Arts and Craft Show

Hello [img]images/smiley_icons/heyitsme.gif[/img]



I would like to get some advice from other crafters. I live in Texas and I would like to set up a Arts and Craft show in my town. I live in a medium size town and our town puts on show they call Market Days and it is ran by the city. It is no longer handmade Arts and Craft but vendors that buy wholesale and gather to sell retail. Very few if any hand made items are sold at this event. It was not always that way, but I guess times are changing. I would like to organize a Arts and Craft Show in November with persons that still do handmade crafts only. I would really appreciate some advice from someone that has organized something like this from beginning to end. I know it will be a big job. Any information on how to determine a place to have it, advertising, finding crafters, pricing the spaces for rent, permits, rules and business regulations that have to be followed etc. I have research for information on the internet but all that has done is confuse me. LOL!



Thanks [img]images/smiley_icons/jiving.gif[/img]

Well I never set up one myself before so I'm sure some of the other ladies will be of more help to you.



We have most of our Christmas shows in Firehalls or Lions Club Buildings around here. If they have space available to set up outside you could plan for an early fall show I'd think.



When I'm at shows alot of times people will come around with fliers inviting me to join their shows. That might be a good way to get some interest and let people know what you're doing.



A space is usually 10' x 10' outside, I'm not sure how big they are inside. You would have to determine how many crafters you could handle.



As for a fee the smaller shows around here are anywhere from $15 a table to $100 for a 3 day outside show.



Don't know if I've helped much, I just tried to tell you what I have experienced by just doing shows.



Good Luck!!!

How about going to a church and asking if you can set up a craft show in the parking area or an inside. Most churches love to get the towns involed in community things. Most wont charge a fee for using their facilities, but some do. So ask your churches and schools.



Sometimes going straight to the town hall and talking to one of the towns council man can advice you on how to go about it.





*if it outside... charge a fee per space. If inside and have tables available, charge per table.

*make a flyer and put up in the church, stores, local paper, where ever you will get some attention. Let people know it is for home made crafts only! no retail vendors. Make them fill out an application for you to approve...

*Always get the money ahead of time, so you see how many crafters want to come. (usually this is unrefundable)



*I did something simalar only it was a community rummage sale, and they can also bring there crafts to sell. We did it at the school yard.

*try to get some vendors that offer some food and drinks too, to draw people there.

* Ask some of your vendors to donate an Item for a raffle.

Have plenty of kid booths... like make and take tables...(orientaltrading.com) is perfect for those booths.

*Also very important, Rent some port-a- potties if you have no other bathroom facilities.



I hope this has helped.