Campground Vending

The vendors on Shakedown/in the camps all have permits.
The only vendors that don't are always on foot, moving around to avoid being busted.

you sure about that? I guess it depends what you're tryin to sell. Cause I'm pretty sure the folks in the camps with tables set up, just sellin beer, water, and jager shots don't have permits. I know in 04, we were right on a "street" and some people came over and set up a table there even though they weren't camped there. I honestly don't know how that sh!t works.

I'm pretty sure you need a permit. I know in '02, '03 they were pretty lax about it but In '04 they started requiring everyone to move to the central location (and collect sales tax) and have gotten stricter since then. I'd email if you seriously mean to sell a lot of stuff.

I have been to Bonnaroo every year as either a beertender in the offficial tents, or as a fan. My wife and I make jewelry and stuff. Last year we walked in BFE and hauled our tents and all on a wagon all the way to 5th at c-3po camp. Shakedown was too crowded, so we set up on 5th and did business all weekend with zero hassle. We were surrounded by people selling patchwork and beer and food, none of whom seemed to be there officially. This is simply how most of these folks finance their travels. I do not think roo is averse to this, though they officially discourage it. The roo website says that this year "for the first time" they are offering official vending passes in the campground, but it is only in one of the pods, not on the streets.
I guess all I really want anyone to tell me is, if you drive in Wednesday, can you park on 5th in the Star Wars camps, or do they force you out to BFE? Has anyone here ever camped in that area, and how did you swing it?

yaeh. u can park in bfe and walk to the tent only camping. which is directly next to centeroo. 1 min walk.

Two years ago we went in on wed around 7 pm. We were parked right beside Shakedown out in BFE. When we pulled into our spot, we were like about 20 yards or so from Shakedown and people were like running and pushing us and our vehicles over so they could get right there on the dirt road. It was not a problem for us to move over, but they were rude and were just there to sell their food. There was like 10 people or so with them. They never went into the festival grounds all weekend. They did not need a permit to vend there. They were a complete night mare to camp next too. Get there early and get a spot is the best way to do it and be nice to the people beside you that are not vending. They need space too.

That sucks that vendors were rude to you. They should not be like that. Alot of times food vendors can be like that. I am an artist myself. The thing is, there are alot of artists and crafts people who live near Bonnaroo that travel all year round to make a living. Bonnaroo is a great opportunity for people like us to do a show close to home where we can also have fun at night and see the music. I am hoping this year things don't change too much though.

It appears that starting this year, Bonnaroo will be requiring permits and charging the vendors who want to set up on Shakedown. For most artists the booth fee of $600 - $1000 is far too much. Hopefully Shakedown will still have the same vibe it always has, but we will see. I think most of the traveling artists will still be able to find a way to setup somewhere on the grounds.

yeah... i always thought it was unofficial, too.

I know it is a totally different story for the "official" folks in centeroo...