Vendor Applications & Information
New 2016 Vendor Applications and Forms are available in the Vendor Documents box down below
Invitation
The Tacoma Events Commission, the non-profit organization that has presented Tacoma’s annual 4th of July extravaganza for over 30 years, invites you to participate in the Tacoma Freedom Fair and Air Show. This public celebration includes an air show, live entertainment, recreational events, kids’ activities, displays, exhibits, car show, pole vault meet, foot court, arts/craft show, and a giant fireworks display. The event draws over 100,000 people every year. Food and merchandise booths are grouped outdoors along the Ruston Way waterfront on the shores of Commencement Bay where the event audience gathers.
Eligibility
Applications are now being accepted for vendors of food, arts and crafts, imported mass-produced merchandise, and commercial/corporate direct marking businesses. Your application must be returned with the booth fee; a photograph of your booth, and a large self addressed stamped envelope if photos are to be returned. A 10% DISCOUNT IS BEING OFFERED TO ALL VENDORS WHO SUBMIT THEIR FULL BOOTH FEE AND APPLICATION BEFORE FEBRUARY 1. Your payment will be refunded in full if you are not selected. Applications will be accepted at regular rates until May 1st. Late payments and special requests will be considered on a first-paid-first served basis as space permits. A 20% late charge must be added to the application fee if sent in after May 1st. No refunds are granted after June 1st if you cancel after having been accepted.
After reading the information below carefully, if you still have questions please email them to Gary Grape, our concessions committee chairman, at or call him in the office at (253) 507-9357.
Vendor Documents
Documents are in PDF format.
Food Vendor Application Form
Non-Food Vendor Application Form
Download and print a copy of the vendor application. Read it carefully, fill it out completely, sign the second page, and mail it in with your booth fee and everything else requested. Thank you!
Vendor Invitation (PDF)
Vendor Info (PDF)
Electrical Form (PDF, for vendors who need an electrical connection)
We have detailed aerial maps available for download which will show you were most vendor spots are located as well as all other even landmarks.
Check out the FAQ page which has a few items for vendors.
Food Vendor Info
Spaces are sold in 10’x10’ size increments indicated on the application, all spaces are outdoors and some are on grass. Vehicles may not park or drive on the lawn, and NO STAKES MAY BE DRIVEN INTO THE GROUND ANYWHERE ON THE VENUE. Penalties will be assessed for failure to comply with this rule.
One parking pass will be provided for a vendor lot near your booth after you unload. A few spaces are available for trucks and trailers but please indicate your needs and apply early! Exhibitors are responsible for providing their own booth and display materials.
Some spaces are located in the area closest to the McCarver Street entrance and in parks. Many vendors will be placed between Hamilton Park and the Old Town Dock, by the Johnny’s Ocean Old Town Store. All space assignments are in a festival food court area near live entertainment.
Setup times for food vendors in the main food court begin at 4:00 p.m. on July 3rd. Other great spaces are located in the waterfront area closest to the air show, sports events, dragon boat races, the car show, and in Marine Park. These areas setup on the morning of July 4th. THERE WILL BE NO EXCLUSIVE BEVERAGE VENDOR FOR THIS YEAR'S EVENT. Vendors who wish to sell beverages will be responsible for bringing their own product. Hours of operation will be 10:30AM to 10:00PM.
Food Vendor Fees & Charges
The fee for food and beverage vendors will vary depending upon your assigned booth location plus 15% of your gross sales. Registration fees include the cost of a mandatory City of Tacoma vendor license and payment of your B&O taxes. (Fees are not refundable after June 1, once you are officially accepted.) You are responsible for obtaining your food handlers permits and passing your inspection by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Depart. Call them at (253) 798-6475 for food handler permits and (253) 798-6463 to make your inspection arrangements. Electrical service is at an additional charge based upon the type of service required, identified early and fees paid in advance. All food and beverage vendors must also submit a $100 cleaning deposit to the offer prior to the event. It will be refunded if you booth space is left clean and fee of trash. Food vendors must also comply with Tacoma Fire Department regulations.
Craft and Commercial Merchandise Vendor Info
Booth spaces are outdoors and 10’x 10’ in size. Most are on grass and do not have electricity. The event is not responsible for providing any tents, chairs or display materials. Vehicles may not park on the lawn. Stakes are not allowed in securing tents. One pass will be provided per vendor for a parking spot in a vendor lot near your booth. A few spaces are available for heavy exhibits. Indicate your need and apply early!
Merchandise Vendor Fees
The commercial vendor fee is $300 for a 10’x10’ space. Handcrafted arts and crafts vendor fees are $175 for a 10’x10’ space. We do not charge a percentage of your sales. Your fee includes one parking pass, the cost of a mandatory City of Tacoma vendor license and payment of your B&O taxes. Hours of operation will be 10:30AM to dusk.
Businesses that want to do lead gathering, sample products, signup customers or run contests must contact Gary Grape, TEC Events Director/Office Manager, to discuss the rate and terms for such activities. Fees may be adjusted for certified non-profit and community service organizations at the discretion of the Executive Director.
Best Western Lakewood Motor Inn and Emerald Queen Hotel & Casino are the preferred hotel sponsors of Freedom Fair. We encourage vendors to contact them for a discounted room rate (let them know you are booking for the event for the discount).
