I don't know all the details of the city and state regulations, but since having a business license in Washington costs only $15 for the whole year, it seems a bit ridiculous for a weekend permit to cost $20.   And do you have to have such a license/permit to busk or just to "vend" your CDs?

I do think the way you were treated last year is outrageous, Reggie. Still, I can understand the rationale for the Festival asking buskers to voluntarily donate a portion of their tips to the Festival, since the Festival does, in fact, draw in tens of thousands of people by way of an audience, most of whom would not be there on an average summer weekend, and since the scheduled performers are donating their time and talent and not allowed to have a tip jar on stage. And the rules that pertain to maintaining some semblance of traffic flow, crowd control, and noise control are also sensible (even though seldom enforced).

I'm just sorry there's so much bad blood between you and the Festival organizers, because you've been such an asset to the Festival for so long.