05/12/2026
Small business vendors are often the driver, cook, cashier, setup crew, and cleanup crew all at once. After a full day serving the community, we still have to break down tents, tables, coolers, and inventory ourselves.
Last Saturday, after vending at the Taiwanese American Cultural Festival, I received a $108 ticket while loading out.
The event had just ended. Vendors were actively breaking down and loading out. The ticket notes said “unattended / no activity, no driver.”
Cities love celebrating small businesses and cultural events, but where are vendors supposed to safely load and unload?
This isn’t just about one ticket. It’s about whether the city understands what it takes for small independent businesses to show up and serve.
The festival was beautiful, and it was amazing to see so many people show up for the community event. We’re grateful to be part of cultural events like this.
We just need better communication and real support from the city for the small businesses and vendors who help make these events possible.
