Temporary Food Establishments (TFE)

festival food

Feeding Our Festivals and Community Events

Under 15A NCAC 18A .2600, a temporary food establishment (TFE) is a food operation that runs for no more than 21 days at one location and is affiliated with a fair, festival, carnival, circus, or similar public event. Food vendors at events such as the Pitt County Fair or the Winterville Watermelon Festival are common examples. All applications are submitted through the County’s online permitting system.

Questions or Need More Information?
Contact Jordan Horne at 252-902-3228 or jordan.horne@pittcountync.gov

  1. Applications
  2. Commissary
  3. Set-Up

What to Know Before You Apply


Event coordinators:

If your event will include food vendors, submit the event coordinator application and include a complete list of all proposed vendors.

Food vendors:

If you plan to prepare or serve food at a short-term event, submit the temporary food establishment vendor application.

Application Deadline:

All applications must be submitted through the Permitting Portal at least 15 days before the event. Late or incomplete applications cannot be accepted.

  • Applications must be complete. Use the checklist included with the application to confirm all required items are provided.
  • Once payment is received, the application will be reviewed. Staff will contact you if clarification or additional information is needed.
  • Ensure all contact information listed on the application is accurate and regularly monitored.
  • An Environmental Health Specialist will schedule a permitting inspection, typically on the first day of the event before operations begin.
  • No food preparation may occur until a permit is issued.
  • If all requirements are met during inspection, a permit will be issued.
  • Temporary food establishments may operate for up to 21 days, consecutive or nonconsecutive. Events lasting longer than 21 days require an additional permit.
  • Domestic yard sales, auctions, flea markets, and farmers markets are not eligible for a temporary food establishment permit.