Important Festival information to read before registration.
(Grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable. We know. It's ALOT!)
SATURDAY MAY 18, 2024 10AM - 5PM
Rain date Sunday May 19TH,
GENERAL INFORMATION AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
WHERE IS THE FESTIVAL?
The festival takes place in the Town of Bellefonte (pronounced bell-font) in the state of Delaware, just north of Wilmington. Yes, Delaware is a whole state. The vendors set up on Brandywine Boulevard, right in the street! Traffic is blocked for the day allowing shoppers to wander the street, shopping at all the vendor booths.
WHO CAN VEND AT THE FESTIVAL?
We are looking for local (four-state area) artists, artisans, craftsmen, and makers who create and sell their own unique and quality artwork. We can not accept mass-produced, resale, or multi-level marketing companies. We do have a few spaces for community non-profit organizations (non-political and non-religious) . If you have a question regarding your non-profit organization, email us prior to registration, at bellefontearts@gmail.com
HOW CAN MY BAND PERFORM AT THE FESTIVAL?
If you are a musician and would like to perform please email us! We are looking for singer-songwriters who perform their own original work (MOSTLY) We want toe-tapping, festive, family- friendly music.
WHEN DOES THE FESTIVAL TAKE PLACE?
The Bellefonte Arts Festival takes place on the third Saturday in May, unless it rains cats and dogs. Then, it takes place on Sunday. If the whole weekend looks like a monsoon - then, and only then, will we consider the following weekend (which is Memorial Day weekend - which we want to avoid.)
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Each art vendor space is $150.
Members of Bellefonte Arts (the shop on the Blvd.) $105.
Non-profit organizations $105.
Food Vendors $250
Dessert/Snack Vendors $175
CAN I SHARE A SPACE?
Yes. Each applicant must fill out the application so that both vendors' information is available.
This applies to Non-profit groups, also.
WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?
That's why you need a tent. And if it's a bright sunny day you'll have shade. A passing shower is not a problem. Only if the weather reports call for all day downpours do we reschedule on the rain date.
WHAT IF I HAVE TO CANCEL?
Unfortunately, we can not issue refunds. However, only in special circumstances, can we make refund arrangements. Please check your calendar before making this commitment.
HOW DO I APPLY?
You can apply right here on our website!
Please read all the FAQ's first - even if you are a returning vendor.
A well informed vendor is a happy vendor!
HOW DO YOU ACCEPT OR REJECT APPLICATIONS?
We take great care in selecting a good variety of styles and craftsmanship in each medium's category. WE WILL JURY applicants and select on quality, style, and price point. We don't want to have similar items within the categories as this affects your sales, and frankly, we want you to have a successful day. If you are not accepted, it is most likely due to items being too similar, or less frequently, not considered Art (more hobby or craft) of poor quality or design, etc. We don't want to judge your work but we need to have an eye for artistic quality and sellability. If you have been a vendor in the past - this does NOT guarantee your acceptance.
WHAT IF I MISS THE DEADLINE?
The deadline for registration is January 31st.
It is difficult to "squeeze people in" after the deadline. It is a deadline for good reason. We need to send information to print, and we need to work on the layout and placement of the vendors in enough time to inform the vendors. This is a carefully thought out process taking many things into consideration. Vendors have complimented us on our organization and we do strive to make every detail just right.
IS THERE A WAITING LIST?
Kind of. Occasionally emergencies arise and vendors need to cancel. In this case, we look for a suitable vendor to fill their spot. If you have been rejected due to our spaces being filled, or due to similar vendors, we may be able to accommodate you. We will place you on a "waiting list."
HOW LARGE ARE THE SPACES AND DO I NEED A WHITE TENT?
The spaces are 10 x 10 which will accommodate a canopy/tent of that size. We allow a little space in between vendors so your tents are not pressed together. No, you do not need a white tent but they are preferred. We set up on the street which means you can not stake your canopy in the ground. You will need weights. (Most canopy manufacturers recommend 24 to 50 lbs. per leg on a 10' x 10' canopy.) Some vendors use pole weights. Whatever you choose, is up to you – keeping in mind you have to pack them and consider their attractiveness.
DO YOU CHARGE TAX OR COMMISSION?
Nope, we charge neither. Welcome to tax-free shopping in the state of Delaware!
DO I NEED A BUSINESS LICENSE?
No, it is not necessary, however, many of our vendors have their own businesses and do shows all year.
DO I NEED INSURANCE?
Food vendors, yes. Art vendors -it is never a bad idea, especially if you are operating as a business. The festival has liability insurance which protects us, but not you, or your work.
DOES THE ARTIST HAVE TO BE ONSITE?
Yes. As the creator and seller of your product, you are there to meet your customers and discuss your work, increase your customer base, and give them your contact information.
HOW ARE SPACES ASSIGNED?
We keep mediums separated, as to create a good shopping flow along the Boulevard. We also take into consideration folks who can tolerate being close to the music tent, and vendors with special needs who may need to be close to restrooms/etc. We have a special section for the kids, too (as available.)
CAN I REQUEST A CERTAIN SPACE LOCATION?
No. Due to the way we need to place vendors, we can not take special requests. However, we have had vendors who traveled together and needed to be placed nearby for logistics. We can take this into consideration. Also, if you have physical needs that we need to be aware of, please tell us. We have assisted vendors with physical limitations with parking their cars, for example. Please let us know in advance if you will need assistance!
WHEN IS VENDOR SETUP?
Set up takes place in shifts in the morning of the event date. We can not set up the night before as we are in the middle of a commercial and residential district. Notification of times with instruction takes place via email as we get closer to the date.
HOW IS THE FESTIVAL PROMOTED?
We will be promoting the festival through online social media marketing and printed flyers and posters. We place yard signs around the area. We will have a link from our website to the festival's facebook page where we will feature photos of your work in a yearly album.
WHERE CAN I SMOKE?
We do not have a dedicated smoking area. Please do not smoke while seated in your tent all day. Be considerate and take a walk. Dispose of your butts in your own receptacle, not on the street, on a resident's lawn, or in the trash bins, where , (if not snuffed out, could cause a fire.) No non-smoker wants to sit 10 feet away from you if you chain smoke in your tent. (Let alone causing your product to smell unpleasant.) We will have a dedicated concierge who can assist you with sneaking away. Just let them know when you check in in the morning.
WHERE ARE THE RESTROOMS?
We have terrific porta-potties! One is large enough to accommodate wheelchairs, parents with small children, and claustrophobic folks. We do our best to keep everyone well taken care of. We have a handwashing station at the restroom location (near Bellefonte Arts at 803 Brandywine Blvd.) and another near the food court.
WHERE DO WE GET FOOD?
We have a fantastic "Culinary Arts" food court for you - including popular food trucks and other fabulous food vendors. We make sure there is something for everyone! Meat-eaters and Vegans alike will be pleased with the selection! The food court is located on either side of the big music tent at the intersection of Marion Ave and Brandywine Blvd. The dessert and snack vendors are located in a smaller court at the corner of Maple Street.
IF THIS IS MY FIRST TIME VENDING AT BAF, HOW WILL I KNOW WHERE EVERYTHING IS?
No worries! You will have a friendly concierge assigned to your area who will be happy to assist you with any needs you have. You'll LOVE this!! Please communicate with them. They are not mind readers. Let them know if you need help, and with what. We also have a map of the street layout in our full color festival brochure if you are looking for other vendors.
WELL BEHAVED AND CONSCIENTIOUS VENDORS ARE WELCOME!
Yes, this is not a question, but in order to preserve the smooth and efficient set up and tear down process, and overall good experience for EVERYONE, we do not invite return vendors who:
Do not follow the instructions
Do not read our emails
Argue with or yell at staff members
Make a fuss, yell, or complain to other vendors about their experiences.
We have thought of just about everything imaginable to make this a positive and fun experience for all participants.
If you have any questions or concerns NOT covered in these instructions - please email us at bellefontearts@gmail.com
Now, aren't you glad you grabbed that cup of coffee?
Click button below for application. Easy Peasy!
Registration for 2024 is now closed.
Thank you for your support!
Thank you, and we'll see you on the Boulevard!