Fare & Ice
Friday, February 20, 2026 from 5 – 8 pm
Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Freeport Ballroom
All Fare & Ice Exhibitors:
This event will sell out; to be fully prepared please note the following helpful hints.
- Set up begins at 3:00 pm, provided for you is a 6’ table with cloth (not skirted), trash cans and water station. Allow yourself enough time to set-up and be ready by 4:45, the first guests will enter the ballroom at 5 pm sharp!
- If you need water or ice, please bring something for the Hilton staff to retrieve it for you in (bus tub, pitchers, etc.)
- A second table may be requested. You may choose one table will be set in front and one behind you like a back bar or you may select two tables next to each other for one long display. Please make this selection when you sign up, we have to submit a floor plan in advance and last-minute changes are not guaranteed.
- Awards will be Best Sweet Bite, Best Savory Bite, Best Beverage, Presentation and a People’s Choice Award.
- Electricity is available upon request. Please tell us if you need power when you sign up! If you request power, an extension cord will be provided at your table. Please limit your electrical load to 15 amps or less! This is one single outlet.
- All participants must come prepared to offer samples for 425 attendees.
- Each exhibitor is required to bring everything you need for service including napkin, plating, utensils, etc. We do request that you consider using products that are biodegradable.
- If you run out of food do not leave! All exhibitors are expected to stay until 8 pm to chat with attendees.
- Bring plenty of menus/brochures/coupons with you. Take this opportunity to promote your business.
- Limited retail sales may be permitted by prior arrangements. Only items you make, and which are completely sealed in their packaging may be sold. Items sold on site must not be consumed at the event. Examples: tubs or wedges of cheese, frozen sausages, jars of jam, bottles of sauces, etc. Your request to sell must be indicated on your sign-up. We will confirm acceptance and convey additional terms in advance.
Additional Information for Beer & Cider Tastings:
- This category is only for breweries and cideries to exhibit directly. Restaurants & bars do not qualify to sample alcoholic beverages at this event.
- Hilton provides a 6-foot table with tablecloth for each producer. If you are also doing food samples, be sure to note that during sign up so that we can request additional table(s) for you.
- Participating producers bring their product with them to the event. You may bring logs and taps, bottles/growlers, or cans. There will be 425 guests at the event so it’s up to you to plan accordingly.
- In addition to “best beverage”, participants are also encouraged to compete in the best presentation award and people’s choice categories and take advantage of the opportunity to hand out literature and promotional items as well as to talk directly to guests about their products. A minimum of one representative from your business must be present.
- Upon arrival producers are responsible for providing a $0 invoice noting that the product is being delivered to the Hilton Garden Inn AND donated for service at Fare & Ice on Friday, February 20, 2026. Visit Freeport is a qualified non-profit organization.
- Hilton provides compostable tasting cups.
- Hilton provides a dedicated staff person to each participating producer to serve their product because it is being served under their liquor license.
- At the end of the event, the producer takes with them any unused product and also any bottles, cans or other containers for recycling and not redemption per the state law.
- Retail sales of alcohol are not permitted.
