Planning a food festival means juggling vendors, entertainment, parking, and a million other details. One detail you can’t afford to overlook? Hygiene stations. The question “How Many Hand-Washing Stations Does a Food Festival Need?” determines whether your attendees stay healthy and happy or leave with more than just fond memories.
Health departments take sanitation seriously, and so should you. The correct number of stations keeps lines short, keeps guests satisfied, and keeps inspectors off your back. Let’s break down what you need to know.
Start With Health Code Requirements
Every county has specific regulations regarding hand-washing stations at public events. Most health departments require at least one station per food vendor. Chicago and the surrounding areas typically mandate stations within 20 feet of any food preparation area.
Your local health department sets these rules, so check their guidelines before you order anything. Inspectors will visit your event, and any missing stations could result in shutdowns or hefty fines. Savvy planners always exceed the minimum to avoid problems on event day.
Calculate Based on Attendance and Vendors
The formula gets simple once you know your numbers. Budget one hand-washing station rental for every three to five food vendors as your baseline. Then add stations based on expected attendance.
Events with 1,000+ guests need extra public stations beyond vendor requirements. Place these near seating areas, entrances, and high-traffic zones. A festival with 15 food trucks needs at least five vendor stations, plus three to four public stations for guest convenience. More stations mean shorter wait times and happier crowds.
Position Stations for Maximum Convenience
You’ve ordered enough stations, and now it’s up to you and your team to position them strategically. Cluster stations near food vendor pods so multiple vendors can share access while meeting separation requirements.
Position public stations where guests naturally gather, including near stages, beer gardens, and main walkways. Avoid hiding them in corners where nobody looks. Clear signage helps people find stations quickly.
ADA-compliant units should sit on level ground with accessible paths. Good placement reduces lines and keeps traffic flowing smoothly through your festival grounds.
Partner With the Right Rental Company
Floods Royal Flush understands Chicagoland food festivals inside and out. We deliver, set up, maintain, and remove stations so you focus on running your event. Our units stay stocked with soap, paper towels, and fresh water throughout your festival. We offer standard stations, ADA-compliant options, and combination units that maximize your space.
When you know how many hand-washing stations your food festival needs, our team can assist you with the rest. We can even provide expert recommendations based on your vendor count, attendance, and venue layout. Clean hands make happy guests—let’s make your festival a success.