News Release

Vendor Opportunities Now Open for the 25th Spring Planting & Music Festival at Big South Fork NRRA

NPS Photo

News Release Date: March 21, 2025

Contact: Christopher Derman, [phone]

Oneida, Tennessee - Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will be hosting the 25^th annual Spring Planting and Music Festival, set to take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025. This beloved community event celebrates the season with a day filled with live music, traditional arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities.

We are currently seeking craft and food vendors to be part of this year’s festival! If you create handmade goods, artisanal crafts, or delicious food, this is a great opportunity to showcase your work and connect with festivalgoers in a lively, festive atmosphere.  Don’t miss your chance to be part of this long-standing tradition!

A one-time fee of $25 is required for both food and craft vendors interested in being a part of this one-day festival.  This fee can also be applied towards an application to be a part of other park-sponsored events such as the Storytelling Festival on September 20, 2025, and the Blue Heron Ghost Mine event on October 18, 2025.  All vendors will need to bring their own tent, table, chairs, and equipment. While electrical hook-ups and water access will be provided, please be aware that generators are not allowed.

All food vendors must have a Certified Food Manager (CFM) on site, as mandated by the National Park Service policy.  Obtaining this certification involves passing an ANSI-accredited food safety exam, which can be done online through providers like AAA Food Handler.  The cost and additional details for this certification can be found at https://aaafoodhandler.com/food-manager-certification/.  Along with your application, please submit a copy of the CFM certificate, general liability insurance, the most recent inspection report, and business license for review and approval.

Interested individuals should contact the permit coordinator, Letitia Neal, [phone] ext. 4040, or [e-mail]. Applications are available online at https://www.nps.gov/biso/getinvolved/commercial-use-authorization-application-and-requirements.htm.  

While craft vendor applications will be accepted up until the day of the event, food vendors need to apply no later than April 4, 2025.

For additional information on this special event as well as other events, call us at [phone], or visit online at: https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/springplanting.htm.  

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at : WEBSITE  FACEBOOK  TWITTER  INSTAGRAM  YOUTUBE