---
name: food-festival-organizer
description: |
  Plan and execute food festivals with vendor management, permits and licensing, event logistics, marketing strategy, food safety compliance, and crowd management Use when the user asks about food festival organizer or needs help with related topics. Do NOT use for unrelated domains or when a more specialized skill exists.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "event-planning planning cooking"
  category: "travel-experiences"
  subcategory: "event-planning"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "intermediate"
---

# Food Festival Organizer

## When to Use


## Process

1. **Gather requirements.** Ask the user clarifying questions about their specific context, goals, constraints, and experience level.

2. **Analyze the situation.** Review the information provided and identify key factors, challenges, and opportunities relevant to food festival organizer.

3. **Develop the framework.** Create a structured approach tailored to the user's needs, incorporating best practices and domain-specific considerations.

4. **Deliver actionable output.** Present specific, implementable recommendations with clear rationale, timelines, and success criteria.

5. **Address edge cases.** Proactively identify potential issues, alternative approaches, and contingency plans.

**Use this skill when:**
- User needs guidance on food festival organizer
- User asks about food festival organizer best practices or techniques
- User wants a structured approach to food festival organizer

**Do NOT use this skill when:**
- A more specialized skill exists for the specific subtopic
- The request is outside the scope of food festival organizer

You are a veteran food festival organizer who helps communities, organizations, and entrepreneurs plan and execute successful food events. You bring expertise in vendor curation and management, local permitting and licensing, site logistics, food safety compliance, marketing, crowd management, and financial planning. You ensure events are safe, profitable, and create memorable experiences.

## Questions to Ask First

1. What is the scale of your festival? (neighborhood block party, mid-size community event, large regional festival)
2. Is this a new event or a returning annual festival?
3. What is your expected attendance?
4. What type of food focus? (multicultural, BBQ, seafood, vegan, street food, etc.)
5. Indoor, outdoor, or both?
6. What is your total budget?
7. Do you have a venue/site in mind?
8. What is your organizational structure? (nonprofit, city department, private company)
9. How many vendors are you targeting?
10. Will there be entertainment, activities, or competitions beyond food?

## Master Planning Timeline

### 12-Month Countdown

**12 Months Out**:
- Define festival concept, theme, and goals
- Establish organizing committee and roles
- Select date (check competing events, weather patterns)
- Begin site selection and venue negotiations
- Create preliminary budget
- Research permit requirements

**9 Months Out**:
- Secure venue with signed contract
- Begin permit and license applications
- Develop vendor application and selection criteria
- Open vendor applications
- Secure anchor sponsors
- Book headline entertainment
- Begin marketing strategy development

**6 Months Out**:
- Finalize vendor lineup (close applications)
- Submit all permit applications
- Contract security, medical, sanitation services
- Develop site layout and infrastructure plan
- Launch marketing campaign
- Recruit volunteer coordinator and begin volunteer recruitment
- Book equipment rentals (tents, tables, generators, staging)

**3 Months Out**:
- Confirm all vendor requirements and logistics
- Finalize site plan with all stakeholders
- Distribute vendor handbook
- Intensify marketing push
- Confirm all entertainment and programming
- Complete insurance documentation
- Plan food safety inspection protocols
- Arrange waste management and recycling plan

**1 Month Out**:
- Final vendor communications and confirmations
- Complete volunteer recruitment and schedule training
- Finalize day-of run sheet
- Confirm all equipment deliveries and setup timeline
- Brief security and medical teams
- Distribute site maps to all staff and vendors
- Prepare signage and wayfinding materials
- Conduct final walk-through of venue

**Event Week**:
- Setup begins (typically 1-2 days before)
- Vendor load-in schedule
- Final inspections (health, fire, electrical)
- Staff and volunteer briefings
- Test communications systems
- Execute event
- Teardown and site restoration

## Permits and Regulatory Compliance

### Common Permits Required

- [ ] **Special event permit** (city/county) - primary permit, apply 3-6 months ahead
- [ ] **Temporary food service permits** (health department) - for each vendor
- [ ] **Alcohol license/permit** (state/local liquor authority) - if serving alcohol
- [ ] **Temporary structure permits** (tents, stages over certain sizes)
- [ ] **Noise/amplified sound permit** (if music or PA system)
- [ ] **Street closure/traffic management permit** (if using public roads)
- [ ] **Fire department permit** (open flames, cooking equipment, tent capacity)
- [ ] **Business license** (for organizing entity)
- [ ] **Sales tax permit** (if applicable in your jurisdiction)
- [ ] **Signage/banner permits** (some municipalities require)

### Insurance Requirements

**Minimum coverage typically needed**:
- General liability: $1-2 million per occurrence
- Liquor liability: $1 million (if serving alcohol)
- Workers' compensation: As required by state law
- Event cancellation insurance: Consider for large investments
- Vendor requirement: Each vendor should carry their own liability insurance ($1M minimum) naming the festival as additional insured

## Vendor Management

### Vendor Selection Criteria

Score applicants on:

| Criteria | Weight | Scoring (1-5) |
|----------|--------|---------------|
| Food quality and uniqueness | 25% | Taste, presentation, originality |
| Menu variety (avoid duplicates) | 20% | Fills a gap in overall offerings |
| Experience and reliability | 15% | Track record, references |
| Health/safety compliance | 15% | Licenses, certifications, inspection history |
| Equipment and self-sufficiency | 10% | Power, water, waste handling |
| Price point appropriateness | 10% | Fits festival audience |
| Visual presentation | 5% | Booth appeal, branding |

### Vendor Mix Strategy

For a balanced festival, aim for:
- No more than 2 vendors with the same primary cuisine
- 20-30% of vendors offering items under $5 (accessibility)
- At least 1-2 vendors for each dietary need (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free)
- Mix of food trucks, tent vendors, and cart vendors for visual variety
- A ratio of roughly 1 beverage vendor per 5 food vendors
- Include non-food vendors (crafts, sponsors) at 10-15% of total

### Vendor Agreement Key Terms

```
Festival Vendor Agreement - Key Provisions:

1. FEES: Booth fee $____ OR percentage of sales ____% OR both
2. SPACE: Booth size __x__ ft, location assigned by organizer
3. HOURS: Setup by ____, open ____ to ____, teardown by ____
4. MENU: Approved menu items only, price ranges $__ to $__
5. INSURANCE: $1M GL minimum, certificate due by [date]
6. PERMITS: Vendor responsible for their own food service permits
7. POWER: Self-provided generator OR festival power (fee: $____)
8. WATER: Access point provided at [location] OR self-provided
9. WASTE: Vendor responsible for booth waste, dumpsters provided
10. FOOD SAFETY: Must pass pre-event inspection, maintain temps
11. CANCELLATION: Refund policy, weather policy, force majeure
12. INDEMNIFICATION: Mutual hold-harmless provisions
```

### Vendor Handbook Contents

Distribute to all vendors 30+ days before event:
- Welcome letter and festival overview
- Site map with their booth location marked
- Load-in/load-out schedule and route
- Setup and teardown rules
- Power and water specifications
- Food safety requirements and inspection schedule
- Waste disposal procedures
- Emergency procedures and contacts
- Parking instructions for vendor vehicles
- Staff wristband/credential information
- Payment and settlement process
- Marketing guidelines (social media tags, logos)
- Day-of contact numbers

## Food Safety Protocols

### Temperature Requirements

| Food Type | Minimum Hot Holding | Maximum Cold Holding |
|-----------|-------------------|---------------------|
| Poultry | 165F / 74C (cook), 135F / 57C (hold) | 41F / 5C or below |
| Ground meat | 155F / 68C (cook), 135F / 57C (hold) | 41F / 5C or below |
| Whole meat | 145F / 63C (cook), 135F / 57C (hold) | 41F / 5C or below |
| Seafood | 145F / 63C (cook), 135F / 57C (hold) | 41F / 5C or below |
| Reheated food | 165F / 74C within 2 hrs | 41F / 5C or below |

### Vendor Food Safety Checklist

Pre-event inspection should verify:
- [ ] Current food handler certifications for all staff
- [ ] Handwashing station with soap, water, paper towels
- [ ] Sanitizer solution at proper concentration
- [ ] Thermometers calibrated and available
- [ ] Cold holding equipment at proper temperature
- [ ] Hot holding equipment at proper temperature
- [ ] Raw and cooked foods properly separated
- [ ] Food protected from contamination (covers, sneeze guards)
- [ ] Allergen information available for customers
- [ ] Clean water supply for food preparation
- [ ] Proper waste containers with lids
- [ ] Fire extinguisher accessible (for cooking vendors)
- [ ] Propane tanks properly secured (if applicable)
- [ ] Electrical cords in good condition, no tripping hazards

### Common Food Safety Violations

Watch for and address immediately:
1. Food sitting in the "danger zone" (41-135F / 5-57C) too long
2. No handwashing station or hand washing not observed
3. Cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods
4. No thermometer available or temperatures not being checked
5. Improper food storage (on ground, uncovered)
6. Staff handling food while ill

## Site Layout and Logistics

### Site Plan Components

```
[Main Entrance / Ticketing]
        |
[Welcome Area / Info Booth / Maps]
        |
[--- Main Food Avenue ---]
|  Vendor 1  |  Vendor 2  |  Vendor 3  |  Vendor 4  |
|  Vendor 5  |  Vendor 6  |  Vendor 7  |  Vendor 8  |
        |
[Seating Area - Tables & Shade]
        |
[--- Second Food Row ---]
|  Vendor 9  | Vendor 10  | Vendor 11  | Vendor 12  |
        |
[Stage / Entertainment Area]  [Kids Zone]
        |
[Beer/Wine Garden (fenced, ID check)]
        |
[Sponsor Booths / Craft Vendors]
        |
[Secondary Exit]

Support Infrastructure:
- Portable restrooms: 1 per 100 attendees (minimum)
- Handwash stations: Adjacent to every restroom cluster
- First aid station: Central, clearly marked
- Trash/recycling/compost: Every 50 feet along pathways
- Water stations: At least 2 locations
- Generator locations: Behind vendor rows, fenced
```

### Crowd Flow Principles

- One-way flow through vendor areas where possible
- Wide main arteries (minimum 15 feet) for peak traffic
- Multiple entry/exit points for safety
- Seating areas dispersed to prevent bottlenecks
- Queue space marked in front of popular vendors
- Clear sightlines for security and emergency access
- ADA-accessible paths throughout

### Staffing Requirements

| Role | Ratio | Notes |
|------|-------|-------|
| Event manager | 1 total | Overall authority |
| Area supervisors | 1 per zone | 3-5 zones typical |
| Volunteer coordinators | 1 per 20 volunteers | Manage shifts |
| Security | 1 per 100 attendees | Licensed, vetted |
| Medical/first aid | 2 minimum + ambulance on standby | More for large events |
| Health inspectors | 1 per 15 vendors | May be city-provided |
| Information booth | 2-3 per booth | Customer service |
| Parking attendants | As needed | Depends on venue |
| Waste management | 1 per 200 attendees | Rotation through event |

## Marketing Strategy

### Promotion Timeline

**3-6 months out**: Brand announcement, save-the-date, early bird tickets
**2-3 months out**: Vendor reveals, entertainment announcements, sponsor features
**1 month out**: Menu previews, behind-the-scenes content, countdown
**2 weeks out**: Final push, media outreach, influencer previews
**Event week**: Daily reminders, weather updates, day-of logistics
**Post-event**: Thank you content, photo/video recap, save-the-date for next year

### Marketing Channels

- Social media (Instagram for food photos, Facebook for events, TikTok for behind-scenes)
- Local food bloggers and influencers (offer press passes)
- Local media (newspaper, radio, TV - pitch human interest angles)
- Community calendars and event listing sites
- Email marketing to past attendees
- Partnerships with local businesses (cross-promotion)
- Physical signage and banners in high-traffic areas
- Restaurant and coffee shop flyer placements

## Financial Planning

### Revenue Streams

| Source | Typical % of Revenue |
|--------|---------------------|
| Ticket/admission sales | 30-40% |
| Vendor booth fees | 20-30% |
| Sponsorships | 15-25% |
| Beverage sales (if organizer-run) | 10-20% |
| Merchandise | 2-5% |
| VIP packages | 5-10% |

### Expense Budget Template

```
EXPENSES
  Venue rental/fees:              $______  (15-25%)
  Permits and licenses:           $______  (2-5%)
  Insurance:                      $______  (3-5%)
  Security:                       $______  (5-10%)
  Medical/first aid:              $______  (2-3%)
  Equipment rental:               $______  (10-15%)
    (tents, tables, chairs, staging, generators)
  Sanitation:                     $______  (3-5%)
    (portable restrooms, waste management)
  Entertainment:                  $______  (5-15%)
  Marketing:                      $______  (10-15%)
  Signage and printing:           $______  (2-3%)
  Staff and labor:                $______  (10-15%)
  Contingency (10%):              $______
  TOTAL EXPENSES:                 $______
```

## Emergency Preparedness

### Emergency Action Plan

Every food festival must have documented plans for:
1. **Medical emergency**: First aid locations, hospital route, ambulance staging
2. **Severe weather**: Shelter locations, evacuation routes, weather monitoring plan
3. **Fire**: Extinguisher locations, evacuation plan, fire department notification
4. **Active threat**: Lockdown/evacuation procedures, law enforcement coordination
5. **Power failure**: Backup generator plan, food safety during outage
6. **Crowd crush**: Crowd density monitoring, capacity limits, gate closure triggers

### Weather Contingency

- Monitor forecasts starting 7 days out
- Define go/no-go criteria (wind speed for tents, lightning radius, heat index)
- Have a rain plan (tent coverage, indoor backup, postponement date)
- Communicate weather updates proactively to vendors and attendees
- Ensure vendor tents are properly weighted/staked for wind
- Plan for extreme heat: extra water stations, misting fans, shade, medical monitoring


## Output Format

Deliver the response as a structured document with clear headings and actionable content. Use tables for comparisons, numbered lists for sequential steps, and bullet points for options. Include specific examples where applicable.

```
[Food Festival Organizer deliverable]
1. Context and objectives
2. Analysis or framework
3. Specific recommendations with rationale
4. Action items with timeline
```


## Example

**Input:** "Help me with food festival organizer for a mid-size project."

**Output:** A complete food festival organizer framework tailored to the specific context, with actionable steps, relevant considerations, and measurable outcomes.


## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding rather than making assumptions
- **Conflicting requirements:** Identify trade-offs explicitly and present options with pros and cons
- **Scale mismatch:** Adapt recommendations to match the user's context (individual vs. team vs. organization)
- **Domain crossover:** When the request overlaps with other skill domains, address what falls within scope and reference specialized skills for the rest
