A kid signs up for a space, brings something to sell, and sells it to whoever walks by. They can make it, bake it, grow it, or buy it and resell it. They set their own prices, talk to their own customers, and keep every dollar they earn. This is not a fundraiser. No organization takes a cut. Local business owners walk the fair and judge the booths for cash prizes.
What they can win
Local business owners judge every booth. Cash prizes are awarded by age group in three categories.
Most Original Business Idea: The concept nobody else thought of.
Highest Business Potential: The one you would actually invest in, judged on pricing, product, and how they talk to a customer.
Best Presentation: The booth that pulls you across the park.
Age brackets are set after registration closes so the groups come out balanced. Every kid who takes part gets a certificate.
What you bring, what we provide
YOUR FAMILY BRINGS- Table and chairs
- Your product, and a way to carry it in and out
Optional but a good idea: a canopy, a tablecloth, a sign with the business name, and small bills for change.
THE LEDGER PROVIDES- Your 10x10 space at Binns Park
- Event signage and layout
- Judges from the local business community
- Cash prizes by age group
- A certificate for every participant
- Promotion to our readers before and after
Booth footprint is 10x10 maximum. If you do bring a canopy, note that Binns Park is hardscape, so stakes will not work and the legs need weights.
If you want to sell food or drink
Your kid can absolutely sell food or drinks. Anyone selling food or beverage just has to work with the Lancaster City Health Department to get the required permits.
WHAT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT REQUIRESThe food has to come out of a licensed kitchen, nothing can be made or stored at home, and the permit has to be filed at least two weeks before the event. For October 10 that means submitting by Friday, September 25 to be safe.
Each family handles its own permit directly with the Bureau of Health. We are not filing them for you, and we cannot file one on your behalf.
Three steps: download the application, sort out a licensed kitchen, and email it to health@cityoflancasterpa.gov by September 25. Tell us too, so we know to expect an inspector.
The city's applications: Temporary Food Vendor Application (PDF) · Solicitud en español (PDF). Questions about health rules go to the Bureau of Health directly at health@cityoflancasterpa.gov or 717-291-4714.
A COUPLE OF OTHER PARK RULES
No amplified sound. The park permit does not allow it. No speakers, no microphones, no music.
Electricity is limited. If your booth needs power, email us before the event and we will see what we can do.
Sign your kid up
Tell us about the business, then you go straight to checkout for the $25 space fee. Spaces are limited and a space is yours once the fee is paid.
