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RIBFEST VENDOR REQUIREMENTS

As a Northern Heat Rib Series vendor, we require that you comply with the below requirements to ensure a successful and safe event.

  • The following packaging items are not permitted at major special events because they cannot easily be recycled (i.e., usually contaminated with food): Styrofoam clamshell trays, cups and plates, Plastic clamshell tray. Plastic glasses, while permitted, are discouraged
  • Please note there is NO pre/post or overnight parking onsite at any venue

The links below provide information regarding:

  • Marketing requirements, insurance coverage details, and information on obtaining business licenses and permits.
  • If you’re a food vendor, please review the specific guidelines and requirements in place to ensure food safety and quality.
  • We also have a good neighbour policy in effect to ensure that all vendors are respectful of their neighbours and the festival environment.
  • Please review the details for our load-in and load-out process to ensure a seamless setup and takedown process.

At Ribfest, we value our partners and vendors and are committed to providing a positive and successful experience for all. We look forward to working with you!

Pre-event marketing, includes Giveaways which vendors are required to honor when received. Giveaways per event are 20-25 and valued at $1 or $2 OFF.

  1. Follow Northern Heat Rib Series on IG @northernheatribseries
  2. Follow Northern Heat Rib Series on Facebook Northernheatribseries
  3. To have your information displayed on the Northern Heat website, please fill out the Marketing form at: https://northernheatribseries.ca/information-submission/

Provide COI Certificate with minimum 5 million Liability
THURSDAY Load-ins include the additional day on COI

Northern Heat Rib Series Inc.
2968 5th Line Road, Oshweken, ON N0A 1M0

Additional Insureds by event:

EVENT DATESEVENT NAMEDETAILSADDITIONAL INSUREDS
May 19 – 22Northern Heat Rib Series 2023 – Binbrook RibfestBinbrook Country Fairgrounds

2600 Regional Rd, Hamilton ON L0R 1C0

FRI: 4pm – 11pm
SAT: 12pm – 11pm
SUN: 12pm – 11pm
MON: 12pm – 7pm
Northern Heat Rib Series Inc., Binbrook Agricultural Society, City of Hamilton
May 26 – 28Northern Heat Rib Series 2023 – Newmarket RibfestUpper Canada Mall

17600 Yonge St, Newmarket, ON L3Y 4Z1

FRI: 4pm – 11pm
SAT: 12pm – 11pm
SUN: 12pm – 7pm
Northern Heat Rib Series Inc., OPGI Management Limited Partnership, Oxford Properties Retail Holdings II Inc., CPPIB Upper Canada Mall Inc., Town of Newmarket
June 2 – 4Northern Heat Rib Series 2023 – Windsor RibfestRiverfront Festival Plaza

1 Festival Plaza, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 7H7

FRI: 4pm – 11pm
SAT: 12pm – 11pm
SUN: 12pm – 9pm
*Use City COI: Northern Heat Rib Series Inc., The Corporation of the City of Windsor, Riverfront Festival Plaza
June 9 – 11Northern Heat Rib Series 2023 – Orillia RibfestTudhope Park

450 Atherley Rd, Orillia, ON L3V 1P2

FRI: 4pm – 11pm
SAT: 12pm – 11pm
SUN: 12pm – 7pm
Northern Heat Rib Series Inc., The Corporation of the City of Orillia
June 16 – 18Northern Heat Rib Series 2023 – Toronto Beaches RibfestWoodbine Park

1695 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4L 1G7

FRI: 4pm – 11pm
SAT: 12pm – 11pm
SUN: 12pm – 7pm
Northern Heat Rib Series Inc., The City of Toronto
June 23 – 25Northern Heat Rib Series 2023 – Brampton RibfestChinguacousy Park

9050 Bramalea Rd, Brampton, ON L6S 6G7

FRI: 4pm – 11pm
SAT: 12pm – 11pm
SUN: 12pm – 9pm
*Use City COI: Northern Heat Rib Series Inc., The Corporation of the City of Brampton
June 30 – 02Northern Heat Rib Series 2023 – Hamilton Mountain RibfestLime Ridge Mall

999 Upper Wentworth St, Hamilton, ON L9A 4X5

FRI: 4pm – 11pm
SAT: 12pm – 11pm
SUN: 12pm – 9pm
Northern Heat Rib Series Inc., The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited, CF/Realty Holding Inc, Ontrea Inc., Computershare Trust Company of Canada, City of Hamilton
July 7 – 9Northern Heat Rib Series 2023 – Georgetown RibfestTrafalgar Sports Park

11494 Trafalgar Rd, Halton Hills, ON L7G 4S4

FRI: 4pm – 11pm
SAT: 12pm – 11pm
SUN: 12pm – 7pm
Northern Heat Rib Series Inc., The Town of Halton Hills
July 14 – 16Northern Heat Rib Series 2023 – Toronto RibfestYonge/Dundas Square YDS

1 Dundas Street E, Toronto, ON M5B 2R8

FRI: 12pm – 11pm
SAT: 12pm – 11pm
SUN: 12pm – 9pm
Northern Heat Rib Series Inc., The City of Toronto, Yonge-Dundas Square Board of Management
July 21 – 23Northern Heat Rib Series 2023 – Ancaster RibfestAncaster Fairgrounds

630 Trinity Rd S, Jerseyville, ON L0R 1R0

FRI: 4pm – 11pm
SAT: 12pm – 11pm
SUN: 12pm – 7pm
Northern Heat Rib Series Inc., Ancaster Agricultural Society, City of Hamilton
July 28 – 30Northern Heat Rib Series 2023 – Milton RibfestCommunity Sports Park

805 Santa Maria Blvd, Milton, ON L9T 2X5

FRI: 4pm – 11pm
SAT: 12pm – 11pm
SUN: 12pm – 7pm
Northern Heat Rib Series Inc., Halton Regional Police Service, The Corporation of the Town of Milton
Aug 11 – 13Northern Heat Rib Series 2023 – Thornhill RibfestDufferin Clark Community Centre DCCC

1441 Clark Ave W, Thornhill, ON L4J 7R4

FRI: 4pm – 11pm
SAT: 12pm – 11pm
SUN: 12pm – 7pm
*Use City COI: Northern Heat Rib Series Inc., The Corporation of the City of Vaughan, York District School Board
Aug 18 – 20Northern Heat Rib Series 2023 – Midland RibfestHarbourside Park

475 Bayshore Dr, Midland, ON L4R-5M9

FRI: 4pm – 11pm
SAT: 11am – 11pm
SUN: 11am – 7pm
Northern Heat Rib Series Inc., The Town of Midland
Aug 25 – 27Northern Heat Rib Series 2023 – Hamilton RibfestGage Park

1000 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8M-1N2

FRI: 4pm – 11pm
SAT: 12pm – 11pm
SUN: 12pm – 7pm
Northern Heat Rib Series Inc., City of Hamilton
Sept 1 – 4Northern Heat Rib Series 2023 – Pickering RibfestPickering Town Centre

1355 Kingston Rd, Pickering, ON L1V 1B8

FRI: 4pm – 11pm
SAT: 12pm – 11pm
SUN: 12pm – 11pm
MON: 12pm – 7pm
Northern Heat Rib Series Inc., The Corporation of the City of Pickering, Ontario Pension Board, OPB Realty Inc. By its Agent and Manager Cushman & Wakefield Asset Services ULC
Sept 8 – 10Northern Heat Rib Series 2023 – Uptown Waterloo RibfestRegina Lot

20 Regina St S, Waterloo, ON N2J 4W9

FRI: 4pm – 11pm
SAT: 12pm – 11pm
SUN: 12pm – 7pm
Northern Heat Rib Series Inc., The Corporation of the City of Waterloo

Hours: Load in THUR 12 pm – 5 pm, Load in FRI 8 am – 2 pm

All Vendors responsible for current licensing/permits for each venue,
generally a Hawker Peddler or Refreshment Vehicle License is needed (if in doubt, contact city licensing)

  • Current TSSA inspection must be on-site for all equipment or appliances not approved by the CSA or ULC
  • COI submitted with correct Additional Insureds for the Event
  • Currently Inspected / appropriate Fire Extinguisher
  • Vehicles on site must have current Vehicle License, Copy of Owner’s Drivers Licence, Proof of automobile insurance

Click on the links to be directed to applications to complete.

Hamilton (All Vendors): Binbrook, Lime Ridge, Ancaster, Gage Park

APPLY OR RENEW Business Licence with The City of Hamilton Licensing Department at 905-546-2782 (option # 5).

Newmarket:

Newmarket Licensing Department will contact you if additional licensing/permit is required.
Refreshment Vehicles and Food Vendors are permitted under the Special Event License and covered in your event fee.

Toronto: Woodbine, YDS

Check with City of Toronto Licensing Department at: 416-392-6700 Email: MLSbusinesslicence@toronto.ca

Brampton:

Vendors serving on tables or ribbers cooking outside a truck do not need a license

APPLY OR RENEW Mobile licencing for Food trucks, online application with City of Brampton

To apply you need:

      • Copy municipal license
      • Health department approval
      • Certificate of insurance
      • City plate number
      • Vehicle ownership

Halton Hills: Georgetown

SUBMIT TOHH Public Food Event Vendor License to ReneeB@HaltonHills.ca
For questions call Renée Brown at 905-873-2600 ext. 2350

To apply you need:

      • Completed TOHH Public Food Event License
      • Health department approval (food/tastings)
      • Certificate of insurance
      • Business Name and Registration or Articles of Incorporation

Milton:

Milton Licensing Department will contact you if additional licensing/permit is required.
Refreshment Vehicles and Food Vendors are permitted under the Special Event License and covered in your event fee.

Vaughan / Thornhill:

Use this Special Event Invitation for Refreshment Vehicles Licensed In Other Municipalities form for submission with this application;

Refreshment Vehicle Owner and Driver, Questions should be directed to the Licensing Officer at 905-832-8504

Midland:

SUBMIT Refreshment Vehicle License Application to dsmiley@midland.ca

Pickering:

Contact licensing Customer Care centre City of Pickering at 905-683-7575
Refreshment Vehicle License
Hawker Peddler License

Waterloo:

Contact City of Waterloo Licensing Department at 519-747-8785 or bl@waterloo.ca

For full Northern Heat Schedule, including dates and times, please visit – https://northernheatribseries.ca/2023-ribfest-schedule/

Public Health Requires FOOD Vendors review requirements and complete Food Vendor Form

  • Health Inspectors will be checking that Kitchen Hoods/Vents are up to the latest standards
  • Keep latest Kitchen Inspection from Public Health on site
  • Use approved 2 Sink set up for cleaning utensils and handwash station

Click on the links to be directed to applications to complete.

DURHAM Public Health: Pickering

Due 15 days prior to event set up

EMAIL Special Event Vendor Application to Durham Region Health at ehl@durham.ca

HALTON Public Health: Georgetown, Milton

DUE 30 Days prior to event set up

Familiarize yourself with Requirements for Food Vendors

COMPLETE Special Event Food Vendor Application online form

ONE (1) Food Vendor Application to List all HALTON NHRS events you are participating in for 2023

HAMILTON Public Health: Binbrook, Lime Ridge Mall, Ancaster, Gage Park

DUE to NHRS: 20 Days prior to event set up, forms to be submitted by Event Organizer
NOTE: Hamilton Health Inspections assess additional $33 Late Fee – Vendor will be charged $35 by NHRS to cover late fee and handling

Familiarize yourself with Requirements for Food Vendors at Special Events
COMPLETE Special Event Food Vendor Application along with;

Copy of most recent kitchen Public Health Inspection Report (include kitchen report where food was prepared/packaged if applicable)

EMAIL to Northern Heat Rib Series for submission at Linda@nhrs.ca

PEEL Public Health: Brampton

Due 15 Days prior to event set up

Familiarize yourself with Food Safety Guidelines for Special Events

COMPLETE Special Event Application for Food Vendors online form

SIMCOE-MUSKOKA Public Health: Orillia, Midland

Due 10 Days prior to event set up

SUBMIT Vendor Application for Event Permit to: hc.phi@smdhu.org

TORONTO Public Health: Woodbine, YDS

Due 21 Days prior to event set up

Toronto Beaches (Woodbine Park) – form will close June 14th
Each Vendor may only fill it in once, add all items your business sells in one form if possible. To fill in multiple forms, please let TPH know so parameters can be edited.

Toronto (Yonge Dundas Square) – form will close July 12th
Each Vendor may only fill it in once, add all items your business sells in one form if possible. To fill in multiple forms, please let TPH know so parameters can be edited.

WATERLOO Public Health: Waterloo

Due 30 Days prior to event set up

SUBMIT Special Event Form for Food Vendors online form

WINDSOR-SUSSEX REGION Public Health: Windsor

Due 30 Days prior to event set up

Familiarize yourself with Requirements for Food Vendors at Special Events

COMPLETE Special Event Food Vendor Application online form

YORK REGION Public Health: Newmarket, Thornhill

Due 10 days prior to event set up

Familiarize yourself with York Region Food Safety Requirements

EMAIL Special Event Food Vendor Application to York Region Health at health.inspectors@york.ca

Please contact York Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 for questions.

NO pre/post or overnight parking onsite at any venue – NHRS will act in accordance with our Venue contracts and contact Towing or city By-Law to protect our venues.

  • Command Post – Located at Event Entrance
      • Includes: First Aid Station, Lost and Found, Missing Persons, Muster station, and Security

  • NO Smoking or Vaping
      • Smoke-Free Ontario prohibits smoking and vaping at public events

  • Tents /Booth – must be weighted (no stakes) – bring sand/water bags/weights

  • Ice and Propane
      • Propane Cylinders (100 lb) and Bagged Ice (approximately 12 kg /25 lb) available onsite, when pre-ordered
      • Deadline for ordering is Monday prior to event start, contact Keith@nhrs.ca
      • Provide your season schedule outlining your requirements for each show, you may update this by the Monday prior to the next event
      • Payment due at end of each event for # bags and/or cylinders of propane ordered for that event

  • Protect Ground
      • Be prepared to clean up any spills, grease
      • ALL booths on pavement – plan to put down tar paper, cardboard, plywood, other to protect surfaces from potential damage

  • Garbage expectations
      • Clean as you found it, check in with Event Management Team prior to departure
      • Garbage cleared to roll-off dumpster bin (not garbage cans)
      • No garbage left overnight – all receptacles at your booth must be emptied regularly
      • Event, Park, or Parking Lot receptacles are for the attendees and must not be used

  • Waste Diversion Policy
      • Vendors are required to follow this waste diversion policy
      • The following packaging items are not permitted at major special events because they cannot easily be recycled (i.e., usually contaminated with food):
          • Styrofoam clamshell trays, cups and plates
          • Plastic clamshell trays
      • Plastic glasses, while permitted, are discouraged

Text or Call MARK WILSON at 905-981-7474 or RUDY BROWN 905-410-1122 upon your arrival to receive your assigned location.

  • Thursday 12:00pm – 5:00pm * must have date listed on COI to load in
  • Friday from 8:00am – 1:00pm
  • Yonge-Dundas Vendors will be given specific load in/out assigned times

Vendor Checklist:

  • Review event hours, you are obligated to stay until the end of the festival.
  • Festival runs rain or shine (severe weather notwithstanding)
  • Safety is a priority! No vehicle movement on event space permitted, unless authorized by NHRS
  • If you are bringing a pop-up shelter, remember to bring weights ie. sandbags/water jugs/kitty litter-filled buckets, etc. to secure your tent legs, protecting your tent from wind. No staking.
  • Power drops can be up to 100ft, ensure you have 100ft of extension cord
  • Garbage bags
  • Protect yourself and your employees – hats, sunscreen, water, etc…
  • Any required Event paperwork – licence, permits, TSSA inspections, Kitchen Inspections, Health Department approval
  • If you are not working the event, ensure all details have been communicated to your employees
  • Food packaging which is recyclable, re-usable or compostable materials
  • Allow time for parking. NO early arrival, no overnight parking or late departures on venue property UPDATE to No early arrivals point

Check out with a Northern Heat representative before leaving your assigned location.

    • Strike begins at event close, vehicles can not move without express NHRS consent
    • Dispose of all garbage and debris from your event space – carry in, carry out or place in large roll off bins (not in garbage / recycling bins)
    • All garbage, recycling, compost must be disposed of properly in the Event Roll-Off Dumpster bins or appropriate receptacles behind the Rib Trucks
    • Load Out – vehicles permitted when deemed safe to move vehicles on/off site
    • No late departures or overnight stays, must be clean and off site by midnight
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