MAPA Vendor Application Form

LOCATION: Meskwaki Nation Powwow Grounds, Tama, IA

EVENT DATES: Thursday, August 7, Friday, August 8, Saturday August 9, & Sunday, August 10, 2025 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm Grand Entries.

SET UP: Day before event – Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 5pm to 8:00 pm. First Day of Powwow– Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 7:00 am to 11:00 am.

APPLICATIONS: Applications for Meskwaki Tribal community vendors will open from May 15 through June 30. On July 1, applications for non-local vendors will open. After July 1, Tribal community vendor applications will be on a case-by-case basis.  All applications must be submitted by July 31, 2025. NO WALK UPS OR APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER JULY 31, 2025. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Booth space is limited to a single 20x20 booth (including all wires, stakes, poles, etc.) All items being sold or displayed must be contained in booth space.

A limited number of electrical hook-ups will be available. A three-pronged grounded, 14- gauge minimum, outdoor extension cord is required for utility pole plug in. Vendors may NOT string cords across roadways. Vendors can also use propane to run the booth during the powwow.  Meskwaki Annual Powwow Association (MAPA) must approve all generators. Last minute electrical changes will not be accepted.

This is an outdoor event; be prepared for any type of weather. Tents, canopies and pop-ups must be secured with a good roof that can withstand wind, rain and other inclement weather. Come prepared for all types of weather. You must secure your booth in case of windy conditions.

Your booth must be neat, attractive and well-maintained. Signage with visible and clear pricing is required. You are responsible for setting up, maintaining and removing your own booth, merchandise and trash. All vendors are required to keep site area clean, safe and orderly.  Empty boxes and trash will not be permitted around the booth. 

Vendors should utilize dumpsters for all trash. There are trash barrels located around the grounds which are for customer/event attendee use only.  If trash or merchandise is left at your assigned vendor site after the event, a $100 fee will be assessed.

Food Vendors:  Food Safety Class will be scheduled the first week in August.  More information will be emailed to you. Classes will focus on the operation of food stand cleanliness, and safety. Certificates are good for a 2-year period.  If you have already had the class, valid certificates can be attached to this application.

We are updating the vendor application process this year. For non-tribal vendors, both food and craft, their applications must be reviewed and approved before any payments are submitted. Additionally, we will be limiting participation to 60 vendors total, as that is the maximum capacity of our available space. Approval of applications will be emailed.

Priorities for space will be reviewed based on past participation, date of receipt of fully executed application and type of product/item. The policies and regulations set forth in this document are designed to maintain order and to regulate activities at the Powwow site. Regulations will be enforced.

ADDITIONAL RULES/INFORMATION:

1. All vendor space locations will be assigned by Meskwaki Annual Powwow Association (MAPA). While written location requests will be considered, placement will be at the sole discretion of MAPA. All vendors are strictly limited to assigned location.

2. Vendor parking is provided in designated areas only. With the exception of specified set-up/load-in and break-down/load-out times, vehicles will not be permitted at vendor site. Vehicles must be removed immediately when asked to be by MAPA.

3. All food vendors must provide a certificate of safety for vendor and all food workers.

4. All food vendors cooking on site are required to bring an approved fire extinguisher in working condition. *Please note: Food vendors should expect inspection of food operations by MAPA.

5. North American Native craft vendors only, US and Canadian. Must show valid Tribal ID, Indian Status Card or CDIB.

6. No potato launchers, missile devices, toy guns, fireworks, firecrackers or poppers of any kind is allowed.

7. All signs and displays must be of a neat/orderly/professionally produced nature. Prices of items must be displayed.

 

Drayton Roberts –Meskwaki Annual Powwow Vendor Coordinator

Phone: 641-260-0720     Email: admin@meskwakipowwow.com

Food Vendors: Food Safety Class will be scheduled the first week in August. More information will be emailed to you. Classes will focus on the operation of food stand cleanliness, and safety. Certificates are good for a 2-year period. If you have already had the class, valid certificates can be attached below.

By submitting this application, I agree that I have read, understand and will abide by the Meskwaki Annual Powwow Vendor Rules and Regulations. Read the complete Meskwaki Association Vendor Rules and Regulations: CLICK HERE.

I hereby affirm that I have been well advised and thoroughly informed of the inherent hazards and policies of the POWWOW. I know that by participating in the MESKWAKI ANNUAL POWWOW, I am exposing myself to certain known and unknown liabilities in my direct and indirect actions with the public and invitees of this event. Read the complete Meskwaki Association Liability Release: CLICK HERE.

By submitting this application, I agree to the vendor costs listed above and acknowledge that the Powwow is subject to various weather conditions. I also understand that No refund of application fees will be given due to weather.

MAPA reserves the right to refuse any application. Submission of this application does not guarantee a space.

Your application MUST BE pre-approved before payment is made.  Please submit below. An approval email with information about payment will be emailed to you at the above email address.  Thank you!