FAQ’S

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.

BAKERS FAQ’S:

How many whoopie pies do I bring?

Please bring 250 (minimum 3 inches wide) 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?

Bakers will be paid on the day of the festival. PLEASE NOTE: there is a deposit required upon registering for the event: $150 before July 1st, 2026 | $200 after July 1st, 2026. Deposit required upon registering – you will receive this back plus $750 if you attend the Festival (received upon check-in). You will be paid $750 to set up and provide 250 (3-inch or larger) whoopie pies for sampling at your booth. Each whoopie pie should provide a minimum of four samples. No-shows forfeit their deposit and will not be paid.

What is provided in our booth space?

We will provide you with a 10′ x 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 tickets and provide samples. There will be three to four booths available for attendees to purchase tickets at the corner of Merchants Row and Center Street. There will also be an online form available for purchasing tickets ahead of time for pick up at the CEDRR office.

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 the 1% local tax option that needs to be collected (more info below).

How does 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. You will submit 3 whoopie pies (all same flavor) for our judges. You will collect voting sheets upon check-in for attendees to take from your booth.

BAKERS & VENDORS FAQ’S:

When is set up and breakdown?

Set up begins at 9 a.m. and all vehicles MUST be off of the street by no later than 11 a.m.

Where will the festival be located?

The festival and related activities will take place on most of Center Street (entry will be blocked by construction) and the entirety of 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 to direct you from there to the festival.

What licensing do we need?

All bakers & vendors will be required to pay a 1% local option tax to the city. You can read more about this requirement here. Please contact Rutland’s City Clerk , Tracy Kapusta by email at [email protected] or by phone at (802) 773-1800 *234 to pay or to ask questions.

What else will be going on at the festival?

There will be family activities, music, street performances, food trucks, and assorted vendors. You can collect schedules of events upon check-in for your booth.

PLEASE NOTE: Your space is NOT SECURED until you have submitted your deposit (bakers) or space fee (vendors) and you have received confirmation.