The City of Thunder Bay is inviting Food Vendors to apply to participate in the Recreation & Culture Division's annual events series. All events are free to the public and collectively draw tens of thousands of attendees. Vendor opportunities include over 12 event dates.
Applications may also be shared with other areas within the City of Thunder Bay who may be looking to book Food Vendors.
Recreation & Culture events include, but are not limited to:
- SnowDay on the Waterfront - February 17
- Quest: Tech & Gaming - May 9 & 10
- Kite Festival - June 8
- Canada Day - July 1
- Teddy Bears Picnic - July 8
- Live on the Waterfront - July 16/23/30 August 6/13/20/27/28
- Arts & Culture Under the Lights - September 19
- Culture Days - September 19 - October 12
The City of Thunder Bay strives to deliver high quality event experiences for our patrons. This includes refreshment options that offer a wide spectrum of menu and price choices and allow patrons to enjoy their favourite event foods as well as non-traditional options.
Food vendors interested in participating in events are required to provide the following items in order to be considered:
- This "Call to Food Vendors" form, completely and accurately filled in.
- An electronic file of proposed menu(s) and pricing to be offered at each event.
- Enter into and abide by the Food Vendor Contract provided by the City of Thunder Bay.
- Pay food vendor fee(s) for all selected events. These fees are set by the City of Thunder Bay and must be paid in advance of the event date(s).
- Follow the Thunder Bay District Health Unit Special Event rules and regulations; this also includes filling out a Special Event Vendor Form at: http://www.tbdhu.com/health-topics/food-safety/special_events_food_vendor.
- Maintain a minimum of $5,000,000 General Liability and Automobile Liability insurance. Proof of Liability Insurance listing the Corporation of the City of Thunder Bay as an additional insured for the purpose of your participation in the event must be provided on the City of Thunder Bay Certificate of Insurance Form.*
- Obtain and provide current copies off all relevant licenses, certifications, permits and inspections, including but not limited to: Refreshment Vehicle License, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue Registration Tag, and Equipment Certifications/Inspections (i.e. TSSA).*
* Additional items may be required.
Please note:
- Incomplete and/or late applications may not be considered.
- Vendor selection decisions made by City Events Staff, with the advice of the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, will be final.
- The City of Thunder Bay at its sole discretion will reserve the right to seek additional food vendors at any or all events if required.
- While participating, food vendors are to conduct themselves in a professional manner that is suitable for a family venue. All selected vendors will be required to sign and abide by the City's Vendor Code of Conduct.
- The City Events Staff will determine vendor placement on each event site and date. Vendor placement is not guaranteed to be consistent from year to year or event to event. Vendor placement decisions made by City Events Staff are final.
2025 Fees*:
- Quest: Tech & Gaming - $250 + hst
- Kite Festival - $350.00 + hst
- Teddy Bears Picnic - $350.00 + hst
- Canada Day - $500 + hst
- Live on the Waterfront - $160 + hst (per day)
- Live on the Waterfront - Summer Send Off - $320 + hst (both days)
- Arts & Culture Under the Lights - $160 + hst
- Culture Days - $160 + hst (per event)
- SnowDay on the Waterfront - $100 + hst
these fees are subject to change
*Commit to 6+ events and receive a 25% discount
*New food vendors receive a 25% discount
All questions and inquiries regarding this or any other call can be directed to culture@thunderbay.ca
