Thank you for your interest in becoming a vendor at the Memorial Day Community Party. For your convenience, we put together a list of frequently-asked questions you might have about renting vendor space at the celebration. If you don’t see your question here or need to clarify an answer, please email us at vendors.mdcp@innseg.com.
About Memorial Day Community Party
What is the Memorial Day Community Party (MDC Party)?
The Memorial Day Community Party (MDC Party) is an annual event that serves to honor select areas- while, commemorating the families and businesses of these special communities. The celebration will be a fun-filled day of family fun activities, entertainment, great food and community resource providers. We will shine a spotlight on the great assets of this community- while, providing a positive opportunity for its members to enjoy the outdoors and connect with valuable resources from within the area.
When does the Memorial Day Community Party take place?
The Memorial Day Community Party will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2019. To get the most up-to-date information on this year’s celebration and future dates- we encourage you to sign up for our newsletter.
What are the hours of the Memorial Day Community Party?
The event starts at 12 pm – at 6 pm. For a complete list of events, visit the Schedule page.
Where does the MDC Party take place?
The celebration takes place at Houston This Is It Soul Food, 2712 Blodgett, Houston, TX 77004. Houston This Is It Soul Food is conveniently located at the corner of Blodgett St. and Delano St.- approximately minutes from downtown Houston. It’s one of the oldest African-American restaurants in Houston, Texas. Houston This Is It Soul Food dishes out delicious food from the steam table to a diverse mix of customers.
Becoming a Vendor
How can I apply to be a vendor at this event?
You must complete the Vendor Application. We’ll review your application and notify you of space availability and assignment. Remember, spaces are limited and are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
When is the deadline to apply as a vendor?
We must receive your Vendor Application by Sunday, May 19, 2019, no later than 8pm. If we approve your application after the deadline, we’ll charge a late fee. We recommend you apply as early as possible to secure your spot.
How do I know if my vendor application is approved?
You’ll get an email from us letting you know that we approved your application. We receive many applications, so it might take up to a week to confirm your space. But don’t worry—if you haven’t heard back from us by the end of the week before the event, please contact us at vendors.mdcp@innseg.com. Once we approve you as a vendor, we’ll send you a Day-of-Event Information packet before the event with site details, parking, and setup information.
Rental Spaces
What sizes are available for rental?
You can rent a space in one of these sizes:
- 10 ft. x 10 ft.
- 10 ft. x 20 ft.
- 20 ft. x 20 ft.
- 40 ft. Max Food Truck
Prices are set according to these sizes, and we’ll approve your request based on availability, so we recommend you make your request as early as possible.
Are other items or furniture included in the space rental?
No. Only the space is included in the rental. You must provide your own tents, tables, chairs, and any other furniture you need for your space. The event does not provide equipment rental services.
What access is there to electricity in the rental space?
You must indicate that you need electricity in the Vendor Application. As a vendor, you must provide:
- Your own lighting fixtures.
- Your own power cable / extension cord.
- Your own whisper-quiet type generators.
The event organizer will pre-approve all generators. An electrician will not be available on site during the celebration. However, vendors can make any necessary arrangements for an electrician at their own expense.
As a food vendor, what are the requirements for fire extinguishers?
All food vendors must meet the City of Houston Fire Department requirements with a current fire extinguisher inspection sticker. The Fire Marshal may inspect booths at any time during the event. The Houston Fire Department states the fire extinguisher requirement as follows:
“Fire Extinguishers with a minimum rating of 2-A, 10-B:C with a current tag from a license Extinguisher company. Booths exceeding 20 feet in length have two extinguishers as indicated above. Extinguishers shall be in all booths who are involved in cooking using a heating device (LP, electric, charcoal). A K-Type extinguisher is needed for all deep frying.”
The Houston Fire Department has provided an Inspector Checklist for food vendors. You must follow the checklist items (highlighted in yellow) and ensure that your booth is properly equipped to meet the Fire Marshal requirements at the time of inspection during the celebration. The Inspector Checklist is available online.
Fees and Payment
What fees do I have to pay as a vendor to rent space?
The fees depend on the size of the space you want to rent, your organization type—non-profit, arts and crafts, or food vendor. The full list of prices is on the Vendors page.
How do I pay my rental and vendor fees?
We gladly accept one of these forms of payment:
- Credit or debit cards, payable at mdcp.eventbrite.com
- Cashier’s check or money order, payable to “M.D.C.P. c/o Innovative Segue”, P.O. Box 722306, Houston, Tx. 77272. Send your payment as early as possible, as it must clear at least one (1) week before the event.
Remember, your full balance is due by Sunday, May 19, 2019, no later than 8pm.
Must I pay the entire balance to reserve my space upfront?
Once we approve your application, we’ll contact you about making the required payment. You must pay your full balance by Sunday, May 19, 2019. If you’re paying by cashier’s check or money order, mail your payment as early as possible, as there might be delays when sending your payment by regular mail or courier service.
What is your cancellation policy for deposits?
If you cancel within one (1) days of the event date, your fee will NOT be returned.
Selling at the Memorial Day Community Party
Do you have restrictions on the types of items I can sell?
We welcome all types of items, but we don’t allow selling of illegal or unsafe items. Prohibited items include drug paraphernalia, guns, fireworks, weapons, apparel displaying profanity, or sexually-explicit items. Your vendor application must list all the items you plan to sell so we can approve your submission. If you sell prohibited items, you may be fined, and we’ll ask you to leave the event without a refund.
Can I have an exclusivity agreement on a product at the festival?
If you’re interested in being the exclusive vendor of a product, email us at vendors.mdcp@innseg.com.
Can I promote my business with coupons or promotional items?
You’re allowed to have promotional items, like coupons, brochures, menus, and signage in your space. If you want to distribute promotional items outside of your rented space, like in other park areas, let us know in advance so we can approve your request.
Will I be able to play music?
No. You’re not allowed to play music in your vendor space during the event.
What restrictions are there on food vendors?
You may sell only event-approved food, and you must sell it in exchange for money, not coupons.
Insurance, Security, and Parking
Is insurance available through the event?
No. As a vendor, you must provide your own insurance.
Will there be security at the event?
No. There will not be security provided on the day of the event. Also, no overnight security will be provided as the park does not allow set up the day before the event.
Will vendors be assigned parking?
No. We suggest that all vendors arrive early. We recommend you use a dolly or other equipment to move or restock items between your space and your parking spots.