Frequently asked questions:

What time is check-in and vendor registration?

Friday, June 6th:
- Food Vendors: Registration 1PM - 6PM | Electricity Hookup from 1-3PM | Test at 3PM
- Artist & Non-Profit Vendors: Registration 1PM - 6PM

Saturday, June 7th:
- All Vendors: Registration 8:30AM - 10:00AM

where is the event headquarters (hq), hospitality and vendor registration?

The main headquarters (HQ) at University Park is located in/nearby the GF Park District’s building near the center of University Park. You can enter from N. 25th Street side either via the road or sidewalk.

is there a complimentary continental breakfast?

Yes. Donuts are provided courtesy of Development Homes, Inc. and coffee and water provided courtesy of the Public Arts Commission and Happy Camper Coffee.

how do i identify staff or volunteers of artfest?

All staff and volunteers will be wearing high-visibility vests with the ArtFest logo.

where can i load, unload to set up/take down my booth?

All vendors must register before setting up their booth. At check-in, you will receive an updated map and other information that will help you with logistics and the weekend’s activities.

You can load and unload from N. 25th Street between 1PM - 7PM.

Grand Forks Wrestling Team can be found with their coaches and parents helping “haul” merchandise from booths to vehicles on Friday 3:30PM - 6:30PM and Sunday 4:00PM - 6:30PM.

can i drive on the grass?

If the grass is dry (and there has been no heavy rainfall) then vendors are permitted to drive onto the grass for ease with loading and unloading. This is subject to change pending the GF Park District.

where is parking for vendors?

Parking is available on the street around University Park and N. 25th Street.

is there electric, water, or other utilities for overnight parking?

No, campers must use their own generators.

There is a campground in East Grand Forks, MN that may have available camping spots. Red River State Recreation Area at 515 2nd Street NW, East Grand Forks, MN 56721. Reservations can be made by calling 866-857-2757 if 24 hours in advance, same day reservation is 888-990-4322 or online at www.mndnr.gov/reservations. You also may be able to dump waste with a daily permit; you will need to call 218-773-4950 to ask if they have space.

will there be security?

There will be security at University Park from 6PM - 10AM Saturday night/Sunday morning. Public Arts Commission is not responsible for any damage, loss or theft that may occur.

what is the address of university park?

ArtFest is held at University Park, 320 North 25th Street, Grand Forks, ND 58201

if there is incliment weather or a severe threat, where can we go?

This is a rain or shine event, but we will close early should weather conditions prove to be unsafe.

The designated storm shelter for this area is Swanson Hall. Click here for more information.

can is sell merchandise that is made by someone else?

Participation is open to all artists exhibiting work of original concept, design, and execution. Only handcrafted work by the selling artist is acceptable. No imports are allowed, and WE WILL BE CHECKING for this. If your booth is found to have imports or goods not made by you, you will be asked to not sell them. Vendors who do not comply with this rule may be barred from participation in future events. Giclee reproductions are accepted; reproductions must be clearly marked. over fifty percent of each product must be handmade by the artists. ARTISTS, NOT THEIR REPRESENTATIVES, MUST BE PRESENT AT THE SHOW.

do i need to have a sales tax permit?

YES! All vendors are responsible for collecting sales tax on all sales made during the event. Following the event, all vendors names are submitted, as required by law, to the State Tax Commissioner. To apply for a tax number, contact:

North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner
600 E. Boulevard Avenue, Department 127
Bismarck, ND 58505-0599
Sales Tax Permit: 701-328-1241
Website: www.nd.gov/tax

am i required to have insurance?

Artist Vendors: No

However, the Public Arts Commission encourages it. You can request a “Certificate of Liability Insurance” from your insurance agent. You will not be denied access to booth space if you do not provide it.

Food Vendors: Yes

Food vendors must carry their own insurance of at least $1,000,000 for product liability and general liability. Coverage must be at least $500,000 for each occurrence. List the Public Arts Commission as the additional insured.

Your Certificate of Insurance must clearly show expiration date and amount of coverage.

If vendors are not in compliance with insurance, they will not be allowed to set up.

am i required to have a city license or permit?

YES for all Food Vendors only.

All vendors selling home-prepared or baked goods must comply with updated local and state regulations. These items include whole fruits and vegetables, baked goods not requiring refrigeration, honey, jams, and jellies. Canned low acid vegetables, pickles, and salsa with proper verification. Eggs sold directly from owner/producer to consumer and maintained at 41O F. Please read carefully to determine what applies to your booth:

Cottage Food Vendors (Homemade, Non-TCS Foods)

Under North Dakota Cottage Food Law (NDCC 23-09.5):

• Cottage food includes non-TCS (time/temperature control for safety) foods like baked goods, jams, syrups, candies, and some canned items.

• Vendors do not need a license from Grand Forks Public Health, but must follow all labeling and food safety requirements.

• These sales must be for off-site consumption and must be directly to the end consumer. 

• Products that require refrigeration or cold-holding, are not considered cottage food,  must be transported and sold frozen.

• The law prohibits the sale of:

• Uninspected meat products (except poultry that meets all of the following):

• No more than 1,000 poultry raised and processed by the vendor per year.

• Poultry must not be adulterated or misbranded.

• Vendor may not buy or sell poultry from outside sources.

• Poultry products sold across state lines (interstate commerce).

• Vendors selling home-canned or home-baked items must label each food container and/or food item with the following statement using a font size that is prominent, conspicuous and easy to read: “These food products were produced in an uninspected home kitchen where major food allergens may also have been handled and prepared, such as tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, soy, wheat, milk, fish, and crustacean shellfish.”

• The vendor must also display a signor placard at the point of sale which states: “These canned goods/baked goods are homemade and not subject to state inspection”

Temporary Food Establishments 

If you're preparing or serving food on-site, you are considered a temporary food establishment and must comply with licensing and safety standards.

License Requirements:

• A Temporary Food License is required for onsite food preparation or service.

• No license is required if your sales are limited to:

• Prepackaged foods

• Whole fruits or vegetables

• Nonprofits may request a license fee reimbursement through the City Auditor (City Code 21-2712).

• Applications must be submitted at least 10 business days before the event.

Food & Equipment Standards:

• Food must be from an approved source – home-prepared food is not allowed for temporary food establishments.

• Commercial equipment is not required, but:

• Crockpots may not be used for cooking.

• All food must meet required FDA Food Code temperatures.

• A calibrated thermometer must be onsite.

• Mechanical refrigeration may be required for events exceeding 4 hours.

• A three-compartment sink or three-bucket system must be used for warewashing.

Handwashing & Waste Disposal:

• A handwashing station is required and must include:

• A sink or gravity-fed container with running water and a continuous-flow faucet.

• Soap and paper towels.

• 3-Bucket (wash/rinse/sanitize) system

• Wastewater must be collected separately and not dumped into storm sewers or on the ground.

Set-Up & Construction:

• A canopy may be used over food prep areas (not over grills or fryers).

• Food must be prepared in a licensed commercial kitchen—residential kitchens are not allowed.

• All operations are subject to inspection by the Grand Forks Health and Fire Departments.

If you need further information, reach out to the Grand Forks Public Health Department at 701-787-8100 or https://www.grandforksgov.com/government/city-departments/public-health

Did i sign a statement of agreement & understanding to participate in artfest?

YES! The following is a copy of the information provided to and signed by you when you submitted your application:

Although having quality insurance should be a concern for every artist, an insurance certificate is not required to show proof of insurance as an artist at ArtFest. Any vendor selling food is required to carry insurance.

I agree to register between 1PM - 6PM on Friday or 8:30AM - 10:00 AM on Saturday.

I will not begin to tear down until after the scheduled closing time. Failure to accommodate registration and tear down requirement may forfeit my participation in future years.

All work displayed or sold at my booth is of my own design, crafted by me. I will maintain inventory sufficient to cover my anticipated sales during the event.

I grant permission to PAC to use electronic images, slides, photographs, video, and other visual or audio representatives of me, my booth, and my product without my compensation.

I am totally responsible for my booth and exhibited personal property including the method of display, method of set-up, security for protection of my property, sale of merchandise, take-down of the booth, and disposal of trash. I will provide all materials for my booth, including display units, tables, chairs, canopies, and wind weights.

After I unload my merchandise, I will move my vehicle and/or trailer to the designated parking areas. I understand that if I do not follow these rules, my vehicle and/or trailer may be towed at my expense. No permanent vendor parking is allowed on N. 25th Street.

I agree not to use stakes longer than 9 inches if my booth is located on a grass site. I agree to pay for all damages caused by me or my employees to city, state, county or private property, in full and immediately to the affected business or department.

If I apply for booth space with electricity, I am responsible for bringing my own 50-foot, 14-gauge grounded extension cord and a 15-amp circuit power strip.

I understand a $40 service charge will be assessed for any check returned to PAC for insufficient funds.

I may not transfer, sell, share, or sublease my booth space.

Any proceeds derived from the sale of my product are entirely mine, and I am entirely responsible for collecting and submitting any applicable sales taxes to North Dakota.

I have secured any necessary permits or licenses for the use of any copyrighted or trademarked materials and will indemnify and hold PAC, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims of infringement.

In the event of an emergency, I will call 911 first and inform event organizers. If the Emergency Alert systems or sirens are activated during the event I will comply and seek shelter. Local radio stations and the Midcontinent Cable TV system are both linked directly the Emergency Alert System (EAS) - and you will be given any additional safety information through those media outlets. In addition, have a plan where you would go in the event of a tornado. Some safe places would include places open for business, a basement (under the stairs), and interior room on the main floor with no windows (a bathroom), or in Grand Forks, one of the city-wide shelters. If you want to take shelter at a friend or neighbor’s house, ensure that you plan ahead so you aren’t traveling during the dangerous part of the storm.

I agree to abide by the rules and policies set forth in this application and by all applicable statutes, ordinances, and regulations of the State of North Dakota, the City of Grand Forks, ND, Grand Forks County, and PAC. Specifically, I agree not to use or condone the use of drugs, smoking or alcohol on the event grounds and not to do any act which would constitute a breach of peace.

Event management reserves the right to refuse acceptance to ArtFest to any artist, regardless of past participation or Best in Category status.

I agree to indemnify and hold harmless PAC, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any losses, liability, claims, demands, expenses, fees, fines, penalties, suits, proceedings, damages, actions, and causes of action of any kind and nature from arising or growing out of or in any way connected with ArtFest. I further release PAC, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any liability for loss, damage, or theft of my property or booth by damage or destruction from causes including, but not limited to, fire, theft, vandalism, weather, or the negligence of others.

I have read this agreement and materials furnished to me with this form and agree to abide by all. Any dispute with respect to this agreement or the materials furnished or in any way related to ArtFest will be resolved in Grand Forks, North Dakota, whether by arbitration, mediation, or litigation, and I submit to the jurisdiction of the Grand Forks County District Court with respect to any litigation. I have read and accept the terms and conditions stated in this application/contract.