A Call for Vendors   DOWNTOWN RUTLAND - The Downtown Rutland Ethnic Festival is excited to celebrate its 12th year! Last year, 15,000 to 20,000 people flooded the streets of Downtown Rutland and enjoyed a fun filled day of music, food and bargains. By combining the Annual Sidewalk Sales and the Ethnic Festival it was the regions largest event of the year.

This year’s 2005 event is named one of the Top Ten Summer Events by the Vermont Chamber as it was in 1997. It was also voted Best Food Event by The American Institute of Wine and Food in 2000.

To follow last year’s success, this year the Ethnic Festival in conjunction with the Annual Sidewalk Sales will be held Saturday, July 30th in Downtown Rutland. Food vendors representing a worldwide variety of cuisines, multi-ethnic entertainers and crafters will be part of this all day event from 11 am until 9 pm. Back by popular demand, “The Samples” will return as our headliner performing from 7 to 9 pm. The event is free to the public, a small fee is charged for food samples.

The Downtown Rutland Ethnic Festival focuses on celebrating the diverse heritages and cultural backgrounds represented in our region today.

Anyone who would like to share an ethnic tradition by preparing food, demonstrating a craft, or selling authentic ethnic items in this anxiously anticipated event is invited to participate in the Downtown Rutland Ethnic Fest as a vendor. We are also looking for craft and retail vendors for our Sidewalk Sales on July 29 & 30. For an application and a set of guidelines, please contact Mary Kay Skaza at the Downtown Rutland Partnership, 802-773-9380.

July 29 – Sidewalk Sales 9 am to 8 pm
July 30 – Sidewalk Sales begin at 9 am;
Food and entertainment for the Ethnic Festival 11 am to 9 pm