FAQs
DCP Info Table
Why should I help at the DCP Info Table?
Durham Central Park , its events and programming is solely planned and implemented by volunteers; the only way the park can keep hosting fun events is through the work of volunteers. One of the best ways we can inform visitors of what’s going on and how they can get involved is by talking to them at the Farmer’s Market during market hours.
What should I wear to a table day?
Seasonally appropriate, comfortable clothing. Make sure to wear your DCP t-shirt if you have one!
Should I bring anything with me to the table?
Sunscreen, bug repellant, a hat, water, a snack, and optimism!
What are the most common issues?
Getting the table and canopy tent in place can be a challenge without help. We are lucky in that both Erin Kauffman and Shanna Bierman are always willing to help us get set up.
Will food and water be provided?
Unfortunately, no. Please feel free to bring some money and during your shift take a break to get a snack from the many farmers’ market vendors.
Will I have to talk to people?
Yes! This is the most important task for this job. As an ambassador of DCP you will need to answer visitor’s questions in a cheerful way. It is also expected that you ask a table visitor to get involved in the park. A sign-up sheet will be at the table for them to leave their information.
Are bathrooms available?
Public bathrooms are available in the Park pavilion.
How many hours do I have to commit to help out at the table?
The farmer’s market lasts 4 hours, generally 8am-12pm. We would like all volunteers to arrive at the market open or a little before to get the table and tent set up before the opening bell is rung, stay for the duration of the market, and then after the market help fold up the table and tent and put the table supplies back in the pavilion storage room.
What ages is this work best suited for?
Ages 16 and up are welcome to work at the table. The park will do its best to create a pair of volunteers for each shift that will have a range of experience between them to satisfactorily answer visitor’s questions.
What types of questions do you usually get during the market?
Where are the bathrooms?
In the corner of the pavilion.
Where is the nearest ATM?
There is an ATM at the Foster Street entrance of the Pavilion. There are also ATMs at the Latino Cooperativo near the McDonald’s, the Triangle Food Mart (Trinity and Foster Streets) and the Courtyard Mariott lobby.
Where can I find a map of the trucks?
What is Durham Central Park?
How can I rent the pavilion?
Visit our website or contact Ann Alexander.
Who maintains the gardens?
Volunteers and partner organizations.
What are the upcoming events?
A calendar of events is on the website.
How can I get involved?
Fill out volunteer sign-up sheet or go to durhamcentralpark.org/volunteer.
How much are t-shirts?
T-shirts are gifted to those who make a donation of $15 or more.
General
What is Durham Central Park?
Durham Central Park, Inc. is the organization that maintains and develops Durham Central Park as well as managing all of the public and private events that are held in The Park—Farmer’s Market, Food Truck Rodeos, etc. We have an agreement with the City to manage all of the space and we have a corps of volunteers to keep things nice, fun and interesting.
In short, we are a park created and maintained by volunteers.
Food Truck Rodeo
What trucks come to the Food Truck Rodeo?
A sampling of past local food truck participants:
| American Meltdown Fahsyrah’s Lemonade Ladybug’s Treats Orlando’s Seafood |
Want more Food Truck Rodeo info? Visit https://durhamcentralpark.org/
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. Dogs are welcome but please have them on a regular leash (not a retractable) and be prepared to clean-up after it if it makes a mess.
What happens if it rains?
Food Truck Rodeos are rain or shine but some trucks may choose not to come if the weather is poor.
Who runs the Food Truck Rodeo?
We do.
Food Truck Rodeos do not just happen. They take weeks of planning, coordination and hundreds of emails. DCP wishes to recognize our stalwart organizers Ben Weber, Becky Hacker (Pie Pushers) and Brian Bottger (Only Burger) whose hard work and dedication to the FTR concept has made the event a huge success.
Please take a minute to drop by their trucks and thank them.
Non-Profit Tables
How many tables will be allowed to set up each Saturday in the Sister Cities Grove?
Usually 5 tables plus the Durham Central Park, Inc. booth. If there is a special event in the park
some morning (e.g. Bull City Chili Challenge) no tables will be allowed to set up.
Who is allowed to set up a table/booth?
Only nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations will be able to set up a table.
How much does it cost to have a booth?
To have a booth at the park on Saturday mornings in the Sister Cities Grove, the cost per week will be $25 per organization per table.
How big can your table/booth be at the park?
You will be able to have a 10ft x 10ft tent if desired. Your table, display, etc. should be able to fit in that area.
When may you set up your table and how long can you stay?
You may set up 30 minutes before the market opens. Please be aware that the farmers/crafters will be setting up and you must stay out of their way.
You may stay until the market ends and must be gone 30 minutes after the market ends.
Where and how can you set up a booth?
You can setup your booth or table anywhere between the sandbox and Foster street. DO NOT drive on the Park’s grass. Unload by parking at Foster Street, or unload quickly at Roney Street (the little service street that runs behind the Pavilion) and move your car when you’re done uploading.
What should you bring?
We only provide a space on the grass. You need to bring table, chair(s) and any items you want to display.
How should an organization sign up and pay for the spot?
A representative from the interested nonprofit should contact the DCP, Inc. office by sending in a completed ‘terms of use’ form no later than 2 weeks before the date they want to be at the park.
When you are contacted that you have a space, a $25 payment should be sent to DCP, Inc. to hold the spot.
How many times a month can one organization be at the park?
Each organization may be at the park twice a month. If spots open up on other weeks, DCP Inc. will have the option to contact groups who might want to fill in the empty spots that week.
What are the constraints about giving or selling things at the nonprofit booths?
Nothing may be sold by the nonprofits. Nothing that competes with the farmers or the crafters (i.e. food or crafts) shall be given away. Things that advertise your organization (t-shirts, raffle tickets, bumper stickers, etc) are permissible to give away for free or by asking for a suggested
donation. If you are planning to have items to give away, you must have them approved beforehand.
Meals from the Market
What is Meals from the Market?
Meals from the Market is DCP, Inc’s biggest fundraiser event. It is a series of meals in September and October that DCP enthusiasts offer to have at their home, restaurant or other venue. The meals have different themes and numbers of attendees. All the meals are donated by the hosts and the ticket sales go straight to DCP, Inc. If you are interested in hosting a meal and/or attending one, keep your eyes out for the brochure that will hit the streets in August as well as checking out the DCP website for information.
Can I host a Meal from the Market?
Absolutely! Read the guide on Hosting a Meal to learn more.
Do I get an actual ticket?
No. When you buy a “ticket,” your name will be placed on a list at the event. You need no paper ticket to be admitted. Individual hosts will email/phone you before the event to confirm all details and provide any additional information.
Can I get a refund?
Sorry, no refunds are available for Meals from the Market tickets.
Events
Can individuals use the park for health/wellness classes like yoga?
Durham Central Park partners with Blue Point Yoga to offer free yoga classes on Saturday mornings in the spring and summer. As a public park, groups are welcome to come to the park and use the space for a class. If you want to reserve space to hold a class, please fill out this form. If you are interested using the park for a health/wellness class, please send us a note.
What are the electricity options in the park?
In the DCP Pavilion, there are 16 110v household outlets. All are on their own circuit. The pavilion also has 2 50amp plugs. There is some access to electricity on the east side of the park as well.