Celebrate Midland Magic Festival

Marvin's FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
These are some of the commonly asked questions.  Should you have any questions that have not been touched on here, please contact us.  We'll be glad to answer your questions.

Who is Marvin and what is that all about?
Marvin is our Festival mascot and shows up in most promotional advertising as well as at area parades to promote the Festival.  You can say he's the "magical face" of the Festival!
Who is Tootie Ta and what is she all about?
Tootie is a friend of Marvin's and has become a popular attraction with the kids at the Festival.  Tootie is actually a professional clown and is available for birthday parties and corporate events.  Tootie lives in Midland and assists Marvin with his duties at welcoming visitors to the Festival.  You could say she's the "fun face" of the Festival!
Is this like a Magic Festival or Trade show type of thing?
No, it is just a play on words to some extent.  In our opinion, it's a great way to describe the quality of life as well as the character of our town.  There is a range of vendors, entertainment as well as various other activities to pass the day.
Is alcohol allowed?
No, alcohol is not allowed either to be sold or consumed on the Festival premises. 
I understand that wristbands are used on the rides however I just want to ride one ride, can tickets be purchased?   My friend and I just want to ride the Ferris Wheel, do we have to purchase $20 worth of wrist bands to just ride one time? We are on a limited budget and have 4 kids, we can't justify 4 wristbands, can't we just purchase tickets for them to share? 
This year we will be offering wrist bands AND tickets. Wrist bands are still your best value, 1 wristband lets 1 person ride all day. Tickets will be offered for those who may only want to do 1 or 2 rides.  Each ride will have a different number of tickets needed to ride.
Why does the Pooch Pageant exclude certain breeds? 
We love dogs however the public perception of certain breeds, regardless of how accurate it may or may not be, prevents us from allowing certain breeds.  We must consider the greater public safety.  Besides our insurance frowns on it period.  This policy is being reviewed for 2009.  Please check back soon.
Can I pay with a debit or credit card for rides, food, or merchandise?
Not at this time, at least not with official Festival purchases like wristband sales, t-shirts, or entry fees for certain events.  Some of our food or general vendors  may accept card purchases.  It is up to the individual vendor. 
Will an ATM machine be available?
Not at this time, however we are looking at this option. 
Is there a rain date in case weather is an issue?
No, the Festival runs rain or shine. Also, many of our vendors and entertainment are booked months in advance and can't be rescheduled.   Being an outdoors event, there is a risk.  We've experienced spot thunderstorms in the past however In 7 years, we've only experienced 1 rainout where most of everything was cancelled for the day.  For now, let's keep our fingers crossed for good weather
I would like a booth to rent.  Do I have to be a business to get one?
No, we welcome any business, individual, civic, church or political organization that meets the approval of the Organizing Committee.  Refer to the Rules & Guidelines for more detail.
Can I sell food like cakes or cookies at my church booth? Can we sell our fund-raising products at our Church Booth?
Due to Health Department Requirements we can not permit handled food items to be sold unless you have applied as a food vendor.  Commercially prepackaged fund-raising items like Girl Scout Cookies, Boy Scout Popcorn, are examples of items that can be sold HOWEVER they must be sold inside the booth space.  You are not permitted to solicite outside your booth space.  This is the same for any other fund-raising products, they must be sold within your booth space.
I am running for political office and have purchased a booth.  Am I permitted to pass out cards and promotional advertising for my campaign.
Yes, provided you stay within the perimeters of your booth space.  Soliciting is not allowed outside the respective, paid-for booth space.
Can our Church perform puppet shows, or similar small performances?
Yes, we encourage involvement however, let the Committe know what you are planning so space can be allowed for such.  Also, be considerate of your booth neighbors.  Consider that while it is great that you are attracting people to your booth, it may be at the 'space' expense of your neighbor.
I am selling cosmetics and don't want anyone else selling the same brand at the Festival.  What are your exclusivity rules? 
We no longer allow exclusivity for standard booth spaces. It is way too complicated and way too dramatic.  We will make a deligent effort to not place similiar booth vendors adjacent to each other unless requested. 
Why should I purchase a booth at your Festival?  With other outdoor events in neighboring towns, some even bigger, why yours?. 
There are other outdoors events going on that time of year and it is certainly your choice to choose which ones you attend.  We are now in our 8th year and have continually increased our attendance numbers.  We are not a full swing "Craft Show" and therefore you should not expect to have an audience intent on buying as such.  As with any event, there are target groups that attend (i.e. a farm show would bring in people that most likely farm).  We are a small town community event with a variety of activities that is able to bring in a concentrated audience from the Midland area and surrounding communities. With that in mind, we offer you an excellent opportunity to introduce your business at a great price.  See General Booth Vendor Application or contact us for more information.
Can I bring our dog to the Festival even if we are not in the Dog events?
Yes, pets are allowed but must be on a leash at all times and have valid and up-to-date rabies vaccination.  You are responsible for any sanitary cleanup.  Any one with a dog showing aggressive behavior will be asked to leave the Festival grounds.  For greater public safety, please refer to the Pooch Pageant for breeds not permitted on the Festival grounds.