Be Aware of Vendor Event Deadlines

As handcraft artists who sell their items to the public we have to schedule our time as wisely as possible to attend events that fit with the crafts we sell, to the audience we hope to reach and in the areas that we are willing to travel and, finally, during the time we want to do these types of events. There is a lot of work just getting ready for these events let alone actually doing all the set-up, breaking down and actually working the events that we really need to be a little bit anal about keeping track of our deadlines. After all, the most popular and possible lucrative events in the coming year almost always have at least a 6 months lead time on getting in your application and fees to be included as a vendor.

One of the most important ones, in my opinion, for North Florida handcraft artists is the Florida Folk Festival that is held every year over the Memorial Day weekend within the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs, Florida. Yes, we have had our issues with this event in the past as well as with the coordinator and personnel but it is a great opportunity to get your shop in front of the most eyes who expect to pay premium prices for handcrafted items. The deadline to be considered for next year is December 1, 2018. You must have your completed application electronically sent to the coordinator BUT you must also print off the first page of the application and snail mail it to her prior to this date along with any other materials asked for but not included with the electronic application. Below is an excerpt from the email from the coordinator we received on October 1, 2018:

“The application period for participation in the 2019 Florida Folk Festival as a VENDOR/DEMONSTRATOR is now open. The Florida Folk Festival is scheduled for May 24-26, 2019 at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs, Florida. Applications must be returned to the festival office no later than December 1, 2018. Submitting the application form “2019 Vendor & Demonstrator Application and Information_distributed.pdf” is a very simple process. Please read all of the instructions and check out the participant guidelines already posted on http://www.floridafolkfestival.com.

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Please remember, you must print the first page of the application and mail it to us along with your other materials by December 1. When submitting the application, you will not get an automatic response that your application has been received. I will acknowledge receipt of your application within a reasonable time period. If I happen to receive your additional materials without an application, I’ll notify you that we’ve not received the application electronically. I can’t express enough how important it is for you to make sure you print the first page of your application and mail it with your materials.”

You can input all this information into your electronic calendars each year and have them send you reminders at regular intervals to help keep all these straight. I have mine on synced on my phone as well as my computer to help me keep everything straight. What kinds of helpmates do you use to keep your handcraft business and upcoming shows on-time and up-to-date?