TULIP TIME VENDOR LICENSING INFORMATION
May 2-9, 2009
Photo Courtesy of Randy Schroeder
What are the Tulip Time Dates?
The Annual Tulip Time Festival will be held from May 2-9, 2009. Vendors may sell for a maximum of 11 days.
What are the Licensing Rules, Regulations and Requirements?
All licenses must be applied for 10 days prior to the first day of operation or a late fee or denial of license will occur.
1) Tulip Time Merchant License ($45 per day):
ALL VENDORS must obtain a Tulip Time Transient Merchant License. This license is required for all vendors who will be “selling goods, wares, merchandise or services” from or at a fixed place of business. This license will be required for all vendors, regardless of the type of product being sold.
2) Temporary Food Service License ($100 plus $8.00 state surcharge per event):
Those vendors selling food products may also be required to obtain a Temporary Food Service license, in addition to the Tulip Time Transient Merchant License. All Temporary Food Service Licenses must be approved by the City Sanitarian prior to issuance. Food vendors who hold a valid Special Transitory Food Unit (STFU) license are exempt from payment of fees only for the Temporary Food Service during Tulip Time portion of the license; a Tulip Time Transient Merchant License must still be purchased.
3) LATE FEES ($75 or denial of license):
Please note that Tulip Time Temporary licenses shall be applied for 10 DAYS PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF OPERATION. A late fee of $75.00, or denial of license may result if the license is not applied for 10 days prior to the first day of operation.
4) Non-Profit Organizations:
Religious and non-profit organizations will be required to obtain a Temporary Food Service during Tulip Time License in the amount of $50.00. Official documentation is required for non-profit status and written consent for the use of property is required from the property owner.
5) Educational Organizations:
Educational Organizations are will be required to obtain a Temporary Food Service during Tulip Time License in the amount of $50.00. Written consent for the use of property is required from the property owner.
6) Distribution of Information:
Organizations or businesses who are distributing free samples will be allowed only on property controlled by the Tulip Time Festival, and must have the written consent of the Tulip Time Festival. A Tulip Time Transient Merchant License must still be obtained; however, the fee will be waived if there is no charge for the product.
What are the vendor location options?
No vendors are allowed on public property, unless that property has been specifically approved for use by the City Council. In that instance, the Tulip Time Festival Office is responsible for approving vendors and providing such a list to the City Clerk’s Office. Only vendors who are on the approved list will be licensed for these types of facilities.
Download application forms:
Forms are available from the City Clerk’s Office. The completed forms may be mailed, faxed to 616-355-1490 or brought to the City Clerk’s Office, 270 River Avenue, Holland, Michigan, 49423, (2nd Floor) during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Payment must accompany the application along with written proof that you have secured permission from the property owner to operate at this location. The different forms of payment accepted are: cash, check, credit card (form is available on our website), debit card, money order, cashiers check, traveler’s check.
For additional information please contact the following offices:
NEW VENDORS to the Festival must contact Tulip Time Festival Office for information on policies and procedures, as well as receipt of the information packet. The Tulip Time Festival Office can be contacted at (616) 396-4221 or 1-800-822-2770 or visit their website at www.tuliptime.com.
FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES: The Tulip Time Festival, Inc. office (616-396-4221) will handle all questions relating to Festival activities, schedules, parade routes, possible vendor locations, and the like.
LICENSE ISSUANCE: The City Clerk’s Office (616-355-1301) will be responsible for the issuance of Tulip Time Transient Merchant and Temporary Food Service Licenses during Tulip Time.
FOOD SERVICE QUESTIONS/CITY SANITARIAN: Please direct any food service questions to the City Sanitarian: (616-355-1330) or visit the link to Community & Neighborhood Services Department.
Anna Perales
Acting Deputy City Clerk