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 stop by the CEDRR Office at 67 Merchants Row Ste 104 Rutland, VT 05701, or if you are from out of the area and would like to have your tickets early, please let us know where we can mail them to. Otherwise, we will have them available for pickup from the vendor check-in tent in front of the office on the day of the festival from 12pm.
How much are tickets to try samples?
$1 for each ticket equals one sample. There is no charge to attend the festival; tickets are for samples of whoopie pies ONLY.
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. We will accept cash or card.
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 & Vendors
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: $100 before July 15th, 2026 | $150 after July 15th, 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. You can save the tickets you collect or dispose of them as you go. 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?
This year (2026), judges will now go from booth to booth to sample and rate the whoopie pies. Judging will be based on texture, appearance, flavor, and creativity. Awards will be given to the Overall Best, Most Creative, and People’s Choice. The public will vote on the People’s Choice Award via a QR Code that will be provided upon check-in.
BAKERS & VENDORS FAQ’S:
When is set up and breakdown?
Set up begins at 8 a.m. and all vehicles MUST be off of the street by no later than 10:30 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.
How do the deposits and fees work?
- Whoopie Pie Bakers
- Refundable Deposit: $100 due no later than July 15th (after July 15th, deposit is $150)
- We will pay $750 + deposit on the day of the event upon check-in
- Food Trucks
- CEDRR Members
- Non-refundable fee: $100
- Non-Members of CEDRR
- Non-refundable fee: $250
- Other Vendors (food vendors w/o truck, drink* trailers/tables, goods/art vendors)
- CEDRR Members
- Non-refundable fee: $50
- Non-Members of CEDRR
- Non-refundable fee: $100
- Non-Profit or Local Organizations
- CEDRR Members
- FREE
- Non-Members of CEDRR
- Non-refundable fee: $50
- Downtown Businesses (in front of their locations unless other space requested)
- FREE
PLEASE NOTE: Your space is NOT SECURED until you have submitted your deposit (bakers) or space fee (vendors) and you have received confirmation.