For Attendees
Is there a fee to attend the festival?
There is not an admission fee, however if you’d like to sample the whoopie pies, you must buy tickets ($1 for each ticket = 1 sample).
Can I buy tickets ahead of time?
Yes. There will be a button on the home page to click and purchase tickets.
Where do I pick up the tickets I buy online?
You can pick them up at the Information/Will Call Tent starting at 12:00 pm on Festival Day. There will be detailed instructions on the location of the Information/Will Call Tent once you fill out the form to purchase them.
How much are tickets to try samples?
$1 for each ticket equals one sample.
Where do I buy my tickets at the Festival?
There will be 4 Ticket Booths set up at the corners of Merchants Row and Center Street.
Will there be Gluten Free and/or Vegan Options?
YES! We will have several vendors who will offer these options. This will be identified on their booth number sign along with their QR Code to vote for them.
Where can I park?
Parking is FREE for the day in the LAZ Parking Garage at 102 West Street, Rutland. There will be a sign out front of the Parking Garage directing you.
Can I bring my dog?
Even though we LOVE dogs, due to the number of people expected, and the number of children, there will be no dogs allowed.
For Bakers
How many whoopie pies do I bring?
Please bring 250 (minimum 3 inch) whoopie pies, intended to be handed out as samples. Each pie should provide a minimum of 4 samples. You can offer additional samples if you choose. We also suggest bringing whoopie pies for sale. We are anticipating an attendance of around 7,500 people.
When do I get paid?
You will be paid on the day of the Festival. But NEW THIS YEAR is a required $150* deposit upon registering for the event. As long as you are NOT no-show at the event, You will receive this deposit back, plus $750 payment for providing whoopie pie samples on the day of the event.
*If paid by July 1, 2025. After July 1, 2025, $200 deposit required. No refunds after August 15th.
When is set up and breakdown?
Set up begins at 10 a.m. and continues until the festival opens to the public and sample ticket sales begin at 12 pm. Please note, all vehicles must be off the street by 11:30 am. The Festival ends at 4 pm.
Where will the Festival be located?
The festival and related activities will take place on Center Street & Merchants Row in downtown Rutland, Vermont.
Where can I park?
Parking is FREE for the day in the LAZ Parking Garage at 102 West Street, Rutland. There will be a sign out front of the Parking Garage directing you.
What licensing do we need?
Contact Rutland City’s Clerk, Tracy Kapusta by email at [email protected] or by phone at 802-773-1800 *234 for licensing questions.
What is provided in our booth space?
We will provide you with a 10×10 tent. You will be responsible for anything else you need including tables, chairs, gloves, napkins, plates, linens, etc.
How does sampling work?
Festival attendees will purchase tickets for sampling. As a baker, collect the ticket and provide the sample. There will be three to four booths available for attendees to purchase tickets at the corner of Merchants Row and Center Street.
Can I sell other items?
Yes! The whoopie pies should be the focus of your booth, but feel free to sell other whoopie pies, baked goods or treats. Please be aware of a 1% local tax option that needs to be collected.
How does award judging work?
The judges will taste all submitted entries. They will not know which baker submitted each whoopie pie. Judging will be based on texture, appearance, flavor and creativity. Awards will be given to the Overall Best and Most Creative. The public will vote on the People’s Choice Award. The number of entries to submit for judging will be determined in early September and will be communicated to you at that time.
What else is going on during the Festival?
There will be family activities, music, street performances, and food trucks.