RULES & REGULATIONS FOR CONCESSIONS

Welcome to the Hopkinton State Fair! We’re thrilled to have you as part of our vibrant concession community. As you prepare to serve up delicious experiences for thousands of fair-goers, we ask that you take a moment to familiarize yourself with our guidelines. Our Rules and Regulations help ensure a clean, safe, and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone—vendors, staff, and visitors alike. Your cooperation makes all the difference in maintaining the high standards that make our fair a cherished tradition.

  • Required Operating Hours
    All vendors must be open and ready for fair-goers during the following hours:

    • Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

    • Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

    • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Food Concession Safety & Hygiene Guidelines

    • Smoking is strictly prohibited in all food preparation, serving, and concession areas.

    • All food concession staff must wear clean, neat clothing or uniforms, along with aprons at all times while working.

    • Food safety gloves must be worn when handling ready-to-eat food items.

      • Gloves must be changed and hands washed immediately after any contamination, such as:

        • Handling money

        • Smoking

        • Touching body parts

        • Handling raw meat products

    • Gloves are not required when handling raw meats, but are encouraged for self-protection.

      • Regardless of glove use, hands must be thoroughly washed after handling raw meat.

    • For safety reasons, glass beverage containers are prohibited from sale or use on Hopkinton State Fair property.
  • Food Concession Inspections
    The Hopkinton State Fair will conduct random inspections of food concession operations to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
    Items subject to inspection include, but are not limited to:

    • Food thermometers for temperature control

    • Refrigeration units equipped with a hanging thermometer

    • Color-coded cutting boards:

      • Red – Raw meats

      • White – Cooked proteins and dairy

      • Green – Fruits and vegetables

    • A dedicated handwashing sink is required in every food preparation area

    Please ensure your operation is properly equipped and follows all food safety guidelines.

  • Cleanliness & Waste Disposal
    The Hopkinton State Fair takes great pride in maintaining clean, litter-free fairgrounds. As a valued member of our Fair community, your cooperation is essential in upholding these standards.

    To ensure the grounds remain clean, safe, and presentable to guests, all vendors are expected to comply with the following requirements:

    • Keep your concession area clean and attractive at all times for both customers and Fair Management.

    • Trash must be placed in heavy-duty plastic bags, which are designed to fit inside the metal barrels provided.

      • These bags are available at the Information Booth and may be picked up as needed.

      • Throughout the day, vendors are expected to take their trash directly to the dumpsters.

      • Trash may not be stored outside your vending booth or stand at any time, and it must not be visible to the public.

      • All boxes must be broken down and placed in a dumpster. DO NOT put boxes into trash barrels or alongside your stand.

    • At closing time each night, place full trash bags in front of your stand for pickup by the night trash removal crew.

      • Anything not placed in front of your stand will not be removed—we assume you intend to keep those items.

    • Rake and clean around your stand daily to keep the surrounding area neat.

    • Used fat must be disposed of in designated containers only.

      • Disposing of grease or cooking oil in general trash or waste barrels is strictly prohibited and violates your contract.

    • No dumping of grey water anywhere on the fairgrounds.
      For grey water pumping services, please contact:
      Zack at Powerhouse Portable Restrooms – (603) 217-5684

  • Prohibited Waste
    The following items are not permitted in any fairground waste or recycling containers:

    • Propane tanks, flammables, hazardous or hospitality waste

    • Batteries (any type)

    • Appliances (including air conditioners), electronics (TVs, computers)

    • Tires, liquid paint, wood ash, demolition debris, concrete

    • Cooking oil or grease (unless placed in designated containers)

    • Failure to follow these guidelines may result in penalties. Fines start at a minimum of $500 and may increase depending on the violation. Serious or repeated offenses may result in loss of vending privileges at the Hopkinton State Fair and future events.
  • Prohibited Items & Substances
    The following items and substances are strictly prohibited anywhere on Hopkinton State Fair property:
    • Non-prescription drugs
    • Alcohol, except in the designated and licensed Beer Tent area
    • Firearms and weapons of any kind, regardless of permit status

    Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to immediate removal from the fairgrounds and termination of all vendor or staff responsibilities.

  • Signage & Pricing Display Requirements
    All vendors are required to clearly post prices for all products, including food, beverages, and novelties.

    • Signs must be neatly printed and prominently displayed within your booth or concession area.

    • All signage must remain within your rented footprint—no signs may extend beyond your designated space.

    • Signage is not permitted on any fairground buildings, including exhibit hall doors, or on pavement or walkways intended for fair-goer use.

  • Prohibited Items for Sale or Use
    The sale or use of certain products is strictly prohibited on Hopkinton State Fair property. This includes, but is not limited to:
    • String foam products (e.g., Silly String)
    • Laser light pens
    • Any other unapproved or disruptive items

    These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all fair goers. Violations may result in removal from the fairgrounds and/or loss of vending privileges.

  • Supplier Access & Approval
    The Hopkinton State Fair may establish contracts with exclusive suppliers of goods and services authorized to operate on the fairgrounds.

    • All suppliers must be approved in advance by Hopkinton State Fair Management.

    • Before arranging for any supplier to deliver on the grounds, please consult with your department manager to confirm approval and avoid conflicts with existing agreements.

    Unauthorized suppliers may be denied access or asked to leave the premises.

  • Electrical Hookups
    If you require assistance with electrical needs beyond plugging in your own cord, an HSF-authorized electrician must be presentto perform the work.

    • No one is permitted to open, access, or modify any electrical panel on the fairgrounds without the presence of our licensed electrician.

    • Electrical hookups are available in vendor camping areas, with the option of either 20-amp or 30-amp service, depending on availability.

    These regulations are in place to ensure the safety of all vendors, staff, and guests, and will be strictly enforced.

“A Labor Day Weekend Tradition”