All vendors must be registered with the Lee Chamber of Commerce to participate in Lee Founders Weekend. Non-registered vendors will be asked to leave.

• Marketing materials must be submitted by August 1 to be included in the Chamber’s event promotions.
• ALL Vendors selling food at any time during the weekend must comply with Tri-Town Health Department requirements and display a valid permit. Contact Tri-Town Health at 413-243-5540 or visit www.tritownhealth.org for more information.

FOUNDERS WEEKEND HOURS AND SET-UP INFORMATION:  

If you are setting up on Main Street, the following event requirements must be followed to ensure a smooth, safe, and enjoyable experience for all participants and guests:

Set-Up and Parking

• Main Street will close to all traffic at 4:00 PM. Vendor booth set-up begins at 4:00 and should be complete by 4:45 PM.
• You may begin unloading at 3:45 PM, but no tents or tables may be placed on the street until the official road closure at 4:00.
• You may unload your vehicle directly on Main Street, but it must be moved to a designated parking area immediately afterward. (See attached map.)
• All vehicles must be off Main Street by 4:30 PM to avoid interfering with incoming foot traffic. (Set-up may continue.)

Booth Placement and Conduct

• Canopies must allow adequate space for pedestrian traffic along the sidewalk.
• Be courteous to downtown businesses: do not block doorways, display windows, or entrances without speaking with the business owner first.
• All vendors should plan to cease operations by 8:00 PM in preparation for the fireworks show and booth disassembly.
• Main Street reopens to vehicle traffic at 9:00 PM. To ensure public safety, all vendor materials must be fully packed up and removed by that time.

Pro Tip

The Taste of Lee draws a large crowd, often resulting in long lines. We recommend bringing adequate staff to keep service moving efficiently and maintain a great customer experience.

If you are setting up in Town Park, please review and follow the requirements to help us ensure a successful and well-organized weekend for all:

Town Park Vendor Hours

• Friday: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Park Vendor Set-Up & Parking

• Tent sizes should be 10×10 or smaller. Vendors must provide all chairs, tables, canopies, and associated canopy weights. Erected canopies and umbrellas must be safely anchored.
• Vendor set-up may begin after 12:00 PM (Noon) on Friday.
• You may unload on Park Place, but vehicles must be moved immediately after unloading. Vendor parking is not permitted around the Park during event hours. Please use the municipal lots to keep prime spaces available for visitors.
• Friday evening will get dark, and many vendors find some battery-operated LED lights are helpful at their tents. Many options are available on Amazon or other online stores.
• There is very limited electricity available and will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis, by contacting director@leechamber.org.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: The Parade is on Saturday at 10:00 AM. MAIN STREET WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE DURATION OF THE PARADE and will re-open at approx. 11:00 AM. (Tip: Arrive early)

THE PARADE ROUTE: The Parade begins at Center Street, travels south along Main, takes a left turn onto Park Street, right turn onto Housatonic, and terminates at the Lee Athletic Field.

With our expanded Sunday schedule, there are many opportunities for Food Vendors for a fun-filled afternoon featuring the culmination of the popular Dog Parade, the Lion’s Club Rubber Duck Race on the Housatonic River, the Corn Hole Tournament, live entertainment, and family activities. Food vendors, food trucks, beverage vendors, ice cream, and frozen treat vendors are especially encouraged to participate.

Set-Up and Parking

• Vendor set-up may begin at 10:30 AM and should be complete by 11:45 AM.
• Vendors may unload in designated areas near the Athletic Field and must move vehicles to vendor parking immediately after unloading. Vendor parking will be available on-site or in designated nearby lots as directed by event staff.
• Vendors should plan to remain open for the duration of the event, from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM.

Vendor Requirements and Conduct

• Food vendors must be self-contained. Electricity is extremely limited and cannot be guaranteed. Vendors requiring power should contact the Lee Chamber of Commerce in advance. Available electrical access will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Vendors must provide their own tents, tables, chairs, extension cords, generators (if permitted), and other equipment needed for operation.
• All food vendors must comply with Tri-Town Health Department requirements and display a valid permit. See above.
• Vendors are responsible for maintaining a clean area throughout the event and for removing all trash, boxes, equipment, and
  materials at the conclusion of the day. Please follow a “Pack It In, Pack It Out” approach.
• All vendor materials, tents, and equipment must be removed promptly following the conclusion of the event.

Pro Tip

The Athletic Field activities create a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that encourages guests to linger throughout the afternoon. Consider offering quick-service items, cold beverages, frozen treats, and grab-and-go options to maximize sales and keep lines moving.

Thank you for your continued support and participation in this yearly event!