Participate

Host Programming: Those who own or have access to venue space in Port Chester may host programming during the festival at their location. If approved, the venue will be listed on the event map. Most of the events and vendors will be hosted at Columbus Park. Those who have their own venue space are welcome to request a spot at Columbus Park instead of opening their location.

Organize an Event: Organizations and members of the community without a venue space are welcome to propose programming that they would like to lead during the festival. Proposed programming does not need to have a venue already confirmed, as the PCAF organizers will coordinate approved programming with available festival sites. Space is limited and proposals submitted earlier have a better chance of being provided a venue. Those offering programming must bring enough volunteers/staff needed to facilitate their own programming. Programs must be free and open to the public.

Businesses and local restaurants are invited to participate in the festival! This may include running a food truck or sample booth at Columbus Park, or offering a special festival menu or discount to attendees at their own space during the day. Vendors will be listed on the event map. We would love to help local businesses and restaurants get noticed by visitors, and are happy to discuss different ways to participate!

Please keep in mind Westchester County Vendor requirements:

1)     Mobile Food Unit Permit: for any food served from a truck. Permit must be presented to the festival organizers in advance and must be displayed during the festival.

2) Caterer Permit: A vendor working out of a commercial kitchen that would then either cook or finish the foods at the festival location. Permit must be presented to the festival organizers in advance and must be displayed during the festival.

3)Temporary Food Service Permit: Can be obtained by anyone.  No home-processed foods can be used.  Left overs cannot be resold or reused. Permit must be presented to the festival organizers in advance and must be displayed during the festival.

4)NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Home Processor License: For vendors serving food products prepared in a home-based kitchen. The vendor would not be able to perform any type of food service process at the event as all items must be processed and packaged at the home kitchen listed on the license.  If the vendor maintains a New York State Agriculture 20C license and will not be performing any additional food service processes at the event then they would not be required to have a temporary food service permit issued by this department. More info at https://agriculture.ny.gov/food-safety/home-processing

Columbus Park will host individual artists who would like present and sell their work during the festival. Artists must live or work in Port Chester, or have another strong connection to the Village. There is no fee for artists to participate. Space will be arranged for artists as submissions are received, but space is limited. In the case that we cannot provide a space to display your work this year, you will be kept on the interest list for next year's festival.

If given a space, artists are required to provide their own tent and display equipment (tables/easels/pedestals/chairs). If the artist would like to sell art during the festival, they will be required to process their own sales and will not owe the venue any commission from sales of their artwork.

Only applications that provide examples of the artist's work will be reviewed. Samples made available either via the artist's website, social media page, or a link to a viewable folder of images are required.

Businesses and organizations can get involved by sponsoring the festival and by promoting the event to our community. Sponsors will be mentioned on promotional materials. Please reach out via the contact form on this page for more information about sponsorship levels.

If you are unable to sponsor the event, we hope you can support the event by hanging up event posters at your location and by sharing information through social media.

There are a number of ways to make an impact and get involved as an individual:

Event Facilitation: Those interested in helping to run programming on festival day may be asked to guide festival goers at venues, stamp raffle cards, help with event ser-up/tear-down, assist children in crafts workshops and other activites, and/or supervise younger volunteers.

Sponsor Development: Help our team share information with local businesses to initiate or renew sponsorships for the 2025 festival. This can be via email, phone, or in-person, depending on the volunteer's availability. Contacts will be provided, and additional sourcing of potential sponsors is appreciated.

Marketing and Distribution: Help create social media content or mount flyers & banners in public spaces at their designated locations in the weeks leading up to the festival.