A parade, pony rides, live music, a large variety of food and new location are just some of what is planned for Mayfest 2015. This year’s event is scheduled for May 2 at the new Bangs Community Events Center, located at the end of First Street in Bangs.

Vendors who are interested in reserving a booth for Mayfest will be able to do so at a cost of $55. If electricity is required, the total will be $80.  All non-profit organizations who would like a 15X15 space will be required to pay $20, or $30 if electricity is requested.  To reserve a booth space, prospective vendors can contact Mayfest Chairman Rick Phelps at 325-200-1276, visit the Bangs Mayfest Facebook page or by email at bangsmayfestchairman@gmail.com. Prospective vendors shall pay for a space and are responsible to supply their own canopies, tables and chairs.

Phelps said the electricity usage will be closely monitored this year. “In years past, there have been vendors who were plugging into other vendor outlets, which causes problems,” Phelps said. “If a vendor who did not pay for electricity is found to be using what another vendor has paid for—they will kindly be asked to leave.”

Due to regulations, vendors who are for-profit will be required to obtain a sales tax number if they do not already possess one. “Anyone who is not a non-profit will need a number,” Phelps said. “If they don’t have one, they can easily obtain one from the Texas Comptroller Web site.” Phelps said all non-profits will be required to display a sign somewhere in their area that states they are a non-profit organization.

Another requirement, Phelps explained, is that any vendor making food on-site for consumption and sale must obtain a temporary permit from the Brown County Health Department. “We want to know we are abiding by all rules, so every vendor will be checked to see if a temporary permit is required,” Phelps said.

A returning favorite will be the pony rides and bounce houses for the children. “This is my fourth year to do Mayfest and every year, parents tell me how grateful they are that there are activities for the kids,” Phelps said.

Although a few activities will remain in the city park, a majority of Mayfest will be located at the new community events center. “Bangs has a beautiful new facility and I am excited for Mayfest to be at the new location,” Phelps said. “With that said, it is a new location, so many more volunteers will be needed for traffic control, set up and clean up. There is a place for anyone and everyone who wants to lend a hand.”

The first planning meeting for Mayfest 2015 will be February 2nd at 6 p.m. at Bangs City Hall. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to attend. Further details regarding specific activities will be released in the near future.