booths will NOT be on the Courthouse Grounds. 

Q: What is the turnaround time I can expect before I hear back if I am accepted?

A: We will review applications as they come in.  You will be notified of acceptance no later than May 30th.

Q: When should I apply?

A:  We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.  We are curating the food courts so only 12 vendors will be approved.  If you are approved you will have two weeks to secure your city Permitting (see below for more info).

Q: When do I make payment for my Food Vendor fee?

A: Once your application has been accepted, you will be sent a payment link to reserve your spot. Payment is expected upon request.

•ALL PROCEEDS from vendor sales will belong to the vendor.
•No commissions will be assessed. Vendors are responsible for collecting sales tax and reporting earnings to IRS.

Submitting this application does not guarantee you a spot at this event. Each application will be reviewed to determine the best fit for the food courts. 

We are prohibiting duplication of food type to provide better sales opportunities for each vendor selected. i.e. there will only be one of "your" particular food category, if selected.

ITINERARY:
Vendor Set-up- 7:30am to 9am
Downtown Mermaid Promenade- 10am to 12pm
Downtown Street Faire- 12pm to 6pm
Live Music- 1pm-6pm
Vendor take-down- 6 pm  

Set up will begin at 7:30am and take-down at 6pm. Vendors are not permitted to arrive any earlier and must remain open for the entirety of the event. *We ask that you pause booth operations during the Mermaid Promenade and enjoy the show!

Live music will be provided throughout the day so additional music is not allowed at any booth. 

 
This event will take place outdoors.  Plan accordingly.

TEMPORARY FOOD ESTABLISHMENT PERMIT
IMPORTANT **Please contact us if you plan to apply for a permit so we can reserve your spot while you wait for a response! Payment must be made to reserve your space!

To apply for a City of San Marcos permit, visit http://sanmarcostx.gov/2979/Apply-for-or-Renew-a-Food-Permit **be sure to select "San Marcos" in the "jurisdiction" drop down menu.  

•The Food Vendor fee is $125- $325 depending on size of set up and does not include any fees required by the city for temporary permit.
• Once your application has been accepted, you will be sent a payment link to reserve your spot.  

• You will have two weeks from approval to secure your Temporary Food Establishment Permit for the Faire. If you are denied the Temporary Food Establishment Permit, please contact us or it may result in the forfeit of 50% of your fee.  Copy of your permit and insurance must be turned in for final approval. 

SPACE:
• Food vendors will provide all required equipment for operations and sales.
• Food vendors signage cannot extend further than 3 feet from façade of vendor space. Food vendors are liable for any injury or damage caused by signage.
• Any food vendors utilizing fryer equipment must be in a food truck only. Food vendors with a pop-up tent are NOT permitted to operate a fryer.

No ELECTRICITY
Vendors are permitted to use quiet generators with a 75 dB rating or lower.
• Food vendors must tape all electrical cords in use to ensure safety throughout the day.

PROPANE TANKS:
All vendors with propane tanks are required to bring all necessary equipment to properly secure in place. 

WASTE:
• No grease or gray water disposal is available onsite. Vendors are responsible for proper disposal as required.
• No water access will be available.
• Food Vendors are responsible for removing debris and ensuring the general cleanliness of the area throughout the day. Area MUST be trash free before exiting site.

EVENT RULES AND POLICIES

1. NO USE of GLITTER or any type of micro trash to decorate your booth or costuming allowed. Includes glue on jeweled body embellishments. Just don’t!  We aim to be environmentally friendly during the festival.

2. All Vendors MUST HAVE own trash/recycle bins and encourage patrons to use them so as not to overwhelm city trash bins.

3. NO handouts are allowed (coupons, flyers, etc)

4. All areas must be cleaned by vendors after the event.  TAKE WHAT YOU BRING! Bring your own trash bags and dump your trash in the dumpster and recycle bins that will be available at the event.  Trash left behind at your booth space will be taken to account for future event opportunities. HELP Keep San Marcos Beautiful!

5. IMPORTANT! LIKE us on Facebook to stay up to date on festival activity.  Please RSVP and invite and share the festival event page with your network. www.facebook.com/mermaidsocietysmtx

6.CANCELLATION  This event will be held rain or shine!

Should you have any questions please email us at registration@mermaidsocietysmtx.com or call
Jamie Lynn Shelton, Event Director 512-214-2589. 

** By Submitting this Application you are agreeing to adhere to the rules and policies outlined above. **