Homecoming 2023 Vendor Application

Vendor Application

General Application Information

Gardner-Webb University will celebrate Homecoming October 27-29, 2023. Alumni Relations will be hosting alumni and friends for the Bulldog BBQ on gameday, October 28. We intend to create a festival atmosphere that will include vendors, BBQ competition teams, and fun for the whole family.  

The festival takes place across from Spangler Stadium, on the practice soccer field. This is a high-traffic area that is fully fenced in with three wide entrances for access and ease of set up/tear down. Vendor spaces are assigned on a first come first served basis. To guarantee space in the event please submit your application by October 10th (food vendors please see section on food permits). Applications should include a listing and photos of items sold, distributed, demonstrated, etc. This information is used to diversify the event. The event allows for similar items, but avoids identical items sold. For example, only one Avon representative will be allowed but multiple vendors may sell makeup products. Applications will be reviewed as they come in. The Event Coordinator will notify vendors of their status shortly after the application is submitted. Most applications are accepted. Vendors will not be contacted by GWU Alumni Relations until the week of the event with an assigned vendor space.

Vendor Spaces & Fees

Vendor Spaces will be determined by the Event Coordinator and communicated to vendors the week of the event. Only one vendor may operate from each vendor space. Vendors may not pair up to circumvent fees. Spaces may not be reassigned or sublet by vendor.  

Food Vendor: $100 for 12’x12′ space and $25 for each additional space

Standard Vendor/Exhibitor: $75 for 12’x12′ first space and $25 for each additional space

Event Promotion and Social Media

For event updates and festival content, follow Gardner-Webb Alumni Relations and Gardner-Webb University:

Gardner-Webb University makes a concerted effort to promote Homecoming on social media and through conventional advertisement methods. Vendors are encouraged to follow the above channels, to create their own content related to the Bulldog BBQ, and to share the event and related social media content to promote the event.

Additional details

Electricity, generators, water, and wastewater will not be provided. Some food vendors may be required by the Health Department to have self-contained potable water.

Vendors distributing or selling food must provide hand sanitizer. Event area will provide public toilets and handwashing stations. Garbage should be bagged and boxes should be flattened and left at corner of Stadium and Tucker Drives (inside fence). Please do not utilize the public garbage cans in the event area intended for festival crowds.

Vendors are solely responsible for collecting, reporting, and paying all appropriate taxes. All persons distributing food for sale or as samples must contact the Cleveland County Health Department at 980-484-5130 at least 3 weeks prior to the event. You may also review the necessary forms online.

Festival is held in rain or shine. Gardner-Webb University observes a strict no refund policy after an application has been processed. The event will not be cancelled due to forecasted weather conditions. If conditions are unsafe due to conditions present the day of the event, the event will be shut down by the Event Coordinator.

  1. Vendors must provide their own tables and table coverings. Bare tables will not be allowed.

  2. Vendors must have personnel present in their space throughout the event.

  3. Vendors may not setup late or leave early from the event without exigent circumstances.

  4. Event and public safety personnel are the only people permitted to operate motorized vehicles such as golf carts, ATVs and the like in the festival area.

  5. Tents and other appurtenances will be inspected and must be secure from displacement by wind and weather. Unsecured items will be ordered removed.

  6. Vendors must operate within the confines of their designated space and may peddle or sell in the area immediately in front of their space but should refrain from aggressive sales tactics.

  7. Vendors are responsible for clearing garbage and debris from their space.

  8. Vendors may not interfere with surrounding vendors with loud music or other nuisances.

  9. The sale or distribution of alcohol is prohibited by town ordinance.

  • Vendors will be contacted with their space location information the week of the event.

  • Vendors will be able to begin setting up their space from 9:00-9:30am.

  • Vehicles will be cleared from festival area before 10:00am.

  • Festival area will open to public at 10:00am.

  • Festival area will close at 1:30pm and vehicles will be allowed out of the festival area by 1:45pm.

  • Garbage should be bagged and boxes should be flattened. Place bagged garbage and flattened boxes at corner of Stadium and Tucker Drives (inside fence).

  • Medical aid, lost children, etc. should be directed to the Concessions Stand directly across from soccer field, on the visitors’ side of Spangler Stadium.

Application & Payment Instructions

If your application is approved, you will receive an email about payment instructions.

Submit Vendor Application

Questions?

If you have any questions about Homecoming events or vendor applications and payments please contact Leah Clevenger for additional information.