Downtown Rutland
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Sip & Shop Vendor FAQs

 

Stick Season Sip + Shop

Vendor FAQs

Event Information

The Downtown Rutland Partnership’s Stick Season Sip + Shop will take place on Saturday, November 7, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM in Downtown Rutland, Vermont.

Throughout the afternoon, attendees will explore participating downtown businesses while sampling food and beverages from local producers, discovering Vermont makers and artisans, shopping locally, and enjoying special promotions. Tastings will begin at 12:00 PM. Attendees will check in to receive their event materials and map before visiting participating locations at their own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many vendors will participate?
The event will feature up to 20 participating downtown businesses, each serving as a host location for local vendors. The final number of vendors will depend on available space and participating host businesses.

Is there a deadline to apply?
We encourage vendors to apply by October 16, 2026. Applications may continue to be accepted after the deadline if space remains available at participating downtown businesses.

What types of vendors participate?
The event primarily features local food and beverage producers, including both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverage vendors. As space allows, we also welcome artists, makers, crafters, musicians, and other vendors or activities that complement the Stick Season Sip + Shop experience.

Is there a cost to participate? What are the expectations?
There is no fee for vendors to participate in the Stick Season Sip + Shop.

Vendors should plan to:

  • Provide samples for 200+ attendees throughout the event from 12:00 to 4:00 PM.

  • Arrive for setup between 10:00 and 10:30 AM, unless another setup time has been arranged directly with your host location.

  • Remain set up and available for the duration of the event.

  • Review the City of Rutland’s 1% local option tax requirements. Please see Understanding City of Rutland’s Local Option Tax for additional information.

  • Obtain a Special Event Permit if you plan to offer alcoholic beverage tastings.

Where will I be located?
Vendors will be paired with participating businesses throughout Downtown Rutland. Each host location is different, ranging from retail shops and restaurants to studios and other downtown spaces.

Available space varies by location. Some businesses can accommodate larger displays, while others may only have room for a small or card-sized table. Event organizers will match vendors with host businesses based on available space, products, and overall fit.

How is the event marketed?
The Downtown Rutland Partnership will promote the Stick Season Sip + Shop through our website, print and digital advertising, email communications, and social media channels.

Social media will be a major part of the event’s promotion, including outreach through Downtown Rutland’s Facebook and Instagram channels.

Participating vendors and businesses may also be featured individually as part of our event promotion leading up to November 7.

Is parking available for vendors?
Yes. The Downtown Rutland Partnership will validate vendor parking in the Downtown Rutland Parking Garage, which is within a short walk of participating host businesses.