More than 9,400 eager residents and visitors enjoyed a full day of shopping at the first-ever Made in Maui County Festival last November. PHOTO BY THE MAYOR’S OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

WAILUKU – The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development last week announced that vendor applications and sponsorship forms are now available for the second annual Made in Maui County Festival, which will be open to the public on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015.

The event will be held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului and is being presented by the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and Maui Chamber of Commerce.

Over 9,400 residents and visitors attended the 2014 inaugural event, which featured 130 vendors showcasing a wide variety of made-in-Maui County products, including foods, produce, art, crafts, jewelry, fashion, gifts, collectibles and more – all in one location.

More than $300,000 in products was sold over the weekend, and participating vendors reported gaining 180 new wholesale accounts and 1,070 new business leads for future sales.

Riding the wave of last year’s success, event organizers are looking to expand this year’s festival by offering additional vendors, products and food trucks.

“Supporting our local businesses is a win-win for our community,” said Mayor Alan Arakawa. “Helping to grow our local product companies not only helps strengthen our community through job creation and diversification of our economy, but our visitors and residents also benefit by having an incredible array of locally made products to choose from at the festival.”

Product vendors must attend a mandatory vendor training and meet specific criteria to participate, including having their business based in Maui County (GET license required), with products being offered for sale meeting a minimum 51 percent of their value added in Hawaii. The product mix, quality and creativity value of products will also be considered during the vendor selection process.

Exhibit space is limited, and a limited number of local food truck vendors will also have an opportunity to sell their menu items in the Food Court during Saturday’s festival.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for companies wishing to show their support for Maui County’s entrepreneurs and their products while increasing visibility for their own business. Sponsor benefits include event promotions, visibility during the festival, access to a private buyers’ preview event and program advertising.

For information, and to download a Vendor, Food Truck and/or Sponsor Packet, visit www.MadeInMauiCountyFestival.com, e-mail info@MadeInMauiCountyFestival.com or 270-7710.