NON-FOOD VENDOR
RULES & REGULATIONS
Many thanks for your participation in the African Festival of the Arts. We are dedicated to producing a great event which benefits our exhibitors, sponsors and the attending public. We need your help in being a good citizen as well as in obeying the following rules and regulations:
• Refunds are given only when a cancellation request is received in writing by July 31, 2026
• All booth fees must be paid in full by August 22, 2026.
• There will be NO collection of fees on the grounds of the Festival.
• Payments are only received in the form of money orders, bank drafts and secured bank instruments. Credit cards accepted by calling the festival office (773)955-2787. NO Cash and NO Personal Checks.
• There is no rain date.
• City and state rules and laws apply and you are responsible for collecting and reporting all city and state retail sales taxes.
• Each exhibitor is responsible for the cleanliness, professionalism, safety, insurance and security of his/her property.
• Each exhibitor is responsible for his/her own display materials.
• Food vendors MUST take the SANITATION CERTIFICATE class at https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/food_safety/svcs/enroll_in_a_foodsanitationcertificationcourse.html For more information contact: 312.746.8030 or [email protected].
• Food vendors MUST have LIABILITY INSURANCE with the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District, and Africa International House as CO-INSURED.
• Food vendors must have the City of Chicago Sanitation License present and posted at all times.
• No display or sale of counterfeit or bootlegged merchandise. Violators will be subject to confiscation, expulsion and/or arrest by Chicago Police.
• No subletting or transfer of booth space without permission.
• All work, display, storage, and extra materials will not be allowed to go beyond the assigned tent space.
• Your booth should not interfere with the booths next to yours.
• To encourage diversity and variety of merchandise, each exhibitor is limited to only two (2) booth spaces.
• Vehicles are not allowed on the grass and will be subject to a TICKETED and/or TOW.
• No generators, animals, dangerous objects, contraband, or loud amplified sounds.
• No gas generator will be used in this venue due to open flames and the gas used to operate it.
• All rules will be enforced. Failure to comply with the rules, and exhibiting unruly behavior (including intoxication or verbal abuse or behaviors which threaten the safety of anyone) by an exhibitor or his/her agent will cause immediate expulsion.
• No Branded Beer or effervescence can be sold. Only sponsors are allowed to sell branded drinks.
The Chicago Fire Department Codes
for outside Vendors Fire Extinguisher (ABC)
Class “A” Fires. Class “A” fires are the ordinary fires in which you are most familiar with; these are fires that leave an ash. Wood, cloth, paper, leaves, and rubbish are good examples of Class “A” fire materials. The fire in your fireplace is a Class “A” fire.
The best way to put out a Class “A” fire is to use water. Water helps to remove two of the three things which are necessary before a Class “A” fire can burn. First, water cools the burning material down below the temperature where it will burn. Second, water coats the burning material and keeps oxygen away. Third, without oxygen, the fire quickly goes out.
Class “B” Fires. These are fires involving highly flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, paint, thinner, and naphtha. The starter fluid you pour on your outdoor barbecue is a good example of a Class “B” fire. These materials will usually burn at low temperatures. Because of this, the best way to put these fires out is to remove the supply of oxygen. This is usually done by using a fire extinguisher, which blankets the fire with a layer of foam, or some other material, which will not burn.
Class “C” Fires. These are fires involving electrical equipment. These can be very dangerous because you can receive a serious electrical shock if you try to put the fire out in the wrong way. You must use an extinguisher, which will not conduct electricity in order to put these fires out, unless the electricity to the burning material has been turned off. You might find a Class “C” fire in a fuse box or an electric motor. These fires should be put out with a dry chemical, liquid gas, or carbon tetrachloride fire extinguisher. Do not use a water extinguisher. The electricity can follow the stream of water right back to you, and you could receive a serious or fatal shock.
K-Extinguisher For Food Vendors who cook with a deep fryer Gas Generators. No gas generator will be used at this venue due to open fire and the gas used to operate it. Propane Tanks. The following propane tanks are to be placed as following:
• Propane tanks are not to be placed under your tents. They must be placed 10 feet away from the tents. • If you have more than one tent the tanks must be tied together with a rope or chain, and placed 10 feet away from the tent. • All exhibitors are required to have power surge protectors. AIH/AFA is not responsible for any damages due to power surges.
For More Information visit www.aihusa.org
