NC Fossil Festival

Commercial Food Vendor spaces are designated for those who will be preparing food on-site and selling to patrons/festival-goers.

Space for Fossil/Mineral Vendors

Spaces available for Merchandise Vendors. This category is limited to ONE vendor representing a particular re-sale business, commonly referred to "network marketing".

Space for Arts & Crafts Vendors Categories:Artists may apply for up to 3 categories. 

• You MUST submit a separate application for each type.

• If you sell jewelry, you may apply in a category other than Jewelry if the jewelry is less than 10% of your items for sale. Otherwise, you must apply in Jewelry.

• All work displayed in the booth must be for sale.

 Clay: Original clay and porcelain work, functional or sculptural. Fiber: Includes wearable and non-wearable. No machine-tooled, machine-screen printing or other forms of mass production are accepted. Glass: Functional and sculptural work is accepted. Kiln forming, blowing, molding, casting, and all cold working processes are permitted. Jewelry: Only those artists accepted in the jewelry category may display or sell jewelry. Items made from commercial parts are not permitted. Metal: Sculptural or decorative work made from metal. No jewelry will be accepted in this category. Mixed Media: Work which combines materials from two or more mediums in one piece. Musical Instruments: Handmade instruments only. Natural Materials: This includes basket weaving, chair caning, brooms, gourds, and other works made from materials found in nature. Photography: Includes traditional film photography, hand-colored images, emulsion transfers, and digital photography. Only the artist’s original source material is acceptable. Printmaking: Only hand-pulled original prints are allowed. Prints must be in limited editions, signed, and numbered. Sculpture: Three-dimensional work using additive or subtractive processes in a single medium. Two-Dimensional: Drawing, painting, and digital works. Reproduction prints are not allowed. Wood: Original works hand-tooled, machine worked, turned, or carved.

These spaces are reserved for non-profit organizations fundraising (like selling raffle tickets) to support their organization and to raise awareness of their community services OR Non-Profit Informational booths are reserved for non-profit organizations not selling items. PLEASE INDICATE BELOW.

Media Opportunities --Logo included in all printed media --Logo included on NC Fossil Festival and Aurora Fossil Museum websites --Opportunity for company CEO to be interviewed or quoted in press releases --Sponsor included in social media activities promoting the NC Fossil Festival (2024 reach: 650,000+) Pre-event Opportunities --Prominent logo location on printed and digital media, including save-the-date cards, event flyers, and rack cards --Permanent (non-rotating) and prominent placement of linked logo on NC Fossil Festival and Aurora Fossil Museum websites (over 250,000 web sessions in 2024) --Logo included in all NC Fossil Festival email communications to museum e-newsletter subscribers (over 5,800 addresses) Event Opportunities --Exclusive opportunity for inclusion of corporate banner on Main Stage --Opportunity to host a booth at the event --Opportunity for CEO or company executive to address event participants from the stage --Media interview opportunity for CEO or company executive --Name recognition from the Main Stage --Inclusion of company logo on signage throughout the NCFF Footprint --Largest logo on Main Stage banner

Media Opportunities --Logo/sponsor name included in all press releases --Sponsor included in social media activities promoting the NC Fossil Festival (2024 reach: 650,000+) Pre-event Opportunities --Prominent logo location on printed and digital media, including save-the-date cards, event flyers, and rack cards --Linked logo in constant rotation on NC Fossil Festival and Aurora Fossil Museum websites (over 250,000 web sessions in 2024) --Logo included in all NC Fossil Festival email communications to museum e-newsletter subscribers (over 5,800 addresses) Event Opportunities --Opportunity to host a booth at the event --Name recognition from the Main Stage --Opportunity to include company logo on signage at two of the areas listed: Info Zone, VIP Zone, STEAM Zone; Paleo Zone, Dino Zone, Kids Zone, Brew Zone, Mining & Engineering Zone, Fossil Dig Zone --Large logo on Main Stage banner

Media Opportunities --Sponsor name included in all press releases Pre-event Opportunities --Logo on printed and digital media, including save-the-date cards, event flyers, and rack cards --Linked logo in constant rotation on NC Fossil Festival and Aurora Fossil Museum websites (over 250,000 web sessions in 2024) --Logo included in all NC Fossil Festival email communications to museum e-newsletter subscribers (over 5,800 addresses) Event Opportunities --Opportunity to host a booth at the event --Name recognition from the Main Stage --Opportunity to include company logo on signage at one of the areas listed: Info Zone, VIP Zone, STEAM Zone; Paleo Zone, Dino Zone, Kids Zone, Brew Zone, Mining & Engineering Zone, Fossil Dig Zone --Logo on Main Stage banner

Media Opportunities --Sponsor name included in four press releases Pre-event Opportunities --Logo in constant rotation in sponsor box on NC Fossil Festival and Aurora Fossil Museum websites (over 250,000 web sessions in 2024) --Logo included in two NC Fossil Festival email communications to museum e-newsletter subscribers (over 5,800 addresses) Event Opportunities --Opportunity to host a booth during the event --Sponsor name recognition from Main Stage --Medium logo on Main Stage banner

Pre-event Opportunities --Logo in constant rotation in sponsor box on NC Fossil Festival and Aurora Fossil Museum websites (over 250,000 web sessions in 2024) Event Opportunities --Opportunity to host a booth during the event --Sponsor name recognition from Main Stage --Small logo on Main Stage banner

Social media, print, radio, festival “shout-outs”, and website (ncfossilfest.com) acknowledgements

--Social media, print, radio, festival “shout-outs”, --Website (ncfossilfest.com) acknowledgments

Social media and website (ncfossilfest.com) acknowledgements

Website (ncfossilfest.com) acknowledgement

Show your support by becoming a North Carolina Fossil Festival Friend! This opportunity is open to individuals who would like to invest $100 (plus a processing fee of approximately $8) to help make the 2025 NC Fossil Fest a success. Friends will be recognized on signage before, during, and after the NC Fossil Festival in rank order from the date of investment! Invest soon for a low rank! Each NC Fossil Festival Friend will be entered to win a 2025 NC Fossil Festival gift basket. The winning name will be drawn on Monday, May 26, 2025.

Every journey begins with setting up, and our festival is no different. We will need help to prepare the 2025 North Carolina Fossil Festival for its grand adventure! Set-Up Volunteers will help with the following: -- Arrange tables, chairs, and tents in their respective places -- Placing signage and hanging banners -- Assist with other tasks that will prepare the festival for the rest of the weekend Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: A 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2025 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis. So sign up ASAP! Please see below to sign up for a shift (or two).

While parking isn't the most fun position to volunteer for, it is one of the most valuable places we can use your help! Parking Volunteers will help with the following: -- Guide cars to parking spots within designated festival parking areas -- Ensure the safety of people driving and walking in parking lots -- Greet people and direct them to the Information Booths. There are three festival parking zones -- General Parking -- Volunteer/Vendor Parking -- Handicap Parking Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: A 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2025 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP! To sign-up, please see below.

Are you a people person? Do you have an outgoing personality? Are you good at answering questions and providing information? Then help out as one of our Info Station Crew! Info Station Volunteers Should: -- Welcome people entering the festival -- Encourage donations to the Aurora Fossil Museum -- Ask festival attendees to complete a survey -- Market and sell NC Fossil Festival merchandise -- Assist festival attendees with the event map and schedule of events/activities We will have two(2) Information Booth locations: -- Corner of Pearl & Third Streets (Alpha-Main Entrance) --Next to the Aurora Fossil Museum Learning Center (Bravo-Fourth Street) Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2025 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP! To sign-up, please see below.

Since the early 1900s, the Town of Aurora has been known for its parades. You can be part of the Aurora tradition by helping with the NC Fossil Festival Parade! Parade Volunteers will help with the following: -- Assisting the Parade Committee with tasks before, during, and after the parade -- Assist with parade float and vehicle line-up -- Assist with post-parade clean up of parade route Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew Shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2025 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP! To sign-up, please see below.

Are you a people person? Do you have an outgoing personality? Are you good at answering questions and handling boxes of shovels? Then help out in the Gift Shop! Gift Shop Volunteers Should: -- Welcome people entering the Main Building of the Aurora Fossil Museum and Outdoor Gift Shop -- Assist Museum Staff with handling Gift Shop items -- Market and sell NC Fossil Festival merchandise -- Encourage donations to the Aurora Fossil Museum -- Assist festival attendees with general festival & museum questions. We will have two Gift Shop locations: -- 400 Main Street (Inside the Main Museum Building) -- Fossil Park Picnic Shelter Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2025 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP! To sign-up, please see below.

The primary activity of any visit to the Aurora Fossil Museum and the NC Fossil Festival is searching for fossils in the museum’s fossil pits. Must be outgoing, able to be outside in the full sun for the duration of each shift, and must know about fossils frequently discovered in the Aurora Fossil Museum’s Fossil Pits. Fossil Pit Crew will help with the following: -- Monitor the fossil pits to ensure the safety of festival participants -- Identify and educate fossil hunters about the fossils they find. There are three fossil pit locations: -- Main Pit: located at the corner of Main & Fourth Streets, across from the Aurora Fossil Museum -- Back Pit: located next to the Aurora Fossil Museum's parking lot Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: A 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2025 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP! To sign-up, please see below.

Beer Tent Crew will have the following tasks: -- MUST BE 21 TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE BREW ZONE -- Check ID/Sell Beer Tickets -- Monitor beer tent and area and remedy any issues -- Pick up trash around the Beer Tent Area -- Other tasks as needed Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2025 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP! To sign-up, please see below.

Do you like to help keep the Earth clean and happy? Want to help keep the festival area clean? Then consider volunteering to collect trash! Trash Crew Volunteers will help with the following: -- Monitor and pick up trash in and around the festival footprint -- Monitor and empty trash cans as they become full Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: A 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2025 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP! To sign-up, please see below.

Kids Zone Crew will help with the following monitor, lead, and assist with youth activities Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2025 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP! To sign-up, please see below.

Ssshhh! It's time for the Silent Auction and its time to we need your help! The Silent Auction Crew will help with the following: -- Set up, monitor, and provide information about the auction items -- Provide directions on how the silent auction works -- Assist with silent auction sign-up -- Assist with post-auction processing and clean-up Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: A 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2025 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP! To sign-up, please see below.

SUNDAY ONLY. Sign up to assist our Program Developer with STEM-based activities for all to learn and enjoy. Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2025 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP! To sign-up, please see below.

SUNDAY ONLY: Even if you don't run in the 5k, consider being part of the Fossil 5k Crew to rev your day! Fossil 5k Volunteers will help with the following: -- Pack Leader and Turtle -- Set up guides to ensure runners stay on the path -- Filling water stations so no one gets dehydrated -- Cheering runners on at finish line -- Cleaning up any trash after the run is over Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: A 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2025 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP! To sign-up, please see below.

On Memorial Day, the Aurora Fossil Museum will host a Veteran's & First Responder’s breakfast to show our appreciation of those who have served and serve our country and the Aurora Community. Veteran's & First Responder’s Breakfast Crew will help with the following: -- Set up and prepare the Aurora Community Building for Sunday breakfast on Saturday evening. -- Sunday morning preparations -- Clean up and ensure all tables, chairs, and other related items are taken down and areas clean after breakfast on Sunday. Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: A 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2025 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP! Please see below to sign-up to help us thank our Veterans and First Responders.

A festival doesn't end until all evidence is gone! So, help us conclude the festival by being helping out on the Post-Festival Crew! Post-Festival Crew will help with the following: -- Remove tables, tents, and chairs -- Organizing and preparing equipment for storage -- Pick up remaining trash -- Assist with other tasks to ensure the museum and town grounds are clean and orderly Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: A 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2025 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2025 NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2025 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP! To sign-up, please see below.

The Aurora Fossil Museum and North Carolina Fossil Club would love for you to share your fossil collection in the very popular Fossil Displays component of the North Carolina Fossil Festival.

 

This key educational component of the festival provides a means for fossil collectors and paleontologists to engage and educate the public about North Carolina's unique and vast fossil record. No application fee is required, just a willingness to share your knowledge and collection with festival participants.

 

Tables, chairs, and refreshments will be provided. This year, the Fossil Display Exhibitors will be located inside and on the grounds of the Aurora Community Center. A "NC Fossil Club Fossil Pit" will be strategically located directly beside the Aurora Community Center to increase festival traffic to your exhibits.

 

Fossil Displays will need to be set up on Saturday morning by 11 am with take down beginning at 5 pm. Afterwards, please plan to stick around, sit back, relax, and listen to live music and enjoy the festival.

The Aurora Fossil Museum invites your non-profit organization to participate in the very popular STEAM & History Education component of the North Carolina Fossil Festival.

 

This key educational component of the festival provides a means for nonprofits to introduce their organizations to festival attendees. No application fee is required, just a willingness to share STEAM & History with festival participants!

 

Tables, chairs, refreshments, and lunch will be provided. This year, the Education Exhibitors will be located near the Aurora Fossil Museum's Learning Center, under a large tent. A "Kid's Pit" will be strategically located near the STEAM & History Education Tent with access to the pit occurring through the STEAM & History Education Tent.

 

Education organizations will need to be set up on Saturday morning by 10 am with take down beginning at 5 pm. Afterwards, please plan to stick around, sit back, relax, and listen to live music and enjoy the festival.

Registration to participate in the North Carolina Fossil Festival Parade which will occur at 11 am on Saturday, May 24 2025.