Lycoming Arts Williamsport First Friday™ Frequently Asked Questions

VENDOR REQUIREMENTS

Artisan Vendor Requirements

• The items you sell must meet our Artisan requirements.
  • We are looking for hand-made one-of-a-kind treasures.
  • Items that are not typically found at craft fairs or similar events.
  • If you are using technology for your items (e.g., 3D printing, Cricut machines, patterns, etc.), the designs you use must be designed by you and not contain any major brands or licensed characters.
  • Approval is subject to review by the Williamsport First Friday™ Selection Committee.
• This is a family-friendly event.
  • If you have non-family-friendly items, they can be sold, but must not be displayed (e.g., art containing nudity can be in a book or under the table, but not prominently visible).
  • Tents larger than 10x10 are prohibited. 
  • If you bring a larger tent, you may face fines from the city and will be asked to take it down. Permits are available from the City of Williamsport, Bureau of Codes Department for tents larger than 10x10.
    • Note: If you obtain a permit, send it to [email protected]  so we have it on file in the instance that we receive a request from the Codes Administrator.
  • Every First Friday runs from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm, with vendor setup times provided one week in advance. You are expected to arrive during your setup time and stay for the duration of the event.
    • Late entry or early departures are unavailable.
  • Note, if you are denied, you can respectfully challenge the decision by providing additional information to the selection committee.
    

Food Vendor Requirements

• You must have the appropriate permitting and permission from the city to participate in Williamsport First Friday™.
• Tents larger than 10x10 are prohibited. 
  • If you bring a larger tent, you may face fines from the city and will be asked to take it down. Permits are available from the City of Williamsport, Bureau of Codes Department for tents larger than 10x10. 
    • Note: If you obtain a permit, send it to [email protected]  so we have it on file in the instance that we receive a request from the Codes Administrator. 
• Every First Friday runs from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm, with vendor setup times provided one week in advance. You are expected to arrive during your setup time and stay for the duration of the event.
  • Late entry or early departures are unavailable.
    

Non-Profit Organization Requirements

• You must be a federally registered 501(c)(3) organization.
• No sales or donations of any kind are permitted during Williamsport First Friday™.
• As Lycoming Arts is also a 501(c)(3) organization, we require that you align with our mission statement by including a free interactive art activity or craft for the event.
  • Due to this, we cannot approve any religious or politically themed organizations, as it can impact our nonprofit status.
  • Remember, this is a family-friendly event, so things that are easy for children would be best.
• Tents larger than 10x10 are prohibited. 
  • If you bring a larger tent, you may face fines from the city and will be asked to take it down. Permits are available from the City of Williamsport, Bureau of Codes Department for tents larger than 10x10.
    • Note: If you obtain a permit, send it to [email protected]  so we have it on file in the instance that we receive a request from the Codes Administrator. 
• Every First Friday runs from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm, with vendor setup times provided one week in advance. You are expected to arrive during your setup time and stay for the duration of the event.
  • Late entry or early departures are unavailable.
    

Selection Process

• The selection committee will begin reviewing submissions 4 weeks before each event.
• All submissions will be reviewed and approved or denied on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • As a 501(c)(3), Lycoming Arts is unable to show preferential treatment to any for-profit business; therefore, we process applications on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure a fair opportunity for everyone.
    • Vendors can be pre-approved by reaching out to Lycoming Arts ahead of the typical review process to guarantee a space.
    • Approval from the selection committee and prepayment are required in this instance.
  • While decisions made by the selection committee are based on standard guidelines, Lycoming Arts reserves the right to deny participants for subsequent events if the items displayed are deemed not to meet our Artisan Vendor Requirements.
  • If you are denied and feel that the decision is in error, you may request that the committee reconsider your application. It is recommended that you provide additional information or photos to support your review. 
• Confirmation or Denial will be emailed to vendors 2 weeks before the event.
  • Location, Entry points for setup, and other information will be provided 1 week before the event.
• Payment is due before the date of the event via Venmo or credit card (links will be provided to approved vendors).
  • NO CASH OR CHECK PAYMENTS ACCEPTED
    

Day of the Event

• We will email you the assigned entry point and setup instructions. You must prepay and use your designated time and entry point for check-in.
• No vehicles are permitted to remain parked within the event boundaries.
  • Streets close at 3:00pm, any vehicles still within the event boundaries at this time will be towed at the vehicle owner's expense. 
  • Parking is free throughout all the downtown parking areas after 3:00pm on Williamsport First Fridays™. 
    
• Check-in will take place at your designated entry point; you may not enter through any other entry point, as the volunteer will not have your information.
  • Entry and exit points for unloading your products will be provided one week before the event.
• Anything that you need for your booth is to be provided by you.
  
• Williamsport First Friday™ ends at 9:00pm, and the streets reopen at 9:30pm; all items must be cleared, including any trash you may have. 
  
  • Trash receptacles are provided throughout the event for your convenience and to help keep our city beautiful.
    

Vendor Guidelines

• Respect all members of Lycoming Arts, the community, and other participants.
  • This includes but is not limited to not playing music without prior approval from Lycoming Arts, maintaining all your items within the space provided, remaining positive about the other vendors and stores (don’t talk down about other booths or their products).
• Obey all the directions that have been provided by Lycoming Arts, including but not limited to setup times, tear down times, maintaining a clean area, entry and exit points, parking locations, and any other rules that Lycoming Arts implements.
  • Vendors will be notified within 24 hours of the event of any changes or additions, with exceptions for items related to safety, security, and overall enjoyment.
    

Participants who violate any of the above guidelines will be denied entry to future events. If you’ve prepaid for future events, refunds will not be issued.