The spirit of the High Country comes alive with the many festivals and events that take place each year in the Appalachian District. Vendors that prepare and serve potentially hazardous foods are required to obtain a permit from the local health department for each festival or event. Applications for event coordinators and food vendors are available at each health department. These applications must be fully completed and submitted to the local health department at least 15 days prior to each event. A $75.00 fee will be required from each food vendor to be submitted to the health department with the application. Please note that failure to complete the application, submit the required fee, and meet the requirements for a permit will result in denial of a permit to operate.
Be advised that a permit from the Health Department is not required to serve non-potentially hazardous foods such as baked goods, popcorn, cotton candy, drinks, snow cones, etc. For more information on vending these types of items, please contact the North Carolina Department of Agriculture at (919) 733-7366.
Please click on the links below for festival organizer and festival vendor applications. For questions concerning temporary food establishments, please contact the Environmental Health office in the county where the event will be held.