⭐ FIRST ANNUAL CELEBRATION ⭐

Vendor Package ✦ Heritage Village

Artisans, craft makers, herbalists & cultural vendors — join the roots revival. No booth fees, only commitment to community promotion.

July 25th, 2026
6227 S Prairie Ave, Chicago IL
Heritage Village Grounds

Cultural Market — One Love Economy

We invite artisans, craft makers, book sellers, herbalists, clothing designers, and cultural vendors to be part of the first annual Selassiefest. This is a celebration of Rastafari heritage, Ethiopian culture, reggae music, and community wellness. Our vendor village is built on reciprocity — not extraction.

Most important requirement: Your commitment to market and promote the event before festival day. Vendors who actively distribute flyers, post on social media, or use their community networks will be given priority – even over those who offer to pay us a booth fee.

📦 What You Provide

  • ✅ 6' x 3' table (or 10'x10' ground space – Heritage Village)
  • ✅ One chair
  • ✅ Marketing on your social media & networks

🌿 What We Provide

  • ✅ Location in the Heritage Village (prime visibility)
  • ✅ One vendor wristband
  • ✅ Dedicated webpage on selassiefest.com spotlighting your brand
  • ✅ Social media shoutouts pre-festival

Fair Exchange • No Hidden Fees

Because this is our first year, there are no booth fees. The base “fee” is your commitment to promote Selassiefest.

🎟️ Standard vendor contribution: 7% of net proceeds up to $250
💚 Marketing‑driven vendors: fee reduced or waived (based on promotion plan & reach)

All payments processed via Zelle, PayPal or CashApp after approval. Transparent, community-first model.

KEY TO ACCEPTANCE

Marketing & Outreach Commitment

We are a new festival and need every vendor to help spread the word. Your marketing contribution will be evaluated before acceptance. Here’s what counts:

  • 📄 Flyer distribution – Post official flyers at local shops, cafes, community centers, colleges, cultural venues. Send photos as proof.
  • 📱 Social media promotion – Share Selassiefest posts on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, Discord, Reddit, Nextdoor, Threads, Bluesky, Lemon8, Hive, MeWe, Minds, Friendica, Mastodon, Pixelfed, PeerTube, Substack, BeReal, and more. Tag us and use #Selassiefest. Screencaps required.
  • 📧 Email list / newsletter – If you have a customer list, send one dedicated email about the festival (cc us).
  • 🗣️ Word-of-mouth & community groups – Announce at local meetups, gatherings (brief description).
Priority selection goes to vendors who:
– Commit to distributing at least 50 physical flyers in your local area.
– OR have combined social reach of 500+ and agree to 2 dedicated posts.
– OR bring a unique promotional idea (podcast feature, event collaboration).

How to Apply

  1. Email us at selassiefest@gmail.com with subject: "Vendor Application – [Your Business Name]"
  2. Include:
    • Business name and description of cultural items you sell.
    • Business logo (if you have).
    • Photos of your products (3–5 images).
    • What your webpage on selassiefest should highlight.
    • Your marketing plan: be specific: e.g. "I will post 3 times on Instagram, distribute 50 flyers on the Southside, and feature the event in my newsletter."
    • Preferred table or ground space.
  3. We respond within 24–48 hours. If accepted, we provide a digital flyer pack (printable PDF, social graphics).
  4. Once marketing actions are confirmed (proof of flyer distribution / social shares), your booth spot is guaranteed.

Deadline for priority consideration: July 15, 2025. Rolling acceptance thereafter if space remains.

Apply Now

Vendor Guidelines

  • ✔️ All items culturally appropriate – no mass‑produced non‑authentic goods.
  • ✔️ No alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis for sale (herbal vendors by approval).
  • ✔️ Vendors provide own tablecloth & display (electricity limited – request in advance).
  • ✔️ Setup: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM · Breakdown: 9:00–10:00 PM.
  • ✔️ Selassiefest reserves right to refuse items violating community standards.
  • ✔️ All vendors must respect the sanctity of the Heritage Village.

Questions & Support

Email selassiefest@gmail.com for any inquiry. We're a small team but reply within 24h.

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Together we build the first annual — rooted in reciprocity, uplift, and selassie's love.