FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
updated 4/30/2023 Download a copy of the FAQs
General Information
When is the next Marigold Festival?
The 2023 Marigold Festival will be held Saturday, May 13.
How much does it cost to get into the Marigold Festival?
Admission to the Marigold Festival is free!
What happens if it rains?
The Festival is rain or shine.
Where do I park?
The largest parking area is at the Winterville First Baptist Church, about a half mile from the Festival site. Carpooling is encouraged! For the safety of all guests, please adhere to road closures, signage, and barricades.
Can I bring my dog to the Marigold Festival?
Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome at the Marigold Festival. Your dog MUST be on a leash and you MUST bring bags to clean up after your dog.
Is beer sold at the Festival?
No, alcohol is not allowed on Festival grounds.
Does Winterville still have a train?
Commercial trains no longer run through Winterville, but we do have our own train. Look for it in the Parade!
How can I support the Festival?
Volunteers can sign up HERE
Information for business sponsors can be found HERE
When is the Miss Marigold Pageant?
The Pageant was discontinued in 2020.
Music
When does the music start and where is the stage?
Music begins at 11 am and ends around 8 pm. The stage is located in Pittard Park, beyond the large pavilion.
What is the seating arrangement for the musical performances?
There will be some hay bales for seating and you are welcome to bring your own lawn chair.
Vendors
How to I become a vendor?
We are no longer accepting applications for the 2023 Festival.
The Marigold Festival is a juried show. Those wishing to be a vendor must apply, and not all applications are approved. Applications are available on our website starting in January of each year. Application review beings in early March, and all spots are generally filled by the first of April.
What time are vendors open?
Vendors will be open from 9 am until 5 pm. Some food vendors will open earlier and/or stay later.
Do you take credit cards?
We take credit cards at the souvenir booth. All other vendors will have their own payment arrangements that may or may not include credit card acceptance.
Is there an ATM on site?
There is no ATM on the Festival site, but there are ATM machines at businesses and banks in Winterville.
How can I get a hold of a vendor who was at the Festival?
If a vendor has provided website or social media information, we have linked it HERE
Activities
What activities do you have for children?
Our Kids Area will be open from 11 am until 3 pm, with performances on the Kids Stage, a photo booth for all ages, bounce houses, face painting, giant bubbles, and more fun!
What time is the car show?
The Madison County Cruisers will hold a Cruise-In from 11 am to 3 pm. It is located near the Depot. Information on participating HERE
Parade
What time is the parade, and what is the parade route?
The parade starts at 10 am. It travels from the Winterville Center on Church Street toward City Hall. It turns on Parkview, then onto Main Street at the train depot. It then travels on Main Street to the Baptist Church parking lot.
Parade announcer is located on the corner of Church and Parkview.
Is there a charge to be in the parade?
No, parade participation is free! Please complete an application available HERE. We may not be able to accommodate you if you do not sign up prior to the day of the Festival.
Festival Merchandise
Where can I purchase Festival merchandise?
The Souvenir Booth is located near the corner of Church and Parkview, across from City Hall and the food area.
What items will be available?
We have t-shirts with this year’s Featured Artwork, as well as Festival logo t-shirts. We also have caps, mugs, WIN stickers and magnets, and other assorted items.
Can I purchase Festival merchandise after the Festival?
The Front Porch Bookstore carries Festival merchandise in limited quantities.
Do you take credit cards?
We take all major credit cards at the souvenir booth.
Is there an ATM on site?
There is no ATM on the Festival site, but there are ATM machines at businesses and banks in Winterville.