FOOD VENDOR APPLICATION DEADLINE - JULY 2025
This application is for Food Vendors.
2023 FOOD APPLICATION.pdf
For Marketplace Vendors, click HERE.
PAYMENT MUST BE MADE AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION.
BOOTH SPACES ARE NOT SECURED UNTIL PAYMENT IS COMPLETE.
June 3, 2023: Deadline for application & fees
Confirmation will be sent as and when applications are received on a first come, first served basis.
July 17, 2023 ALL PAYMENTS DUE
Aug. 7, 2023 Confirmation and notification of space assignment emailed. Exhibitors may withdraw (in writing only) by this date to receive a refund. A $100 processing fee will be deducted from the refund.
There will be NO REFUNDS for booth cancellations after Aug 5.
NO EXCEPTIONS. NO RAIN DATES.
Aug. 31, 2023: Move-in and Setup (2:00pm to 9:00pm)
Note: Thursday is the only day vehicles will be allowed on the grounds for setup.
Sep 1-4, 2023: 34th Annual African Festival of the Arts (Friday to Monday)
Sept. 4, 2023: Exhibitors and Vendors Breakdown 10:30pm – Midnight
VENDOR CONTRACT
This contract shall be deemed to have been made in the State of Illinois and shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois. All legal actions to enforce this agreement shall be brought into the courts of Cook County, Illinois, and the exhibitor agrees to the jurisdiction of the Illinois Courts & Laws.
General Release
I, the undersigned, agree to uphold all rules and regulations of the African Festival of the Arts (AFA), Chicago Park District, the City of Chicago, and the State of Illinois. I understand that the AFA reserves the right to expel me, with no refunds, if and when I do any thing to damage the quality, reputation, character or if I engage in any illegal activity or cause problems to the management of the AFA, the sponsors, and other vendors/exhibitors.
I further fully release and discharge, and hold harmless the AFA, Africa International House (AIH) and its officers, staff, employees & agents, all sponsors, Chicago Park District, the City of Chicago, and the State of Illinois from any and all claims from injuries, includ ing death, damages or loss of property which I may have or which may impact me on account of my participation in the activities of the AFA.
I, the undersigned, further agree and grant permission to the AFA, AIH and the sponsors of the AFA to use my name, my business name, stories, images of myself and works, (photographs, videos, slides, etc.) for advertising, publicity and promotional purposes, via print, electronics, cable, and the Internet. I further release and discharge any claim to payment for the use of any imagery of my
likeness, artwork, or unlicensed products. AIH, the AFA, and its officers, staff, and agents will not assume liability for any act of God, natural disaster, exposure to adverse weather and conditions, damages, injuries or any legal authority, war, insurrection, civil disobe dience, criminal acts, or any cause above and beyond the control of AIH, the AFA and the officers, agents, employees, sponsors, and the City of Chicago and Chicago Park District.
Money Order or Certified Check payable to: Africa International House USA, Inc.
Mail completed application and payment to:
Africa International House USA, Inc.
1507 East 53rd Street, Unit #460 Chicago, IL 60615
RULES & REGULATIONS
Many thanks for your participation in the African Festival of the Arts. We are dedicated to producing a great event which benefits our exhibitors, sponsors and the attending public. We need your help in being a good citizen as well as in obeying the following rules and regulations:
• Refunds are given only when a cancellation request is received in writing by August 5, 2023
• All booth fees must be paid in full by July 17, 2023.
• There will be NO collection of fees on the grounds of the Festival.
• Payments are only received in the form of money orders, bank drafts and secured bank instruments. Credit cards accepted by calling the festival office (773)955-2787. NO Cash and NO Personal Checks.
• There is no rain date.
• City and state rules and laws apply, and you are responsible for collecting and reporting all city and state retail sales taxes.
• Each exhibitor is responsible for the cleanliness, professionalism, safety, insurance and security of his/her property.
• Each exhibitor is responsible for his/her own display materials.
• No display or sale of counterfeit or bootlegged merchandise. Violators will be subject to confiscation, expulsion and/or arrest by Chicago Police.
• No subletting or transfer of booth space without permission.
• All work, display, storage, and extra materials will not be allowed to go beyond the assigned tent space
• Your booth should not interfere with the booths next to yours.
• To encourage diversity and variety of merchandise, each exhibitor is limited to only two (2) booth spaces.
• Vehicles are not allowed on the grass and will be subject to a TICKETED and/or TOW.
• No generators, animals, dangerous objects, contraband, or loud amplified sounds.
• All rules will be enforced. Failure to comply with the rules and exhibiting unruly behavior. (including intoxication or verbal abuse or behaviors which threaten the safety of anyone) by an exhibitor or his/her agent will cause immediate expulsion.