By BTL Staff
DETROIT-
Motor City Pride's move to Hart Plaza has generated a great buzz for new groups and companies planning to exhibit at the 40th annual festival. "Hardly a day goes by that we do not receive new inquiries from companies that have never exhibited before as being interested in the festival," said Dave Wait, chair of Motor City Pride.
New vendors include 7-11, Nationwide Insurance, Barefoot Wine and Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion.
They will join longtime supporters such as Comerica Bank, Whole Foods, Fifth Third Bank and Renewal by Anderson.
In addition to the corporate support, many area associations have also signed up early to participate. The festival has already received 48 applications; last year it had received only 14 by the end of March. A list of companies and organizations already signed up is online at http://motorcitypride.org.
Applications for those who want booths at the festival are also online. Motor City Pride has kept most of the fees the same as last year. "Many people have been confused about some of the fees the city charges those who conduct sales at their booth," Wait said. The fee for people selling items has raised the most questions. Motor City Pride staff will complete the paperwork with the city for these vendors and obtain their permits for them. "Basically for the same fee, vendors will be able to be open for twice as long," Wait said. Vendors will be located in high-traffic areas near the entrances of the festival. Vendor applications will be accepted until May 15 or until space is no longer available.
Other frequently asked questions by Motor City Pride vendors:
Is there a fee to unload my vehicle?
No. Two areas have been arranged so vendors can unload their vehicles 100 yards from where the booths will be located. There is no charge to unload in these areas. If a vendor does need to drive to their booth to unload, there is a $100 fee. This is because a staff parson has to show them where they can and cannot drive. Hart Plaza is a two level facility and not all areas of the upper level can support the weight of multiple vehicles.
Where can I park?
The Ford Auditorium parking structure has hundreds of parking spaces that provide easy access to the vendor area.
Is there a charge for parking?
There is some free street parking in the area. There are more than 7,000 parking spaces within four blocks that range from $6 to $10 for the day.
Am I going to have to move my materials out Saturday night?
Vendors can leave their tents and display items overnight. Security will be watching the grounds at night. Any valuables or items for sale should not be left overnight. We are recommending that any literature left overnight be placed in a clear storage bin.
Do we have to exhibit both days?
While we prefer vendors to be there both days, vendors have the option to participate just on Sunday.
What are the exhibit hours?
Saturday, June 4: Booths must open by 3 p.m. and remain open until 8 p.m. Vendors may remain open until 10 p.m.
Sunday, June 5: Booths must open by noon and remain open until 6 p.m. All materials need to be removed by 8 p.m.
Volunteers needed
Visit http://motorcitypride.org/ for ongoing updates and to volunteer.
