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Whether you’re a new chef who’s just starting out, a transplant to our vibrant region or a foodie trendsetter selling the next big thing, take note. The South Sound BBQ Festival is looking for vendors for their 2024 event and there are plenty of spots available. Sign up today for the July 13, 2024, event then start prepping your spices, sauces, rubs, tongs, aprons or other goodies for an excited – and always hungry – community-wide celebration of America’s national cuisine.

Sign up to be a food or merchandise vendor at the 2024 South Sound BBQ Festival taking place on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Lacey’s Huntamer Park. Photo courtesy: Lacey South Sound Chamber

Grow Your Audience as a South Sound BBQ Festival Vendor

For years, the South Sound BBQ Festival has welcomed thousands of residents and visitors to Lacey’s Huntamer Park each summer, courtesy of the Lacey South Sound Chamber. Executive Director Blake Knoblauch says they encourage both food and merchandise vendors to bring their freshest, best, and yummiest treats to wow the crowds who come for this free, family-friendly summer extravaganza.

To sign up, simply fill out the online application form in your category then submit both application and payment by June 22. Completing your enrollment by that date ensures your business will be included on the printed vendor map handed out to all attendees.

Questions about being a BBQ Festival vendor this year or in the future can be directed to event manager Cheryl Sparkuhl at 360.491.4141 or events@laceysschamber.com.

Enroll as a vendor before June 22 and your business will be included on the printed vendor map handed out to all BBQ Festival attendees. Photo courtesy: Lacey South Sound Chamber

Join the Lacey South Sound Chamber and Grow Your Business

When signing up, if you aren’t already, take a minute to join the Lacey South Sound Chamber on behalf of your growing company. By joining the Chamber, you’ll take the next step towards investing in your business and community. Chamber staff and their Board of Directors are dedicated to advocating, guiding and supporting Thurston County’s local businesses. Their most fundamental mission is to generate economic activity by fostering business-to-business commerce and providing more opportunities for connecting local professionals.

Once a member, look over their calendar of events for upcoming classes, activities, networking opportunities and professional mixers. They provide a business directory and Lacey Visitor Guide to families moving into the area which gives members a boost for growth and expansion. Getting your business included in their outreach means tremendous growth potential from day one.

To learn more, email Blake Knoblauch at executivedirector@laceysschamber.com and he’ll be happy to answer questions or provide insight on programs, committees and membership benefits.

The South Sound BBQ Festival is brought to us by the Lacey South Sound Chamber and their mission to develop and foster economic growth opportunities for local businesses. Photo courtesy: Lacey South Sound Chamber

Selling Local vs Selling Online as a Start-Up Business…They’re Both Important

Getting started as an entrepreneur is tough enough. But with a little guidance and mentorship from civic groups like the Lacey South Sound Chamber, your company can succeed and thrive. Taking that first step, in just about any adventure, is the hardest. But once you’re on a roll, with die-hard customers clamoring for your latest and greatest treats, success is just around the corner.

Entrepreneurial experts explain that businesses should always make the effort to build their audience by selling locally. They explain that many larger stores love to sell and promote local mom-and-pop companies, both residents and visitors alike prefer to buy locally and keep dollars within the community, and how it’s a great way to receive speedy customer suggestions and feedback. An audience like the South Sound BBQ Festival means 10,000 potential followers experiencing your goods, products and services all in one place. And with two stages of live music, bounce houses for the kids, smoked deliciousness around every corner and a 21+ beer garden, they’re already in a festive, summertime mood.

Nearly every American household owns a grill and dining al fresco is a national pastime almost all year round. If you’ve got a secret culinary sauce, spice, trick or tool, consider signing up as a 2024 South Sound BBQ Festival vendor today. You’re sure to have a good time chatting with friends, neighbors and fellow pitmasters. And while you mix and mingle, you’re also networking and building a brand-new customer base which carries far beyond this single, sunny afternoon. That kind of experience is invaluable when taking your business to the next step, whatever that may be.

South Sound BBQ Festival
July 13, 2024
Festival: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Beer Garden: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Huntamer Park
618 Woodland Square Loop SE, Lacey

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