Thank you for your interest in participating as a food vendor at City of Lowden events. Application takes about 3–5 minutes to complete. Please review the basic requirements below before submitting your application.
Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Vendors are selected to ensure variety and appropriate space availability.
Before you apply, please have the following ready:
- Food Vendor License, Mobile Food Unit License, or Temporary Food Establishment Permit
- Certificate of General Liability Insurance ($1,000,000 minimum coverage)
- Photo of your truck, trailer, cart, or booth setup
- Basic menu or description of the food you serve
- Dimensions of your setup (length, width, height)
View Full Vendor Terms & Conditions
1. Application & Vendor Selection
All vendors must submit an application (found below) to be considered for participation.
Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Vendors will be selected to ensure a variety of food options and appropriate space availability.
Approved vendors will receive an official acceptance email with instructions for submitting payment and final documentation.
The event will take place rain or shine.
2. Payment & Refund Policy
Vendor space is not reserved until payment is received.
Approved vendors must submit payment by check according to the instructions provided in the acceptance email.
Vendor fees are non-refundable once payment has been received, including in the event of weather, illness, or inability to attend.
The event organizers do not guarantee exclusivity of any food item or product.
3. Insurance, Documentation & Liability
Vendors are required to provide the following documentation prior to the event:
- A valid Food Vendor License, Mobile Food Unit License, or Temporary Food Establishment Permit as required by Iowa law.
- A Certificate of General Liability Insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence.
Approved vendors will be required to provide a Certificate of Insurance listing the City of Lowden as additionally insured prior to the event.
Failure to provide required documentation by the specified deadline may result in forfeiture of the vendor space.
The event organizers and the City of Lowden are not responsible for theft, loss, damage, or injury that may occur during setup, the event, or breakdown.
Event organizers are not liable for cancellation or disruption due to circumstances beyond their control, including but not limited to severe weather, natural disasters, government orders, public health emergencies, or other force majeure events. No refunds will be issued under these circumstances.
4. Health & Fire Safety Compliance
All vendors must comply with applicable health department and fire safety regulations.
Food trucks, trailers, carts, and cooking booths may be inspected by local authorities on the day of the event.
General safety requirements include:
- Fire extinguishers must be present, properly mounted, and within inspection date.
- Cooking equipment must be maintained in a clean and safe condition.
- Propane tanks must be secured.
- Generators must be positioned safely away from public areas and combustible materials.
- Tents used for food service must be flame-retardant and properly labeled.
Any vendor that fails inspection or presents a safety hazard may be prohibited from operating.
No refunds will be issued in these circumstances.
5. Arrival, Setup & Breakdown
Vendor load-in instructions and arrival times will be provided prior to the event.
Vendors must arrive within their designated load-in window. Late arrivals may not be accommodated.
All vendors must remain open and operational for the entire duration of their given time slot(s) unless approved by event organizers.
Vendor spaces must be left clean and free of trash, grease, or debris.
6. Parking & Vehicles
Vendor vehicles must park in designated vendor parking areas once setup is complete.
If towing a trailer, towing vehicles must be moved to the designated parking area after unloading unless otherwise directed.
No additional vehicles may remain within the vendor area during the event.
7. Electricity, Water & Waste
Limited electricity may be available depending on event infrastructure. Vendors should be prepared to operate using their own generator if necessary.
Vendors are responsible for their own:
- Water supply
- Waste disposal
- Grease and gray water removal
The dumping of grease, oil, or gray water on site is strictly prohibited.
8. Conduct & Compliance
Vendors are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner toward event staff, volunteers, other vendors, and attendees.
Event organizers reserve the right to remove any vendor for:
- Unsafe operations
- Violation of event policies
- Unprofessional behavior
Vendors removed from the event will forfeit all vendor fees.
9. Marketing & Media
By participating in the event, vendors grant permission for the event organizers and the City of Lowden to use photographs or video of vendor booths, trucks, and products for promotional and marketing purposes.