I am running an exhibitor's booth at an outdoor festival.  I need to
get the credit card reading equipment and an account so i can allow
people to by my items with credit card.  what do i do?

Have a look around at local retailers and inquire as who they go
through. I posted a example of what you are looking for but as i have
never used nor heard of this company, it is just a starting point.

From retail merchant accounts to Internet merchant accounts, we offer
complete merchant account solutions to process credit cards. Whether
you want to accept credit cards face-to-face or accept credit cards on
your web site, our merchant specialists will guide you through the
entire process. We also offer refurbished and discount credit card
machines and credit card processing equipment for purchase or lease.

http://www.eaglemerchantservices.com/