Winterfest has been held annually since 1979. Winterfest is complete with food, entertainment, a fine arts gallery and nearly 50 artisan booths. Over 3,000 people attend Winterfest.

Applications are currently closed. Check back later to apply.

Location
Winterfest is held at the Aberdeen Civic Arena located in historic downtown Aberdeen. Aberdeen Civic Arena is located at 203 S. Washington Street Aberdeen, SD 57401.

Eligibility

Nonprofit groups, private individuals and commercial vendors may apply. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to seek partnerships with individual or commercial food vendors in cases where this will enhance the quality and/or variety of the offerings.

The festival committee is looking for unique, specialty items instead of the traditional concession stand food ( i.e. walking tacos, hot dogs, barbeque sandwiches.) Please adjust your menus accordingly.

Food booths are responsible for knowing and following the guidelines of the South Dakota Department of Health as far as preparing and serving food.

Lighting and Booth Set-Up
Each vendor is required to provide their own lights to adequately light their booth for display and sales. The ceiling lights are dimmed to create mood. We do not provide light for the booths.

Rules and Policies

• No soft drinks dispensed from a pre-mix machine may be sold. Soft drinks in cans or bottles may be sold. No alcoholic beverages may be sold.
• No nonfood items may be sold unless specifically approved by the Winterfest committee.
• You are required to collect sales tax (9% food) and report that to the SD Department of Revenue within 30 days of the event. Forms from the state will be given to each Exhibitor when they check in. The SD Department of Revenue will be furnished a list of registered exhibitors and may attend the festival to check on exhibitors.
• For any sales tax questions – contact the SD Department of Revenue at (605) 626-2218.

Process for Application

Selection of successful applicants will be based on menu, duplication of menus, application completeness and detail, and food service experience. Preference may be given to nonprofit groups and to those with unique or unusual items. It is the desire of the Winterfest Committee to have a variety within the offerings that represent the range from snack to full meal items.

The completed registration form must be submitted along with the correct registration fee. Up to three separate food booth proposals may be submitted by each applicant.

The registration fee will entitle the participant to one 10′ X 10′ booth space. No participant will be allowed more than one booth space. Up to three (3) tables are available (if requested in advance) for $7 each.

Important Dates

Sunday, September 15 Application Deadline
Friday, October 4 Notification letters mailed
Friday, November 22 Winterfest Set-up – 1 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, November 23 Winterfest Set-up – 7 – 10 a.m.
Saturday, November 23 Winterfest – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, November 24 Winterfest – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m

General Information

All exhibitors should be aware that all reasonable measures will be taken to insure security, however, neither the Aberdeen Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department nor the Aberdeen Area Arts Council assumes liability in cases of loss or damage to artwork. Once the application has been reviewed and accepted, the registration fee is not refundable.

All exhibitors and vendors are invited to stay for a short reception on Saturday evening beginning immediately after the doors close at 5:00 p.m. Snacks will be provided by the Winterfest Committee. This is our opportunity to say thank you for being part of Winterfest.

Questions regarding Winterfest may be directed to Aberdeen Recreation and Cultural Center (ARCC) at (605) 626-7081, or email winterfest@aberdeen.sd.us.