Vendor Application & Information
Invitation
The Tacoma Events Commission, a non-profit organization that has presented Tacoma’s annual 4th of July Extravaganza for over 25 years, invites you to participate in the Tacoma Freedom Fair. This free to the public celebration includes an air show, entertainment, recreational events, kids activities, displays, exhibits, and a giant fireworks display. The event draws over 100,000 people every year! Food and merchandise booths are grouped in and near Commencement Bay waterfront parks where the audience gathers.
Eligibility
Applications are now being accepted for vendors of food, art, craft and commercial merchandise vendors. Your application must be returned with the booth fee; a photograph of your booth, and a large self addressed stamped envelope if photos are to be returned. A 10% DISCOUNT IS BEING OFFERED TO ALL VENDORS WHO SUBMIT THEIR BOOTH FEE AND APPLICATIONS BEFORE MARCH 1. Payments will be promptly returned in full if you are not selected. Applications will be accepted until May 1. Late payments and special requests will be considered on a first-paid-first served basis as space permits. A 20% late charge must be added to the application fee. No refunds after June 1.
After reading the information below carefully, if you still have questions please email them to Gary Grape, our concessions committee chairman, at or call him at (253) 230-6851.
Vendor Documents
Vendor Application Form (PDF) - Download and print a copy of the vendor application. Read it carefully, fill it out completely, sign the second page, and mail it in with your booth fee and everything else requested. Thank you!
Electrical Form (for vendors who need an electrical connection)
Food Vendor Info
Most spaces are 20’x20’ and all are outdoors, some are on grass. Vehicles may not park on the lawn, one parking pass will be provided for a vendor lot near your booth after you unload. A few spaces are available for trucks and trailers but please indicate your needs and apply early! Exhibitors are responsible for providing their own booth and display materials. Some spaces are located in the area closest to the McCarver Street entrance and in parks. Many vendors will be placed between Hamilton Park and the Old Town Dock, by the Johnny’s Ocean Fish Store. This is the zone closest to the traditional fireworks show location; all space assignments are in a festival food court area near live entertainment. Most food vendor setup times begin at 4:00 p.m. on July 3rd. Other great spaces are located in the waterfront area closest to the air show, sports events, dragon boat races, the car show, and in Marine Park. These areas setup on the morning of July 4th. THERE WILL BE NO EXCLUSIVE BEVERAGE VENDOR FOR THIS YEARS EVENT. Vendors who wish to sell beverages will be responsible for bringing their own product . Hours of operation will be 10:30AM to 10:30PM.
Food Vendor Fees & Charges
The fee for food and beverage vendors is $500 plus 10% of your gross sales. Registration fees include the cost of a mandatory City of Tacoma vendor license and payment of your B&O taxes. (Fees are not refundable after June 1, once you are officially accepted.) You are responsible for obtaining your food handlers permits and passing your inspection by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Depart. Call them at (253) 798-6475 for food handler permits and (253) 798-6463 to make your inspection arrangements. Electrical service is at an additional charge based upon the type of service required, identified early and fees paid in advance. Food vendors must also comply with Tacoma Fire Department regulations.
Craft and Commercial Merchandise Vendor Info
Booth spaces are outdoors and 10’x 10’ in size. Most are on grass and do not have electricity. The event is not responsible for providing any tents, chairs or display materials. Vehicles may not park on the lawn. Stakes are not allowed in securing tents. One pass will be provided per vendor for a parking spot in a vendor lot near your booth. A few spaces are available for heavy exhibits. Indicate your need and apply early!
Merchandise Vendor Fees
The commercial vendor fee is $275 for a 10’x10’ space. Handcrafted arts and crafts vendor fees are $150 for a 10’x10’ space. We do not charge a percentage of your sales. Your fee includes one parking pass, the cost of a mandatory City of Tacoma vendor license and payment of your B&O taxes. Hours of operation will be 10:30AM to dusk.
Businesses that want to do lead gathering, sample products, signup customers or run contests must contact Doug Miller, the Executive Director, to discuss the rate and terms for such activities. Fees may be adjusted for certified non-profit and community service organizations at the discretion of the Executive Director.