Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Office of Disaster Assistance and Petroleum Management (ODAPM), charged with overseeing the Flag Day 2023 Food Vendors, is expecting to see more vendor registration, with tomorrow, Mar. 31st, the deadline for registration, as well as for the fee to be paid to stadium management.

More than two weeks ago, ODAPM started soliciting for vendors — including an online registration forum, and public awareness programs on local radio stations explaining the process, and what’s required to be a vendor.

The first vendors’ meeting was held Mar. 27 at the DYWA Building in Tafuna. Registration began on Mar. 28 and ends Mar. 31.

Since the first-day of registration, “about 50 so far have registered and [are] still coming into the office to fill our the registration form,” said ODAPM director, Lisa Tuato’o, in response to Samoa News inquiries.

Furthermore, the stadium collects a $100 fee per interested vendor, said Tuato’o who pointed out that Flag Day food vendors will be at the stadium from Thursday Apr. 13 to Tuesday, Apr. 18 — but there are no food vendors on Sunday — which is Apr. 16.

ASG has already announced that the 2023 Flag Day official ceremony will be held Apr. 17 and Apr. 18 at the stadium.

Asked if there are any specific types of food vendors that ASG/ ODAPM is looking for, Tuato’o said, “no - none specific. On the registration form, we are asking for the vendors’ menus so we will know where to place them or assign them at the stadium. We hope to get varieties. And there will be an eating area too for everyone.”

Tuato’o emphasized that all registrations are due this Friday, Mar. 31, with copies of their business licenses, health cards and health permits.  Additionally, the Health Department will review and approve the vendors, “not us or anyone else, because DoH is familiar with food eateries that are clean and have passed inspections.”

She stressed that, “No more last minute vendors will be accepted. The ODAPM director also points out that, “No one is allowed to walk around and sell their foods [sic] inside or outside the stadium, only approved vendors will have tents and assigned booths.”

 “We will have security all the time,” Tuato’o declared.

According to ODAPM: Apr. 03 is the second Food Vendors meeting set for 12noon at the stadium; Apr. 07 is the final Food Vendors meeting at 12noon, also at the stadium; and on Apr. 10, ODAPM will conduct a Final Walk-Through for Food Vendors.

Please call 699-1329 or 699-1330 if you have any questions.  ODAPM Facebook page also provides a link for vendors to register online.