Downtown Businesses During the National Folk Festival

The City is excited to offer the opportunity for Downtown businesses to set up along W Main Street or in front of their business during the National Folk Festival. Over 91,000 people attended the 2021 Festival, so this is the perfect opportunity to engage with newcomers to the community! Space is FREE for Downtown businesses (must have a physical location within 0.5 mile radius of the Downtown Salisbury Visitor Center), but MUST be reserved in advance of the event.

Guidelines:

  • Downtown businesses can set up at no charge, however, advanced registration and permission is required
  • Space on W Main Street is available on a first-come, first-served basis and will be open only to Downtown businesses initially.
    • This application may be opened to Non-Profit Organizations, Civic and Community Groups closer to the event, if space allows.
    • No political campaigns/political signage
  • Any business that will be serving food MUST apply for and submit their Wicomico County Health Department Temporary Food Service Facility permit (regardless of whether you currently operate an existing food service facility nearby)
  • Please keep any activities PG-rated
  • You must provide your own table/chair/equipment
  • You can leave early or arrive late, but you won’t be able to drive into the area to load or unload. The closest area to unload will be along W Church Street
  • 10×10 tents are allowed on the SOUTH side of W Main Street ONLY and must be weighted appropriately
  • Electric is available via the light poles on the street, but please bring an extension cord if you can and a step stool to reach
  • All spaces on W Main Street are located within MARKED PARKING SPACES.  Please do not set up on the sidewalk, or on bump out areas unless specifically directed.  This allows us to keep sidewalks clear and accessible.
  • This offering is SEPARATE from the planning efforts involved with the National Folk Festival, and may not be included in the event program and other marketing materials
  • For those operating on W Main or in front of your business, an interactive activity-based component is *required* (example: face painting, potting plants, food sales, etc).

Downtown Businesses During NFF

  • Plans

  • FOR THOSE OPERATING ON W MAIN OR OUTSIDE BUSINESS: Exhibitor will be permitted to display signs identifying the Exhibitor and goods and/or services with prices that are being offered to the public. Exhibitor will be permitted to distribute handouts, brochures, flyers, and other promotional materials within the confines of exhibit space SO LONG as there is an appropriate interactive component offered by exhibitor.The City reserves the right to place any further restrictions on use of assigned space covered by this Agreement as may be required to comply with any state or local law, regulation, or policy in effect or which the City feels necessary to promote or protect the purpose of the National Folk Festival.
    If you intend to serve food, a one day temporary permit from the Wicomico Health Department will be required, and proof of submission must be furnished to the City
    Acoustic music MUST be coordinated with the City to ensure there aren't multiple competing musicians in the same vicinity. Absolutely no amplified musicians allowed.

  • Terms & Conditions

    USE OF SPACE
    The approved rental area shall be used only for the purposes specified in this agreement. The licensee agrees to use the area in such a manner so as to comply with all state, county, and municipal orders and regulations; and not to use the area or permit the same to be used for any disorderly or unlawful purposes. Failure to use the approved rental area in conformity with the purposes specified in this agreement will be considered a violation of this agreement. The City may terminate this agreement and immediately re-take possession of the area for any agreement violation. Additionally:

    • Under no circumstances should the licensee and/or group make any alterations, install equipment, or make attempts to maintain areas except for trash cleanup. All trash must be properly disposed of in receptacles provided for the purpose. The area should be returned to its normal condition except for normal wear.

    • The City reserves the right to refuse or cancel this agreement for any reasonable cause. Every attempt will be given to provide the organization adequate notice of cancellation.

    • Licensee shall not assign this license or any interest thereto to any other person or persons without the prior written consent of the City.

    • Should the rental area be damage or equipment damaged or stolen, the licensee and/or group will be assessed a repair or replacement fee. This fee must be paid within thirty (30) days or the City will begin collection proceedings and the licensee/group will be precluded from future rentals within the City until the past due amount is resolved.

    • The City reserves the right to restrict groups from providing alcoholic beverages on its premises. In all cases, when such requests are approved, it is the responsibility of the organization to adhere to the rules and regulations of the Wicomico County Board of License Commissioners.

    •The City will is not liable for lost or stolen items during this period

  • Waiver & Signature

    WAIVER: The licensee and/or group agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City, its officers, agents, and employees from and against any and all claims, demands, causes of action, and liability of any kind for, and by reason of any act or omission of said licensee and/or group. Additionally, the licensee further accepts the rental area “AS IS” and releases, discharges and waives the City from any and all rights of action, either legal or equitable, which he has or ever may have against the City by reason of use of the said rental area, excepting only any such injury or damage resulting from the willful acts of the City.I am familiar with and agree to all policies which regulate the use of the rental area and have made the participating members of our group familiar with the same. I accept responsibility on behalf of the group for the activity described in this agreement. Any damages caused by myself, my group, or my activities will be assessed a repair or replacement fee, which I will pay within 30 days.

    My signature signifies that I have read, fully understand and agree to comply with rules and regulations.