Townsend Fair organizers report six food vendors, eight commercial vendors; remind vendors to file temporary food-license forms

Townsend Fair Board members reviewed vendor counts, contracts and required health permitting during their regular meeting, reporting six confirmed food vendors, eight commercial vendors and at least one pending food vendor.

Sheila, who coordinated vendor updates at the meeting, said all current vendors have paid and contracts are in place. She also told the board that county sanitarians will require all food vendors to complete a temporary food license in addition to their regular permits.

The licensing requirement matters for public health and event compliance. Board members discussed how the county’s temporary-food licensing process will be communicated: Sheila said she plans to email all contracted vendors with instructions and to cc board members who requested notification.

Organizers also raised operational reminders tied to recent paving. Because some paved areas are sloped, vendors with campers and concession trailers were told to plan for leveling equipment and to confirm they can safely set up in the assigned spots. Denise suggested recruiting additional concessions if spots open due to scheduling conflicts around other local events.

Sheila reported six food vendors confirmed and eight commercial vendors paid with contracts; she estimated a possible seventh food vendor. The board also discussed handing out “country cash” sponsor vouchers at the rodeo and fair; the vouchers will be accepted at entry points and some vendor areas. Organizers said they will hand-deliver vouchers and thank-you letters to sponsors before the fair.

No new vendor contracts were approved by motion at the meeting. Board members asked Jesse and others to follow up with any vendors who still needed to submit temporary food-license forms.

The board will notify vendors by email early in the week before the fair with license instructions, site notes about the asphalt slope, and setup expectations.