Events and Festivals

Whiskey Flat Days - Kernville, CA

2012-01-17T18:35:00.000-08:00

Whiskey Flat Days. Feb 17-20, 2012 Kernville, CA

IMPORTANT: I have written a book about our experiences selling at Street Fairs, festivals, A&C Shows, fairs, flea markets. I know that you will really find reading it quite enjoyable and you'll be able to relate to a lot of things that I describe. Having to endure 71 mph winds, heavy rains, floods, lying and cheating promoters. You'll love it. Only $14.95. Street Fairs for profit, fun and madness

The 54th Annual Whiskey Flat Days will be held February 18-21, 2011, and the theme is "Goin' To The Dogs". Take a step back in time and celebrate life in the 1850's. This old-fashioned, western style festival includes a parade, gunfighters, carnival, music, vendors, and a Whiskey Flat Encampment. Enter the Epitaph Contest, Frog Jumpin' Contest, Whiskerino Contest, and more! Be here to find out who will be our next Honorary Mayor of Whiskey Flat! (Chamber of Commerce)

Click here to read my review I guess that getting to the town of Kernville is half the fun? After taking Highway 5 to Buttonwillow, we gassed up and followed 58 to Bakersfield. We then took 178 toward Lake Isabella and Kernville. This was a long, winding road and a bit difficult with larger vehicles...trucks, vans towing trailers, motor homes, etc. You really have to be careful driving around the curves. However, it is a very scenic drive as you wind your way along the Kern River.

In 2010, there were a number of break-ins at the show. Click here to read news account. I have heard contradicting accounts of what happened from other vendors. Some of the culprits were apprehended and some merchandise was recovered I was not there. If you wish to do the event, I strongly recommend that you ask the Chamber of Commerce about the security measures they are taking. This is a nice show in a beautiful location, but it gets rather cold and usually a day or two of bad (rainy and snowy) weather. Good luck. The thefts will surely be a topic of conversation there this time. Be sure to read Starving Vendors website.

Indio Tamale Festival

2011-12-03T19:53:00.001-08:00

Indio Tamale Festival
Indio Tamale Festival, Indio, CA Dates: Saturday and Sunday, December 3-4, 2011 (Always the 1st weekend in December!)
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
Location: Downtown Indio The Festival is between Highway 111 and Indio Boulevard and fills-in the streets of Miles, Towne, Smurr & Requa.
Weather: 79 Degrees, Sunny Days; 40 Degrees, Cool Evenings

IMPORTANT: I have written a book about our experiences selling at Street Fairs, festivals, A&C Shows, fairs, flea markets. I know that you will really find reading it quite enjoyable and you'll be able to relate to a lot of things that I describe. Having to endure 71 mph winds, heavy rains, floods, lying and cheating promoters. You'll love it. Only $14.95. Street Fairs for profit, fun and madness

It all started in 1992 with an idea by Dave Hernandez, a member of the Downtown Indio Merch
ants Association. The rich heritage of the tamale, consistent community support and hard working tamale makers have created the festival's tremendous success. Recently, the Food Network-TV ranked the Indio International Tamale Festival in the top 10 "All-American Food Festivals" in the nation!Festival's Guinness World Records: The World's largest Tamale-over 1 foot in diameter and 40 feet in length, Dec. 4, 1999. The World's largest tamale festival-with 120,000 in attendance, Dec. 2-3, 2000.The weather is pretty good in Indio this time of year, but nights are a little cooler. Booths are spread along several streets. Lots of tamales and they all sell for the same price. Booth fees are a bit high and overpriced. Commercial goes for $475 and if you are staying in a motel, your expenses end up quite high. Very risky for this economy. Arts and Crafts spaces go for $475

2011-11-29T07:47:00.001-08:00

Here's an excerpt from my book Street Fairs for profit, fun and madness on page 72 where I tell about an experience I had trying to purchase lemonade at a store in Mt. Shasta City, CA. The book has just been published and sells for $14.95

Chapter 7 Mt. Shasta City and the Fourth of July Celebration

Looking for Lemonade

It wasn’t a real scorcher up there in Mt. Shasta in 2009. We have encountered temperatures up around110 in past years. One day, after closing up at 6:00pm, we stopped by agrocery store in Mount Shasta City to pick up more drinks for that night andthe following day. I have a real thirstfor lemonade and I find it quite refreshing, especially in hot weather. It’s much better than canned soda’s. I wentinside the store and headed for the back where they had the drinks. I lookedfor some lemonade (ready-made from the frig area. Minute Maid or Paul Newman’s Virgin Lemonade)would be fine, but I couldn't locate any. I asked one of the employeeswhere the lemonade was located. I saw at least 50 brands of Orange Juice. Really!

What do they do with the stuff? You think I'm kidding about that? Seriously, there had to be atleast 50 different OJ's in there. I have never seen a selection like thatbefore. Anyhow, absolutely nooooolemonade. He said that they had none and he was hoping that the truck wouldbring some tomorrow. That’s nice. Ilooked at him. "I'm not waiting until tomorrow." Thisisn’t one of those places where you wait in line for days to get tickets for abig event or you are trying to pick up a new game machine or an I-Phone. Canyou imagine 200 people standing in line at 5:00AM waiting for the place to openso they can get some lemonade? Only two per customer please. Ohman. I gotta go to the bathroom; can you hold my spot for me? Hey dude,back of the line, I've been here since yesterday morning.

2011-11-29T07:34:00.001-08:00

Here's an excerpt from my book Street Fairs for profit, fun and madness on page 44 where I tell about a day and a half of rainwater flooding the booths with 2 feet of water at the Ostrich Festival in Chandler, AZ. The book has just been published and sells for $14.95

We arrived on Thursday afternoon andset up. The show opened up on Friday andduring the evening, it started raining. Throughout the night, we listenedto the rain coming down on top of our motor home. Periodically, the rainwould slow down, but would come down hard shortly after. Earlier onFriday, there were reports of possible rain. As I walked around the vendorarea, located in a gully, I realized that if we were to get a large amount ofrain, the area is going to flood. The ground was hard and it would take along time for the water to seep through. Fortunately, when we closed upFriday evening, we removed most of our things from the ground and elevated themonto tables and hung a lot of our things on the grids.

It started raining on Friday evening. Throughout the night, welistened to the rain coming down on top of our motor home and it was quiteloud. Periodically, the rain would slow down, but would come down hard shortlyafter. Earlier on Friday, there were reports of possible rain. As I walkedaround the vendor area, located in a gully, I realized that if we were to get alarge amount of rain, the area is going to flood. The ground was hard and itwould take a long time for the water to seep through. Fortunately, when weclosed up Friday evening, we removed most of our things from the ground. Upon awakening Saturday morning, it was stillraining and we pretty much knew that the day was going to be a 'washout'. Allday long the rains kept coming and coming.

As we sat in the motor home in the parking lot we saw the groundturning to mud, as some vehicles passed by. We began to wonder if we would beable to get our vehicle out of the parking lot as we saw many vehicles actuallyget stuck in the mud; tow trucks couldn't even get them out. I gave thought tomoving our motor home out of there, but didn’t really have anyplace else topark. We were to remain in that parking lot the remainder of the day.

2011-11-28T22:11:00.001-08:00

CHAPTER 5 ToughTimes at South Lake Tahoe

Wind, rain and snow in theSierra’s in late May? You have got to be kidding me. Oh, lucky me.

It wasThursday, May 22, 2008 and we were on our way to South Lake Tahoe from the BayArea for an Arts and Crafts show at Miller’s Y, located at the junction ofHighways 50 and 89.

Note: Shows at Miller’s Y have been discontinued due to reconstruction in thatarea. The property was sold and the newowners had the buildings demolished.

Highway 50is the main highway stretching approximately 110 miles from Sacramento up toand through Lake Tahoe. This picturesque road climbs in elevation to around 8,000feet at the summit.

As we weredriving up Highway 50, we approached the community of Cameron Park and began toclimb in altitude. I was in the righthand lane of the highway and there was a large semi-truck in front of mestruggling to make it up the hill. Traffic was light and there were no vehicles on the left side of me, soI turned on my signal and began moving over. But just as I began passing the slow moving truck, a huge sheet of plywood suddenly appeared outof nowhere and came flying at us from the left side and smacked into the myvan. It caromed off the left front sideand flew up and went completely over our van. Unbelievable. We never saw where it came from. I looked all around me and there were noother vehicles around, except for us and the truck. Luckily it didn’t go through our windshield.It would be tough running around without a head. My wife immediately looked up. “What was that?” she asked me. “I don’t know, it looked like a piece ofplywood” I told her as I glanced over to the right side and looked into my sideview mirror. I could not see the boardanyplace. Most certainly it didn’t come off the big rig since the container wasfully enclosed.

That was a very rough weekend in Lake Tahoe as we were vendors at an arts and crafts shiow there. To read more about this and other adventures contained in my book Street Fairs for profit, fun and madness just click on the link. You'll love it.

2011-11-28T21:58:00.001-08:00

Chapter 3 Our Motor Home GetsStolen

Our most cherished possessiongoes missing!

A lot of people who are vendors at shows have motor homes. You can do shows all over the place withoutworrying about motels, etc. Of course,we do have an assortment of other worries. If you have a motor home, you most certainly are not going to be able tokeep it parked in front of your house for long periods of time unless you havea long driveway or some large property. Then you have to worry about cityordinances. Many of us have no choice but to put it into some kind of storageyard and pay their fees. I had found aplace on Jackson Street in Hayward, approximately three miles from ourhouse. I thought that it was prettysecure because it had one of those automated gates where you use a securitycode to enter and there was a high fence around the perimeter. There happened to be approximately 35 motorhomes and trailers stored there.

This is the beginning of chapter 3 in my book, Street Fairs for profit, fun and madness. Just click on the link for more information. Great book.

2011-11-28T21:37:00.001-08:00

Part 1 Chapter 1 A Day to Remember

Tyson WellsSell-a-Rama 2010

Standing in theheavy rain with 70 mph winds while watching some 60 canopies go flying in alldirections, toppling over all at once was something to behold as I had neverseen anything close to this in all of my 17 years selling at festivals, fairsand other events. My two canopiescrumbled and collapsed to the ground right in front of my very eyes as I stoodhelplessly watching in complete awe. All my merchandise was scattered on theground beneath the canopies. This would be a day that I would remember for therest of my life.

This is the beginning of Chapter 1 in my book 'Street Fairs for profit, fun and madness. If you want to read more or place an order, please click on the link.

Street Fairs for profit, fun and madness

2011-11-23T17:10:00.001-08:00

I have written a book about our experiences selling at festivals, A&C Shows, Street Fairs, County Fairs, etc.

Read about what we have gone through in our many years selling at street fairs, A&C Shows, festivals and county fairs. Get a firsthand account of what we have had to endure as I describe many of our adventures, experiences and nightmares. I am not sugar-coating it for you and I am telling you how it is, no holds barred.

Learn what it’s really like to be out there in the streets, week after week having to survive awesome weather extremes, ranging from freezing temperatures to sweltering heat. Many times we encountered strong and highly destructive winds which toppled canopies. We have had to endure torrential downpours of rain and overcome continuous obstacles

For more information, check my website:
http://www.streetfairsbook.com/index.html

2011 Castro Valley Fall Festival

2011-10-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

September 10-11, 2011 Castro Valley, CA

IMPORTANT: I have written a book about our experiences selling at Street Fairs, festivals, A&C Shows, fairs, flea markets. I know that you will really find reading it quite enjoyable and you'll be able to relate to a lot of things that I describe. Having to endure 71 mph winds, heavy rains, floods, lying and cheating promoters. You'll love it. Only $14.95. Street Fairs for profit, fun and madness

I ARRIVED AT THE ANNUAL CASTRO VALLEY FALL FESTIVAL AT APPROXIMATELY 6:10 am on Saturday morning, There was no Friday set-up for this event. This year's festival has been moved from the Boulevard to areas surrounding the County Library and it's parking lots. The event was moved because of ongoing construction on the main thoroughfare running through the town, The event had been held the past 4 years on Castro Valley Blvd. and preceding that, in the Village Shopping Center for many years. Moving the event to another area theoretically makes this a 'brand new event.'

Click here to read my review

Castro Valley Fall Festival

2011-10-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

September 10-11, 2011 Castro Valley, CA

Click here to read my review

Manteca Crossroads Street Faire - April 2-3, 2011

2011-03-27T15:54:00.000-07:00

Please read my review from 2009. 2010

Manteca Crossroads Street Faire. April 2-3, 2011. Manteca, CA

We (DandL CREATIONS) shall be doing the event in Space 174. Look for us. Have done it in the past. Quite a number of vendors here and the crowds come out. Been there when it was rainy and windy a few years ago and it was rough. Expecting cloudy weather with temps in the mid-60s. No rain.

Check out Starving Vendors for reviews on many shows we have done. Sign up to get on the mailing list to order my book about Street Fairs. Almost done. You'll love it.

2010 Castro Valley Fall Festival

2010-08-28T13:02:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Castro Valley Fall Festival will be held on September 11-12.

2009 Review: This yearly event is being held in the small town of Castro Valley, located approx 15 miles south east of Oakland. For a good number of years, it was held in the Village Plaza, a complex of around 25 businesses frequented by the locals. Three years ago, they took it to the streets, having the festival on Castro Valley Blvd. I recall many years ago....early 70's and before, this was a popular cruising area as the teens took to the streets in their souped up and beat up junkies and 56 Chevy's and drove up and down the Boulevard, quite similar to what you saw in American Graffiti. I recall being in the service back in '72 and my friends and I cruised up and down on a number of occasions. The scenes of people parked in lots sitting on their hoods were reminiscent of what you saw in that famous movie co-starring Ronnie Opie Howard. Anyhow, the cruising ended quite a long time ago..... I think. I lived in New Jersey back in the 60's and it was the thing to do.

The show is promoted by Festival Productions (Jeff & Jerry Cambra) along with other local organizations and has been going on for a long time. I believe this is probably our 8th year here. I recall that we did the Atwater Fall Festival on the weekend following 9-11 and the year's after I we did Castro Valley during the second weekend of September.

Please click here to read my review of this festival.

There are many reviews along with loads of information on the Starving Vendors website.

I am currently writing a book about our exploits, experiences and adventures encountered during out 17 years selling at festivals, fairs, A&C Shows, etc. You can sign up to be notified when it comes out.

2010 Manteca Pumpkin Fair

2010-08-28T12:49:00.000-07:00

This years Pumpkin Fair will be held on October 2-3. The annual Pumpkin Fair presented by the Manteca Sunrise Kiwanis, will be held on the first full Saturday and Sunday of October in downtown Manteca from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Street Fair portion complete with pumpkin patch, kids zone, truck show, car show, motorcycle run, three stages and over 150 vendors will once again be located in downtown Manteca near Library Park.

IMPORTANT: I have written a book about our experiences selling at Street Fairs, festivals, A&C Shows, fairs, flea markets. I know that you will really find reading it quite enjoyable and you'll be able to relate to a lot of things that I describe. Having to endure 71 mph winds, heavy rains, floods, lying and cheating promoters. You'll love it. Only $14.95. Street Fairs for profit, fun and madness

2009 REVIEW: Once again, the organizers put on a good event as they always do. The people came out but they did not buy. Great weather; rained last year. Lots of vendors and plenty of food. But the people just did not buy. They had no money. They all traded in their clunkers and bought new wheels and now they got their cars repossessed. Some of them just walked around and got fatter while others socialized or played with vendor's items.

Click here to read remainder of review.

There are many reviews along with loads of information on the Starving Vendors website. I am currently writing a book about our exploits, experiences and adventures encountered during out 17 years selling at festivals, fairs, A&C Shows, etc. You can sign up to be notified when it comes out.

Stockton Barrio Fiesta 2010

2010-08-16T20:34:00.000-07:00

Foster City Lions Club Misses the Boat

2010-07-05T14:41:00.000-07:00

Foster City 4th of July Festival, Foster City, CA

We were told by Phyliss Moore, the President of the Lion's Club that we would not be allowed to drive our vehicles close to our spaces to unload and load our things. We would have to cart our things (canopies, grids, boxes, merchandise, etc.) in and out 75 yards to and from our vehicles parked on the curb. We managed to get there early Sunday morning and drive up to our space to unload.

However, we would need people to help us haul our stuff out and she promised me that she would have loads of kid's to help when we closed down and I took her word for it, but doubted it. The show ended at 5:00 and we had begun packing around 4:30. One of my friend's had found her and was able to get some kid's to help him haul out. After he was finished, he talked to Phyliss Moore and explained to her that my wife (disabled) and I (trouble walking and lifting things) would need help. She replied "I am off duty."

I went looking for her and she told me that because I wasn't ready at 5:00, I would get no help. Nobody told me that. The papers said that the show ends at 5:00 and we were to be out of there at 6:30. Nothing about being ready at 5:00. She was terrible. She began walking away from me and I chased after her. I asked her again for help and she told me that everybody was busy and I would have to wait. She was very snotty over this. One of the other sane Lion's Club members stepped in and said that he would get people to help me and that he did, thankfully. However, this lady had told me that she would have 'loads of kids' to help me and was reneging on this. I had explicitly explained concern for my wife and I, telling her that we had health problems. Furthermore, when all of us applied for this event, we were not told that we would have to haul our stuff in and out until we had received paperwork and only by looking at the map, did I determine that it was a long ways to the booth and a phone call to her brought me the bad news that we would have to haul in. Try to get vendor's for your show next year, butthead!!! Such abusiveness toward vendors and crippled people. No mercy with this woman. I AM OFF DUTY. Yah, right. And you are President of the Foster City Lions Club. What a joke. OFF DUTY. I think we might be able to do that.

Gosh, what does on between the scenes of these events. People would be shocked to hear what we have to go through. You can read my story about this event on my famous web site:

Starving Vendors

Better yet, I hope you get to read my book which I am writing about exploits at these festivals and how difficult it is to survive. Hopefully, coming out in October. Keep you posted on the Starving Vendors website

Foster City 4th of July Festival

2010-06-29T17:40:00.000-07:00

Return to Foster City. We shall be returning to the 4th of July Festival there after a six-year absence. I hope that it is as nice as it was back then. They have a number of vendor and food booths along with entertainment and fireworks. One of the few places around that do provide fireworks.

I am highly disappointed that we will have to haul in our things. We have a canopy,16 grids, 6 heavy buckets and around 15 sacks and numerous other things we need to set up. We are 60 year's old and this is quite difficult for us. Year's ago we were located alongside the curb and there was no problem. I guess that if I would have known this beforehand, than we would not have signed up. Seems like a completely different show. Family health problems are preventing us from going to Mt Shasta where we have been for the past 6 years ago. You think that we want to haul our stuff in with our health problems. Disgusting. I am certain other vendor's do not like this also. Please be sure to check out my website Starving Vendors for more info on shows and other things.

2010 Morgan Hill No Bull BBQ Cook-Off

2010-05-11T16:34:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 8, 2010. Morgan Hill, CA

We drove down to Morgan Hill on Friday to set up and it took twice the usual time to get there due to numerous pockets of traffic. I was able to locate Michelle once arriving there in the midst of dozens of RVs parked in a lot with their BBQ grills set up for the competition. She led us over to our spot, where we set up our canopy, grids and left most of our merchandise inside and put the covers on and left. On the way out, we drove over to Cochrane Ave., where we dropped by Chipotle's and picked up some burrito bowls to take home and eat. They were good, of course.

To read more about this event, please click here.

Tell us about your shows.

2010-03-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

Hi Vendor's. How about letting us know how your events are going. Come to our forum and tell us all about your shows. Join us in our conversations as we discuss many topics in the business. Discover new shows. Find out which one's not to do.

http://davejs.proboards.com/index.cgi

Clovis Big Hat Days 2010

2010-02-21T14:17:00.000-08:00

Clovis Big Hat Days.
Clovis, CA Held in Old Town along Pollasky.
Apr 10-11, 2010 Sat 9-6 Sun 9-5 vendor application

IMPORTANT: I have written a book about our experiences selling at Street Fairs, festivals, A&C Shows, fairs, flea markets. I know that you will really find reading it quite enjoyable and you'll be able to relate to a lot of things that I describe. Having to endure 71 mph winds, heavy rains, floods, lying and cheating promoters. You'll love it. Only $14.95. Street Fairs for profit, fun and madness

The festival features over 400 food and craft booths, garden shows and live entertainment, all to kick off the Western Heritage Month. With more than 125,000 attendees, the festival is hailed as the largest event in the entire Central Valley. Highlights include the Clovis Strongman Competition and the many carnival rides for children. Big Hat Days will be held on the second weekend of the month — after Easter Sunday. It is the first main event of the season and provides a great family outing. Thousands of visitors, many pushing strollers, fill the streets to purchase those unique, one-of-a-kind items or terrific food.Please see my review for 2008

Tyson Wells Sell-a-Rama January 21, 2010

2010-02-19T15:17:00.000-08:00

IMPORTANT: I have written a book about our experiences selling at Street Fairs, festivals, A&C Shows, fairs, flea markets. I know that you will really find reading it quite enjoyable and you'll be able to relate to a lot of things that I describe. Having to endure 71 mph winds, heavy rains, floods, lying and cheating promoters. You'll love it. Only $14.95. Street Fairs for profit, fun and madness

At approximately 5:00pm on Thursday, January 21, we had extremely strong winds and rain. Here are some shots of the disaster when winds reach 71mph and knocked over at least 50 canopies in the back rows of the Sell-a-Rama. These are my booth in space X-19. Canopies flew all over the place. The guy's 30-foot canopy in back of me went up in the air and landed on top of my canopies and the 5th Wheel trailer 15 feet away from me. A guy had a 20-foot canopy across from me and it went airborne and he never saw it again. Gone. To see more pictures please click here: http://www.starvingvendors.com/tyson_wells_disaster.html to read more about Tyson Wells, click this link: http://www.starvingvendors.com/events_Tyson_Wells_Sellarama_2010.html

Dandelion Days - Jackson, CA

2010-02-19T09:33:00.000-08:00

DANDELION DAYS, Jackson, CA vendor application

IMPORTANT: I have written a book about our experiences selling at Street Fairs, festivals, A&C Shows, fairs, flea markets. I know that you will really find reading it quite enjoyable and you'll be able to relate to a lot of things that I describe. Having to endure 71 mph winds, heavy rains, floods, lying and cheating promoters. You'll love it. Only $14.95. Street Fairs for profit, fun and madness

Saturday and Sunday, March 20-21, 2010, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in Downtown Jackson. The Annual St. Patrick's Day Dandelion Days Celebration is a family-oriented event, and it's lots of fun! It includes an outdoor bazaar and flea market featuring antiques, relics and collectibles, arts and crafts, and much more.

Booth size is 10' X 10' (this is the only size available; for more space, you may purchase additional booths). The cost for each booth will be $90. This is for two days (no refunds are offered if you cancel after 2/15/09). You must provide your own tables and sales fixtures. Booth set-up is permitted the Friday before the event (March 13th, 2009).No persons are permitted in the booths after selling hours; booths will be patrolled Friday and Saturday nights. No electricity is provided, and no generators are allowed

click here to read my review of last year's Dandelion Days.

Be sure to check out my other reviews of shows we have done the past couple years. Interesting, humorous, wild!!! Loads of information.

21 Vendors broken into at Whiskey Flats Days

2010-02-15T11:02:00.000-08:00

Whiskey Flats Days. Feb 12-15, 2010. Kernville, CA. Here's what a local TV station in Bakersfield reported.

Whiskey Flat Days Marred by Vendor Thefts
Nearly A Dozen Vendors Stolen From Over Weekend

KERNVILLE, Calif. -- It is one of the most popular events to attend in the Kern County mountains, But this weekend's Whiskey Flat Days events has been marred, a bit, by theft.
The Kern County Sheriff's Department is looking into ten to 12 reports of merchandise being stolen from vendors in Kernville. Event organizers had heard that up to 21 vendors had said items were stolen this weekend.Those items include skateboards, cowboy hats and even fudge. Organizers believe kids may be behind the thefts and the sheriff's department agrees.
Organizers say security has always been a struggle because its not the most secure location with vendors being outdoors on the streets, but they're always trying to make it better and more secure. The sheriff's department says a couple thousand dollars worth of merchandise was stolen.

MY COMMENT. This may or may not be the truth as to what happened and the creditability of the information here is only as reliable as to what the Sheriff's department and promoter's of this event care to divulge. In other words, there is a story circulating amongst the vendor's that there were 3 security guards involved. If this occurred like that, then this strikes a serious blow to all events that utilize this method of security. Who are you going to trust? Moreso, who are you going to believe? Does anybody have any info?

Be sure to read my review and more comments on Starving Vendors - Whiskey Flats review.

2010 Ripon Almond Blossom Festival

2010-01-17T19:48:00.000-08:00

Saturday update: Looks like we had a little bit of rain on Friday. Rough weekend, huh? The rain woke me up this morning around 4:00. Cats and dogs out there!! Wow. Forecast calls for more rain today and clearing on Sunday. People have been flocking here by the hundred's the past couple days.

IMPORTANT: I have written a book about our experiences selling at Street Fairs, festivals, A&C Shows, fairs, flea markets. I know that you will really find reading it quite enjoyable and you'll be able to relate to a lot of things that I describe. Having to endure 71 mph winds, heavy rains, floods, lying and cheating promoters. You'll love it. Only $14.95. Street Fairs for profit, fun and madness

Held yearly on the last weekend of the month in February in the community of Ripon, CA.

I've done this event in the past and you can read all about it by clicking on this link:

http://www.starvingvendors.com/events_Ripon_2008.html

Read how vendors were mis-treated in the past in this bad show. I don't recommend this to anybody. Changed locations to ball field, but it is even worse than before. Talk to other vendors who have done this event. Many problems. Check out some of the other reviews on the website.

2010 Tyson Wells Sell-a-Rama

2010-01-17T19:43:00.000-08:00

Feb 15-24, 2010 at Tyson Wells, AZ just across the highway from Quartzsite.

IMPORTANT: I have written a book about our experiences selling at Street Fairs, festivals, A&C Shows, fairs, flea markets. I know that you will really find reading it quite enjoyable and you'll be able to relate to a lot of things that I describe. Having to endure 71 mph winds, heavy rains, floods, lying and cheating promoters. You'll love it. Only $14.95. Street Fairs for profit, fun and madness

Been here since Tuesday. Took a couple days to set up and began selling on Thursday. Show actually began on Friday with loads of vendors. Weather has been okay up until now but we had a couple days of very strong winds nearing 30mph.

Please be sure to read my daily log and review of the event:

http://www.starvingvendors.com/events_Tyson_Wells_Sellarama_2010.html

130th Bok Kai Festival

2009-12-21T12:55:00.000-08:00

The Bok Kai Parade and Festival March 20, 2010. Please click here to read our review from 2009.

This event is held in the Chinatown district of Marysville, CA yearly. click here for website Vendor Application They do not have any info regarding booths for vendors and there is no listing in Craftmaster's. They get a good turnout for this event and I was amazed at the total length of the parade. Several hours and quite enjoyable.

The Bok Kai Festival, honoring Bok Eye, the Chinese God of Water, pays tribute to the many Chinese who worked the gold mines in the 1800s.

The 129th Bok Kai Festival, reputed to be the oldest continually held parade in California . The Festival opens with a 5K Run/Walk. Registration for the Run/Walk begins in front of the Bok Kai Temple on 1st Street at 8:15 a.m.; The Run/Walk starts at 9:00 a.m. The Parade, starting 11:00 a.m, begins on 6th and D Streets, and is followed by Lung Huang, the 150-ft golden dragon as he noisily winds and dances his way through the historic town of Marysville. Lung Huang's entourage includes lion dancers, martial arts demonstrations, floats and more. Lung Huang is currently been in the Bok Kai Festival since 1991. It is anticipayed that a new, larger dragon will be sited in 2008.

The parade remains a unique small town parade and Festivaunmarred by the commercial smoothness and artificial slickness that often accompanies other venues as they evolve. Following the parade, scheduled multi-cultural entertainment for the entire family including Lion Dancing & Martial Arts by the Hop Sing Society will take place at the corner of 3rd and D Street.

Quartzsite-Tyson Wells Events in 2010

2009-11-05T16:19:00.000-08:00

QUARTZSITE/TYSON WELLS SHOW SCHEDULE FOR 2010.

IMPORTANT: 2009-2010 SEASON REQUIREMENTS FOR VENDING IN THE TOWN OF QUARTZSITE, ARIZONA. You'll need a City Business License to do shows in the area. Arizona Transaction Tax License (AZ Tax ID Number)

TYSON WELLS MARKET SQUARE Oct 1st 2009 - Mar. 30th 2010
Annual RICE RANCH "Yawl Come" SHOW Nov 1st 2009 - Feb 28th 2010
MAIN STREET TRADERS OPEN YEAR ROUND Nov 1st 2009 - Feb 28th 2010
HI ALI SWAPMEET Nov 1st 2009 - Mar 28th 2010
MARKET PLACE SHOWGROUNDS Nov 1st 2009 - Feb 28th 2010
PROSPECTOR'S PANORAMA Nov 1st 2009 - Feb 15th 2010
GREASEWOOD SWAP Dec 1st 2009 - April 1st 2010
CLUB FAIR Nov 7th 2009
SENIOR CENTER
7th ANNUAL Christmas Light Parade Dec. 5TH

for more events, please visit our website for more listings

Sunday, January 25. A bit cooler today and quite windy during the PM. Last day of the event and the crowds were not too large (again). Economy. We began packing mid-afternoon and had everything in containers by 5:00. Many of the vendors were long gone by that time and I think that it wasn't a very good show for many of them also. We closed up our canopy with our things inside and will load up in the morning and head off to Blythe, of all places to pick up some groceries and get a steak dinner. click here to read more

Indio International Tamale Festival - Dec 5-6, 2009

2009-11-05T15:57:00.000-08:00

INDIO INTERNATIONAL TAMALE FESTIVAL - OLD TOWN INDIO (December 5 - 6, 2009) Ranked as one of the top 10 "All-American Food Festivals" in the nation by Food Network-TV. More than 125,000 tamale lovers fill the streets of Old Town Indio to sample every type of tamale one can possibly imagine. Activities include a festive holiday parade, carnival, Mexican Folkloric dancing and a variety of live entertainment for all ages.(760) 391-4175

Website: http://www.tamalefestival.net/Photo.html

Vendor application:

http://www.tamalefestival.net/Acrobat/2009/09VendorRulesApp.pdf A&C $375 Comm $475

2009 Jefferson County Fair

2009-07-27T07:01:00.000-07:00

Jefferson County Fair, Madras, OR July 22-25

Absolutely the worst County Fair we have ever sold at. Our vendor booths were located in an obscure area of the fairgrounds. Grass field in front of us had many droppings from the cow family. The public could care less about buying from the vendor.

Very poor lighting in our area and extremely bad accessability for the visitors. Spoke to Sandy Foreman who was in charge of the vendors and told me that she would 'get back to me that afternoon.' Never did. Could care less. They got their money from us. Put the 6 vendors in a corner and forget about us. Vendors, do not even think about doing this event. The Worst.

Please click here to read more about the Jefferson County Fair

Visit our Vendor Forum

30th Castroville Artichoke Festival

2009-05-06T07:45:00.000-07:00

Sat/Sun May 16-17. This event is held in Castroville which is located approx 20 miles north of Monterey on Highway 156. We will be there selling shell necklaces, shell creations, wrap-around skirts & sarongs and a whole lot more. DandL CREATIONS

On May 16 and 17, 2009, they will be celebrating the 50th annual Artichoke Festival in the community of Castroville, in Monterey County, California. This two-day festival draws large crowds of people who enjoy arts & crafts, tasty food, musical entertainment, cooking demonstrations, a car show and a parade. Last year’s festival was their best yet! Click here for vendor application.

AGRO ART Competition: AGRO art is 3-dimensional fruit and vegetable artwork. This quirky competition fosters imagination, creativity and fun for both participants and the viewing public.

PARADE: Our sanctioned parade is one of the largest and most colorful of its kind.
MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT: Two days of live music! Everything from Swing to Mariachi, Country to 50's Rock & Roll.
CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES: Games, face paints, clowns, stilt walkers, puppets and more!FOOD: Artichokes fried, sautéed, grilled, marinated, pickled, fresh, and creamed in soup. Plus foods from the many ethnic groups that give this area its character.
FOOD: Artichokes fried, sautéed, grilled, marinated, pickled, fresh, and creamed in soup. Plus foods from the many ethnic groups that give this area its character.
COOKING DEMOS: The area's finest showcase the versatility and unique techniques for preparing and using artichokes.
WINE TASTING: Sample the best from the area's award winning producers.
ARTS & CRAFTS: Unique gifts and apparel crafted by artisans from throughout the country. Plus artichoke souvenirs galore!
FARMERS MARKET: Artichokes and more, fresh from the heart of the salad bowl.
FIELD TOURS: Hop a bus to the artichoke patch for grower talks and photo ops.
Please No Pets. (I second that motion!)

Please visit Starving Vendors where I have placed many of my reviews of events that we have done. Check out our new forum, where you can comment on shows, promoters, etc. Brand new.

Rinconada Hills Center Bazaar - Los Gatos, CA

2009-03-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

Ronconada Hills Center Bazaar. Saturday, March 28 from 9AM-4PM. I guess this is a new location for this promoter's show and is held the last Saturday of the month from 9AM-4PM. Located at 1500 Pollard Road at the shopping center. click here for more info. Alpha Zeta Events. Click on the 'poster' to see larger image.

Tucson 4th Avenue Street Fair

2009-03-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

THE NEXT TUCSON 4TH AVENUE STREET FAIR IS March 20-21-22. There are two Street Fairs per year, one in spring and one in winter. The The Street Fair takes place between Ninth Street and University Blvd. along Fourth Avenue. Free to the public, the Fourth Avenue Street Fair brings together 400+ arts and crafts booths, 35+ food vendors, 2 stages, street musicians, food, jugglers, street performers, “VAN GROW” kids hands-on-art area, face painting, balloons, and tons of other fun activities, then packs them into three days of celebration.

The Fourth Avenue Street Fair began in 1970 when Fourth Avenue merchants put tables in front of their stores to attract customers before the holidays. From that beginning it has developed into one of the premier street fairs in the nation, drawing crowds of 200,000 to 350,000 and ranking as one of the top visual arts fairs in the country.

Venues for Vendors: A bit pricey for this three day event. There are at least three promoters of booth spaces within the show.

The Parking Lot. Set up your booth in The Parking Lot (TPL), at the heart of the Tucson 4th Avenue Street Fair, just a few short blocks from the University of Arizona. Located on the corner of 4th Avenue and 5th Street (Tucson, Arizona), TPL provides a prime location for vendor booth rentals at one of the largest street fairs in the United States. The 4th Avenue Street Fair is free to the public. Too late for November...next event is March 20-22. We've done this lot several times. Good location. Near middle of event. However, high school groups playing alongside are quite loud. Porta potties next to the lot. Paved. Long line for the tri-tip sandwiches next door...must be great!!! Traffic flow is somewhat okay. Maybe 10 percent of passers-by enter the lot. Not too much of a difference if you are located in the back. They do walk all the way around. Commercial goods accepted.

Dingwell's Lot. 238 N. 4th Avenue, Tucson, AZ. Contact Don Dingwell 520-882-5657. Need to call him for fees. No website or email address. We were in his lot a couple years ago and there was rain and it turned quite muddy. When dry, the sand blows all over the place. However, you can get into this lot with general merchandise (commercial) and there is really great traffic flow...even though most of the people walk in..go all the way to the end and around the garbage can and go out. This is toward the beginning of the show, so you get a lot of lookers, but they are not tired from walking around.

International Lao New Year Festival 2009

2009-03-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

2009 INTERNATIONAL LAO NEW YEARS FESTIVAL
Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco, CA

Saturday, April 11, 200 910 AM - 5 PM all day - free event
Civic Center Plaza (link to googlemaps)between Asian Art Museum and City Hall San Francisco, California.

vendors: • Main Entrance Booths $1,500• Food Booths $1,200 2nd booth $600 (does not include health and food permits from City of San Francisco) • Businesses $900 • Arts/crafts/textiles $700
• Non-profits/public service $350

Buddha Image Procession and Parade
Suukhwan/Baci New Year Welcoming Ceremony
“Buffalo Roaming” - Story Writing on Life Size Herd of Water Buffalos
Kato Lao Championship Demonstration
Tam Maak Huung/Green Papaya Salad Contest

Kite Making and Kite Flying

New Year Water Splashing Activities
Khene Music with Master Bounseung Synanonh
Lam Folk songs with Mr. Khamta Mounisay
Jonny Olsen
Traditional Music and Dance Performances

click here to see program listing

Craft Show Vendor Liability Insurance

2009-02-26T19:47:00.000-08:00

IMPORTANT: I have written a book about our experiences selling at Street Fairs, festivals, A&C Shows, fairs, flea markets. I know that you will really find reading it quite enjoyable and you'll be able to relate to a lot of things that I describe. Having to endure 71 mph winds, heavy rains, floods, lying and cheating promoters. You'll love it. Only $14.95. Street Fairs for profit, fun and madness

I have been compiling a listing of companies that offer insurance for vendors at craft shows, festivals, etc.

Specialty Insurance Agency. I looked at their website and it's hard to find info about policies. The policies run from September to August and it's roughly $350 per year. You really need to wait until September in order to get your money's worth. I have a friend who is insured through them and he says they are excellent. They also have an ad in Craftmaster News (pg 121 Feb/Mar issue) paper issue. You may subscribe to this publication. Best around.

Center West Insurance Agency. Tel 800-455-6974. centerwestinsurance@lanset,com I saw their ad in Craftmaster and looked at their website but didn't see anything about specific policies. Recommend emailing them for info.

RLI Home Business Insurance. This looks like it might be decent. Check it out.

To see more, please visit my website for the complete listing

If you know of any others, please let me know.... thank you

Contemporary Crafts Market - San Francisco

2009-02-13T09:29:00.000-08:00

2009 Contemporary Crafts Market. March 14-15, 2009.
Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, CA.
View their website for more info and listing of vendors.

10:00 am - 5:00 pm, DailyAdmission $7, Children 12 & Under FREE(San Francisco, Calif.) The Contemporary Crafts Market will return to San Francisco’s historic Fort Mason Center March 14-15, 2009, and will showcase over 230 of the nation’s finest artists and their distinctive works.

As the premiere event for one-of-a-kind functional and decorative crafts, the show will present a broad range of pieces including intricate jewelry, unique glassware and ceramics, hand-painted textiles, custom furniture, mixed-media creations and much more. All items on display and for sale have been jury-selected for their exceptional quality.

All the work in these shows is made by the participating artists. All the artists are residents in the United States. The participants have undergone a rigorous screening process to qualify as participants in this show and we are proud to showcase them.

March Breezes on Main - Yuma, AZ

2009-02-13T09:27:00.000-08:00

March Breezes Arts and Crafts Festival, Yuma, AZ March 13-15, 2009.

The last of four events on Main Street in downtown Yuma.
vendor application

Food and Craft booths $175 (3 days) 10x10; $250 for 10x20. website Yuma Heritage

Mardi Gras Celebration - Marysville, CA

2009-02-13T09:24:00.000-08:00

Mardi Gras Celebration "Joe Cain Days"February 21 & 22, 2009
1 - 530 - 265 - 2692
Downtown Nevada City, California

Cajun Cooking fills the air! Purple, Green, and Gold Balloons adorn the street settings.Spectators cheer as the Masks Societies parade through town.One of the finest Family Oriented Mardi Gras celebrations around!

Prior to the Civil War, Mardi Gras was celebrated regularly in the South. During the Civil War there was no Mardi Gras. The spirits of the people were down. Several years after the war in 1866, Joseph Stillwell Cain got together with six of his friends in Mobile, Alabama. On Mardi Gras day they paraded through the town making as much noise as they could so that most all the people came out to see what was happening. History was made that day. Joe Cain became a hero, and ended up appearing in every Mardi Gras celebration until his death in 1904.Nevada City was officially sanctioned in 1993 as the only city outside of Mobile, Alabama to celebrate Joe Cain’s Mardi Gras Celebration Days!

Holtville Carrot Festival

2009-02-01T03:58:00.000-08:00

WHAT'S UP, DOC? The 62nd Holtville Carrot Festival Saturday & Sunday, February 7th & 8th, 2009 is what's up.Vendor application website- Holtville Chamber of Commerce Holtville Business License is required - $12.00 Arts and Crafts $50 one day, $75 for two days; Commercial crafts $75/$100.

The week-long Holtville Carrot Festival is held every year in February. The festival includes a golf tournament, carrot cooking contest, arts & crafts fair, carnival rides and the Carrot Festival Parade. Click here to download schedule of events for the upcoming 2009

Whiskey Flat Days - Kernville, CA

2009-01-28T06:11:00.000-08:00

54th Annual Whiskey Flat Days, Kernville, CA. Feb 13-16, 2009. website and vendor application info. One of the most popular Festivals in all of Southern California. A short 3 hour drive from Los Angeles to the Lake Isabella recreation area and the quaint town of Kernville (50 miles east of Bakersfield on Hwy 178). Whiskey Flat is a leap back to the good ol' wild west days when the area was settled by gold miners, cattle ranchers and trappers. Join us when Kernville reverts to its old name "Whiskey Flat" for four nostalgic days of fun for the entire family. I quoted this from their website.
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This event is not listed in Craftmaster's yet. I guess that they get around 50,000 visitors for the event. They have a really nice parade and other festivities. Great show if you can survive the drive through the Kern River Valley and if you can find an inexpensive motel room. Lots of curves. It snowed here 4 years ago and they often do get some rain, but not much. Kind of cold in he morning.

Please check my review of this past year's Whiskey Flat Days. Quite a large number of vendors do this event. They come from L.A., Bay Area, Modesto area, Sacramento and other places. Good crowds.

Tyson Wells Sell a Rama

2009-01-22T07:11:00.000-08:00

Haven't been able to enter any shows for here. We are currently selling at the Tyson Wells Sell a Rama in Arizona. Please be sure to read our daily log to see what's going on there:

http://www.starvingvendors.com/events_Tyson_Wells_Sellarama_2009.html

Heading to Tyson Wells

2009-01-12T21:29:00.000-08:00

We will be at the Tyson Wells Sell-a-Rama from January 14-25 in space X-19 and at the Arts and Crafts Fair from Jan 28-Feb 14 in space PQ-3. Stop by and see us. This event is huge with over 900 vendors selling anything and everything. The show is visited by many snowbirds who come down in their RV's escaping the cold, damp, snowy, miserable weather.

Anyway, I probably will not be entering very many events on this website until I return home in mid-February. Internet access is difficult there and will not be on-line very much, mostly to just check my email. We are gaining new readers of this blog every day and I hope that everybody is enjoying reading about upcoming events, etc. You might want to check out Western Artists and Vendors where I cover many topics mostly pertaining to vendors and life on the road, etc.

Starving Vendors is another website and is gaining in popularity also. I have many reviews of shows that we have done and a lot more information. There are people who spend hours at a time just scouring over the website, as there is quite a bit to read and there are parts that are very entertaining. I will try to update the Tyson Wells Sell-a-Rama 2009 page and keep a running tab on what's happening over there in the Quartzsite area. There are several popular pages on the website, with the most popular being European Festivals. You might want to check out Your Daily Dose, which often tells about new pages, shows and life, in general. If you need a good laugh or two, then The Funny Farm might tickle your fancy.

If you are interested in shell necklaces, wrap-around skirts, shoulder bags, you might enjoy a visit to our main website, DandL CREATIONS. You won't be able to order anything though until we come back, as I have disabled payment methods because we can't ship until we get home.

Fantasy Fest - Key West, FL

2009-01-11T18:06:00.001-08:00

FANTASY FEST, Key West, FL. October 23-November 1, 2009

Traditionally October has been a slow time for tourism in the Keys, but since its inception, Fantasy Fest® has continually boosted the economy by filling up hotel rooms and inundating local businesses, restaurants, and bars during this time period. The tremendous influx of visitors during the ten days of the festival sustains the local economy until the holiday season begins. Fantasy Fest is committed to extending the time that visitors stay by encouraging the creation of diverse events throughout the entire ten days. The opportunity to show off the imaginative and resourceful spirit that defines the Keys excites participants as well as the thousands that are drawn to the Keys.

World Buskers Festival

2009-01-11T17:19:00.000-08:00

World Buskers Festival. January 22-February 1, 2009. Christchurch, New Zealand.

Organised pandemonium takes over Christchurch, New Zealand, as each January locals and visitors of all ages flock to open-air city malls, the city’s cultural precinct, and out to the seaside suburb of New Brighton to witness the world’s very best busker talent: the World Buskers Festival. Belly laughs, amazement, admiration, and surprise fill their lives for ten days every summer.

This is when artists, from countries as diverse as Portugal, UK, Japan, Australia, Italy, the USA wing their way to Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island, to provide over four-hundred free shows – although, as it’s their livelihood, optional donations are always welcome.
"The festival’s reputation for excellence and our great locations here in the heart of Christchurch’s cultural and heritage precinct are big drawcards for both international and domestic visitors, as well as for local residents, and it has become an icon event for the city" festival director Jodi Wright tells me. Such is the reputation of this event that, sitting in her office under the old university observatory, Jodi is inundated with pleas for an invitation from buskers around the world.

40th Annual Texas Rice Festival

2009-01-09T09:24:00.000-08:00

Texas Rice Festival Vendor Application
Bar-B-Que Weekend September 25th & 26th
2009 Festival Dates Sep 30-Oct 4

The Texas Rice Festival is an annual harvest celebration held the first weekend of October honoring rice farming, which is a major economic activity in the region of Southeast Texas around the town of Winnie, Texas. The first Texas Rice Festival was held in downtown Winnie in 1969. The event is now a week-long event held in Winnie-Stowell park which has a permanent grandstand which was built for the event.

The festival includes a carnival, parades, livestock show, open horse show, BBQ cook off, nightly street dances, antique car show, cooking contest, pageants, karaoke, and features food made with rice and featuring the flavors of the Cajun culture which is strong in the area. Typical fare includes rice balls, gumbo, ettouffe, pistolettes, blooming onions, crab balls, boudain balls, funnell cakes and many other delicacies. The event is renowned for its outstanding cuisine.

Cloud's Jamboree

2009-01-08T18:08:00.000-08:00

CLOUD'S 8th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL ROCK, GEM & JEWELRY SHOW, JANUARY 2009.

This event runs from Jan 1-31 and is held at the Avi Casino, near Laughlin, NV. Free! Open to the Public. Outdoor show 9am to dusk Jan. 1 -31 Indoor show 10am - 6pm Jan 9 - 18

Cloud's Jamboree Website
vendor info: http://www.cloudsjamboree.com/res-form_outdoor.htm

I guess that this event is gaining in popularity since settling down here 7-8 years ago after leaving Quartzsite. I have not found very much info on this event, but do know that spaces are $400, but I do not know how large they are, etc. They have rooms over at the Avi Casino for $30 per night, but that's a lot to shell out for a month there. I guess that RV'v park in the Camping Area next door or you might be able to get selling spaces where you can bring your RV. I drove past this event a couple years ago and spaces looked kind of large and spread out.

I've visited Laughlin many times visiting several of the 7-8 casinos there. The Avi Casino is located several miles from there. Buffets are nothing to speak of, as the ones in Las Vegas have the ones in Laughlin beat (Bellagio, Paris, Mandalay Bay, Mirage, etc.) Every time I have visited the Laughlin area, I have experienced very strong, sustaining winds and I am not talking about itty-bitty breezes either. They get pretty strong and blow stuff all over the place.

Makers of Small Toys - Arts & Crafts - HR4040

2009-01-08T10:53:00.000-08:00

HR4040 DOOMSDAY FOR A&C MAKERS OF TOYS, CHILDREN'S CLOTHING, etc.

PLEASE HELP THESE PEOPLE AND VOTE AGAINST IT and if possible, contact your Congressman/woman. You may no longer be able to buy lovely hand-made toys and children's clothing at your favorite A&C Festivals and Events. PLEASE HELP THIS PEOPLE. Just take a few minutes.

Toy makers may win lead-testing exemptionRules on lead threatened to hurt those who create handcrafted items Dec. 24, 2008, 8:14PM SAN FRANCISCO — The makers of handcrafted toys received some holiday hope Wednesday with support from a federal agency for proposed exemptions from strict lead-testing regulations they feared could put them out of business.

Last year's discovery of lead paint in mass-market toys prompted the government to pass new safety rules requiring testing and labeling that mom-and-pop workshops and retailers said they could not afford.As a February deadline for complying with the law loomed, toy makers who use materials such as unfinished wood, organic cotton and beeswax sought exemptions from the rules.In a memo released Wednesday, Consumer Product Safety Commission staffers recommended that the agency exempt some natural materials from the lead testing requirements continue this story but please come back and read the rest of this important blog entry.

Here is more info on HR4040.For more information on this please check

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-4040 This is about the HR4040 bill that was passed in December.Here is what somebody wrote on their blog.

The following are from a couple fellow 'crafters' and is quite interesting to read.http://pinaforesandknickerbockers.blogspot.com/2008/12/disturbing-law.html

http://babyswagspr.wordpress.com/2008/12/23/supporting-small-businesses-cpsia-law-issues/

Help Save Handmade Toys in the USA from the CPSIA - Hand-made Toy Alliance. http://sites.google.com/site/handmadetoyalliance/ You can vote here or get info on contacting Congress about this matter.

Save Handmade Toys From the CPSIA http://www.change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia

I can see a lot of people will be taking an interest in the toy issue as it involves the crafters. There are a number of people out there who make children's clothing for a living and sell at various events. Also affected could be the makers of children's toys or the vendors that import toys from China or anyplace else. Sounds like big problems for some vendors and if I were in their shoes, I would be mighty worried right now. As if the vendors don't have expenses already, they could possibly have to pay around $85 per test. I'll bet that the company that produces testing products is going to make a lot of money out of this and it would not surprise me if they put money in our Congressman's/woman's pockets.

The Maker Faire - San Mateo, CA

2009-01-07T21:22:00.000-08:00

MAKER FAIRE. May 30-31, 2009. San Mateo County Expo Center, San Mateo, CA photos
more photos-flickr

'The Maker Faire is all about making things, like a better mousetrap, or at least a life size version of the legendary Mousetrap board game, complete with bathtub and crazy stairs. The only difference with our game is that we have taken the trap that comes down and lands on the mouse and replaced [it] with a two-ton bank safe that we crush things with. We crush things like cars and motorcycles,' said Mark Perez, mousetrap maker."

Build, CRAFT, hack, play, MAKE.
Arts • Crafts • Engineering • Food • Green • Music • Science • Technology
LEARN TO MAKE, CRAFT, DESIGN OR DEVELOP:• Robots • Rockets • Bicycles • Alternative Energy Devices • Electronics • Crafts• Circuit Boards • Sustainable Food • Musical Instruments • Wood Working• Knitting • Eco Modding Cars • Kites • Special Effects • Sewing • and more...

Maker Faire is a two-day, family-friendly event that celebrates the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mindset. It's for creative, resourceful people of all ages and backgrounds who like to tinker and love to make things. So much to see, you will need 2 days to see it all!

Great Arizona Beer Festival

2009-01-07T17:58:00.000-08:00

Event hours are 2 pm to 6 pm daily. Tempe Beach Park is located at the corner of Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway in Tempe, AZ. For more information: http://www.azbeer.com/ or call 480-774-8300. No pets. No firearms. No one under 21 will be admitted. You must have valid photo-ID to enter. No refunds, all sales are final. Event is held rain or shine. Persons who appear to be intoxicated will be assisted out of the festival

Tickets are now on sale for the 21st Annual Great Arizona Beer Festival that will be held Saturday and Sunday March 7 and 8, 2009 at Tempe Beach Park. Rick Scott, chairman of the event says, “Now would be a good time to buy tickets for a Holiday stocking-stuffer while also doing something good for charity.” Unlike other beer tasting events, one-hundred percent of proceeds benefits Sun Sounds of Arizona, a reading service for people who are blind or whose disability prevents them from reading printed material. (http://sunsounds.org/)

The Festival features tastes of more than 100 specialty and micro brewed beers, live music, games and fun for people age 21 and over. Entertainment will be provided by two great bands, the Crown Kings and Mystic Blue. The all-inclusive admission price is the same as last year, $40 in advance for general admission and $50 at the gate. VIP tickets are $80 in advance and $90 at the gate. (VIP tickets are limited to 500 per day.) General admission and VIP tickets include entrance to the event, a souvenir tasting mug, 24 sampling tickets and enjoyment of live music on stage. In addition, VIP tickets include entry to the “VIP Experience” a private VIP seating area with catered food, shade, separate restrooms, early one hour admittance, an event tee shirt and a gift bag.

Chesterfield Beer Festival

2009-01-07T17:49:00.000-08:00

Lichfield Winter Beer and Wine Festival

2009-01-07T17:45:00.000-08:00

Noon-11.00pm each dayTickets £1.00 before 5.30pmFriday £2.00 after 5.30pm hfSaturday £2.50 after 5.30pm This very popular community festival returns to its favourite 'watering hole' - the magnificent Guildhall.

Enjoy over 35 real ales from local Midland brewers and draught beers from Germany and Belgium. There will also be a wide range of traditional ciders and over twenty wines from Staffordshire to South Africa. Not forgetting light snacks and the 'Famous Pork Pies'.
You will be entertained on Saturday night by the wonderful Si Genaro who plays storming harmonica and guitar, with fine songs to sing along to. If that's not enough he has a wacky sense of humour!

The 19th Battersea Beer Festival

2009-01-07T17:34:00.000-08:00

How about a beer festival in London. February 11-13, 2009. I liked the flyer, so I decided to post it. The 19th Battersea Beer Festival will be held from Wednesday 11 to Friday 13 February 2009 at the usual venue, Battersea Arts Centre (BAC). The venue is less than eight minutes walk from Clapham Junction station and buses 77, 87, 156, 345 & G1 stop right outside the BAC.
Opening times are 12.00 - 23.00 each day. Admission is £2 before 17.00 and £3 thereafter with a £1 reduction for CAMRA members at all times.

Over 160 Real Ales from across Britain will be available over the course of the festival, along with foreign beers, ciders and perries in the Lower Hall. Click to download a pdf file of the Provisional Beer List (56KB). Traditional Polish and other food will be available in the servery at all sessions from Kam our excellent caterer. More info

Starving Vendors - Page One! Features

2009-01-06T22:55:00.000-08:00

Please visit Page One, the newest feature of our Starving Vendors website. Read the top headlines and stories relating to vendors, artists, issues, etc. along with appropiate links. Around the corner, around the world, around the clock, we bring you the important stuff you need to read.

We have loads of reviews from festivals that we have done along with relevant information for vendors. crafters, artists, etc.

Pages of event listings include European and Philippine Festivals, Flea Markets, etc,

Sacramento Jazz Jubilee/Festival

2009-01-06T22:23:00.000-08:00

36th Annual Sacramento Jazz Jubilee/Festival, Memorial Day Weekend, May 22-25, 2009. Several venues in Old Sacramento and the Convention Center.

The 2009 Sacramento Jazz Festival kicks off with a concert by the world-famous Count Basie Orchestra on Thursday evening, May 21st at the Radisson Hotel. The Count Basie Orchestra of today consists of 18 musicians who make this American Institution swing as powerfully as it ever has. The Basie orchestra has won every respected jazz poll in the world at least once, is in demand for world tours and recordings, and continues to accumulate awards and special recognition.

Featured Bands: Tom Rigney and Flambeau Cornet Chop Suey Mumbo Gumbo
Bill Allred's Classic Jazz Band Royal Society Jazz Orchestra Zydeco Flames
Mick Martin´s Blues Rockers BED
And 600 other performances

ASD/AMD TRADE SHOWS - Las Vegas

2009-01-06T19:40:00.001-08:00

March 15-18 Las Vegas, NV

Welcome to ASD/AMD - your premier source for merchandise and industry news. Vendor/Exhibitor Info

Variety Merchandise Show Sands Expo Center & Las Vegas Convention Center - The nation's largest merchandise show featuring products at all price points and categories. Our specialized floor sections will assist you in finding the products you need more quickly and easily. With so many new sources and products to choose from, you will easily navigate your way to the most profitable merchandise mix for your retail needs.

Gift Show Sands Expo Center -- The ASD/AMD Las Vegas Gift Show is the largest national gift show in the West. As a component of the three-in-one ASD/AMD Trade Show Las Vegas, this show lets you source products in the powerfully competitive center--the price range that appeals to the largest number of number of consumers--from leading vendors offering great merchandise at unbeatable prices.

Jewelry Show The ASD/AMD Las Vegas Jewelry Show at the Mirage Events Center & Grand Ballroom is known for its unique roster of exhibitors. Traditional jewelry show wholesalers and exclusive wholesalers and suppliers that only exhibit at ASD/AMD Las Vegas. More than 350 companies in 700 exhibits provide the broadest possible selection of wholesale fine and fashion jewelry at single show. Providing you even greater flexibility with the immediate delivery option on select items.

Movie Festivals and Events Worldwide

2009-01-04T07:51:00.000-08:00

LARGE LISTING OF MOVIE FESTIVALS AND EVENTS WORLDWIDE.

I just found quite a number of listings for Movie/Film Festivals that I think some people would enjoy browsing through. Here's the ones for January, 2009:

January 8-19 Palm Springs International Film Festival (Palm Springs, California, USA)
January 9-11 Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival (Nevada City, California, USA)
January 10 Taos Shortz Film Fest (Taos, New Mexico, USA)
January 14-19 The New York Jewish Film Festival (New York, New York, USA)
January 14-25 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (Atlanta, Georgia, USA)
January 15-25 Sundance Film Festival (Park City, Utah, USA)
January 16-18 Bourne to Die Horror Film Festival (Christchurch, Dorset, UK)
January 16-18 San Joaquin Children's Film Festival (Stockton, California, USA)
January 16-18 Trail Dance Film Festival (Duncan, Oklahoma, USA)
January 17-18 Honolulu Film Festival (Honolulu, Hawaii, USA)
January 21-23 Zombieshortfest International Zombie Short Film Festival (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
January 23-24 Bellows Falls Film Fest (Bellows Falls, Vermont, USA)
January 24-25 Canada International Film Festival (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)
January 30-February 7 Clermont-Ferrand Short-Film Festival (Clermont-Ferrand, France)
January 30-February 8 Victoria Film Festival (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada)

Tucson Gem, Mineral Shows, etc,. 2009

2009-01-03T07:53:00.000-08:00

LISTING OF THIS YEAR'S SHOWS IN TUCSON.

AKS Gem Shows - Howard JohnsonWhat: Jewelry, silver, minerals, gemstones, lapidary, metaphysical objects/art, beads Jan. 31-Feb. 14, 2009 Howard Johnson — I-10 & Starr Pass Blvd.; 1010 S. Freeway Ave.; (520) 622-5871.

American Gem Trade Association (AGTA)What: Primarily high-end loose colored gemstones and pearls, with some finished jewelry; designer jewelry section; colored diamond and estate jewelry pavilions; MJSA jewelry Feb. 4-Feb. 9, 2009 Tucson Convention Center — Main entrance on S. Granada Ave.; 260 S. Church St.; (520) 791-4266.

Gem & Lapidary Dealers Association (GLDA) What: Gemstones, diamonds, Feb. 3-Feb. 8, 2009 Starr Pass Marriott Resort & Spa — Four Miles West of I-10 & Starr Pass Blvd. (22nd St.); 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd.; (520) 792-3500.

Gem & Lapidary Wholesalers
Manufactured jewelry, Jan. 31-Feb. 13, 2009 (Gem Mall & Rodeway); Feb. 5-Feb. 13, 2009 (Holidome) Gem Mall — I-10 at Palo Verde Rd.; 4475 S. Country Club Rd. Holiday Inn/Holidome — I-10 Quality Inn (Grant Rd.) — I-10 at W. Grant Rd.; 1365 W. Grant Rd.; (520) 622-7791.

GJX Gem & Jewelry Show
Gems, gem carvings, designer and fashion jewelry Feb. 4-9, 2009 Gem & Jewelry Exchange — Main entrance on S. Granada Ave.; 198 S. Granada Ave.

To see more listings, please click here

Rose Bowl Flea Market

2009-01-01T16:29:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the World's most unusual Flea Market the shopping place of the Stars. Featuring over 2,500 vendors and 20,000 buyers every Month. The Rose Bowl Flea market is one of the most famous markets in the World. Celebrating over 40 years of continued success at the world famous Rose Bowl in Pasadena California. If you come to shop or just browse you will truly enjoy the experience

Boasting more than 2,500 vendors and a customer base that includes a roster of Hollywood stars, the Rose Bowl Flea Market has continued to attract serious collectors, bargain hunters and novice shoppers to one of the world’s greatest outdoor marketplaces for the past 39 years. Guaranteed to have something for everyone, vendors come stocked every second Sunday of the month with vintage items, home furnishings, hand-made crafts and collectable pieces. Thousands flock to the West’s best treasure hunt to peruse the wares and negotiate prices, come rain or shine. Read more about the Rose Bowl Flea Market

Rose Bowl Flea Market and Market Place regular admission starts at 9am for the general public at $8.00 per person, children under 12 are admitted free with an adult. We also have an express admission from 8:00am - 9:00am at $10.00 per person, an early admission from 7:00am - 8:00am at $15.00 per person, and a special preview VIP admission from 5:00am - 7:00am at $20.00 per person. All vendors are not all moved in and set up until 9am. The box office is open until 3pm after which time sellers begin packing and leaving. The public may shop for those last minute bargains until 4:30pm. FREE PARKING. SORRY NO PETS ALLOWED

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-01T08:20:00.000-08:00

I'd like to wish you all a nice, happy, peaceful New Year and I hope that the economy can regain some sanity.

Take a look at our Starving Vendors website where we have loads of show information just a click away. We have sold at over 500 events through the years and I would like to share a lot of information with you about them. I have many reviews of this past years' events and I have pages dedicated to European Festivals, Philippine Festivals, California, Oregon, Arizona and a lot more. Learn about what it's truly like to be a vendor at these events, especially at a time when th economy has hit rock bottom. Thank you very much and have fun at the festivals AND/OR if you are a vendor, I hope you make some good money!

THE GREAT SAN FRANCISCO CRYSTAL FAIR

2009-01-01T06:33:00.000-08:00

Held on February 28 and March 1 at Fort Mason Center, 99 Marina Blvd, @ Bushannan Street in San Francisco, CA

Saturday 10am - 6pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm
Admission: $6.00 (children under 12 free accompanied by adult)

If you like minerals, crystals, geodes, semi-precious jewelry, etc., then you might find a trip to this event enjoyable. We were vendors at this event many times but people came there mostly for the 'rocks' and I would tend to believe much of our merchandise wasn't suitable for this type of event. Many of the dealers do quite well there. You can see some really beautiful amethyst cathedrals there. At one time, we were selling them also, but we were not equipped to be lugging them around in our van and they were quite heavy. You have to be very careful when handling them.Here's a link to the website: http://home.earthlink.net/~sfxtl/

You can find out about future events or if you wish to be a vendor there, you can take care of that.It was enjoyable doing the show and the other vendors were very nice. There was a Safeway across the street where we picked up food occasionally. Nothing to eat over at Fort Mason. We did this event before in November and February and it always seemed to rain on at least one of the days. Our biggest problem was the traffic head down Van Ness over to the Bay Bridge. That was a mess. In some areas, you would have to wait for 3 light changes before you could snake your way through the intersection. Probably be quicker to head over to the Golden Gate bridge, go to San Rafael and take the Richmond bridge and 580 over to 880.Off topic: If you ever attend this event, drop over to Mike, who is set up there to give massages and and he does a good job. Whenever we did this event, both my wife and I always stopped by his space for one. Prices are reasonable.

Holtville Carrot Festival

2009-01-01T06:16:00.000-08:00

WHAT'S UP, DOC? The 62nd Holtville Carrot Festival Saturday & Sunday, February 7th & 8th, 2009 is what's up.

Vendor application website- Holtville Chamber of Commerce Holtville Business License is required - $12.00 Arts and Crafts $50 one day, $75 for two days; Commercial crafts $75/$100.

The week-long Holtville Carrot Festival is held every year in February. The festival includes a golf tournament, carrot cooking contest, arts & crafts fair, carnival rides and the Carrot Festival Parade. Click here to download schedule of events for the upcoming 2009

Original Creative Festival San Mateo

2008-12-30T22:33:00.000-08:00

Jan 23-25, 2009. San Mateo Expo Center, San Mateo County Fairgrounds, San Mateo, CA INFO WEBSITE

Original Creative Festival-San Mateo provides a opportunity to Home sewers, embroidery enthusiasts, quilters and crafters of all ages and skill levels are invited to attend this fun filled, refreshing and unique festival. The Festival is the perfect place for everyone who enjoys a bit of CREATIVITY.

Visitor's Profile:
Trade Visitors - importers & exporters from all sectors of the textile machinery industry, including spinning, non wovens, weaving, knitting, dyeing and finishing, garment making, testing, software as well as dyestuffs and chemicals & General Public are the target visitors

ELEVENTH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL - 2009

2008-12-30T22:18:00.000-08:00

Date: January 17, 2009Time: 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Vendor application website
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade, downtown San Diego along Harbor Drive, across the street from the Convention Center between Market Street and Fourth Avenue

Getting there: Festival attendees are encouraged to use the San Diego Trolley (Convention Center stop). For information, visit www.sdcommute.com. The closest public parking garage is the 6th & K Parkade at Sixth Avenue and K Street near PETCO Park.

Vendor Booths: More than 100 booths brimming with cultural merchandise, diverse cultural food stations and information from a wealth of organizations.

If you would like to become a vendor, or have questions about vendor booths, please fill out the appropriate form below and e-mail it, or your questions, to sayers@ccdc.com.
One Main Professional StageAn entertaining lineup of live multicultural performances including music, dance and more, will be showcased throughout the day. View the full entertainment lineup below.

International Family Film Festival 2009!

2008-12-30T21:43:00.000-08:00

Make A Film, Make A Friend! World Peace through Filmmaking
February 26 - March 1, 2009 For young film makers Ages 8-18.
Raleigh Studios, Hollywood, CA

Welcome to the International Family Film Festival! Last year, (2008) films from around the world connecting filmmakers and audiences through one heart, one mind, and one world - all united by universal human experiences. We all enjoyed a plethora of family films from the US and seventeen diverse countries, which expressed a fundamental respect for humanity and the affirmative values of life that connect us all. The IFFF is celebrating its 14th year, and it’s third at Raleigh Studios in the heart of the entertainment industry, Hollywood, CA. http://www.iffilmfest.org/

The IFFF has a target audience of Filmmakers, Producers, Distributors, Press, Critics, Industry, Small Businesses, Families and Kids. The IFFF reaches over 6,200+ families in the Los Angeles area. According to Chris Shoemaker, IFFF Executive Director, "Following the successful market for the independent family films screened at the last IFFF, it became apparent that the family film genre has come of age and is ready to hold its own in Hollywood

The FreshiFilm Camp and Festival are sponsored by the IFFF, and this years dates for the FIF Camp are July 6-10, July 13-17, July 27-31 to be held at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, in Hollywood, CA. Students ages 8-18 are encouraged to attend one week or possibly 2 weeks of digital filmmaking instructions by film industry professionals.

FreshiFilm (FiF) Festival
is held on July 18, 9:00am to 6:00pm at the Raleigh Studios, Hollywood, CA.The FiF Festival showcases films made by students ages 8-18 from the Freshi Filmworx After School projects, the continental US and all other countries abroad. Deadline for Film and Screenplay submissions is June 1, 2009. All FreshiFilm information is available at: www.freshifilmfest.com

2009 Cherry Blossom Festival Southern California

2008-12-30T21:26:00.000-08:00

The Cherry Blossom Festival will be held in the Little Tokyo district of Downtown Los Angeles on Apr 4-5, 2009. Hours of the event are: Sat 10:30AM-6:30PM Sun 10:30AM-5:00PM.
website: http://www.cherryblossomfestivalsocal.org/index.htm vendor application

Celebrate the advent of spring the way the Japanese do, by honoring the delicate, short-blooming sakurai at the Cherry Blossom Festival. One of the ways to celebrate the coming of spring is to attend the Cherry Blossom Festival of Southern California. It was a great way to spend quality time with family and friends while taking in a variety of entertainment, vendors and food.

The yearly festival takes place in Little Tokyo on San Pedro between 1st and 3rd streets. The location allows one to explore more of Downtown Los Angeles, including Little Tokyo and Chinatown.

During the two-day event, tons of performances took place- from demonstrations of the martial art form Aikido, taiko (Japanese drum playing), to Hawaiian/Polynesian dances. For adults, demonstrations for making origami balls with strips of long paper are available

Bite of Seattle

2008-12-29T12:43:00.000-08:00

July 17-18-19, 2009 at Seattle Center, Seattle, WA. FESTIVAL HOURS: Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.Sunday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. www.biteofseattle.com vendorapplication Vendor spaces are $400.

Bite of Seattle Serves up the Food and Fun! The 27th annual Comcast Bite of Seattle presented by Emerald Queen Casino surpassed records and stretched waistbands with a successful sensory overload of sights, sounds and smells this past weekend at Seattle Center. The event attracted 500,000 visitors and provided the chance to relax and savor the summer sun at the Northwest’s premier food festival. Read the full story here.

Sounds like a nice event to try many different foods. We thought about doing this festival several years ago. If you have ever been a vendor at this event, let me know how it went. We sell necklaces, wrap-skirts and a lot more. (www.DandLCREATIONS.com) They get several hundred thousand people for this, but I really didn't feel as though we would get very much business at a festival where people came mainly to eat, etc. We make our yearly trip to Oregon during this time to do the Coos County Fair and other Fairs and we were considering extending our journey into WA. You can find out about other events and read our reviews of shows we have done at Starving Vendors.

Oregon Seafood and Wine Festival

2008-12-27T16:41:00.000-08:00

January 23-24, 2009 The Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Blvd. Portland, Oregon vendor application events Northwest Inc.

This winter event held January 23 & 24, 2009 is a celebration of all things Oregon, but most specifically our wonderful Oregon seafood and wines.Scheduled in the quiet of winter, and smack dab in the middle of the Dungeness Crab season, it promises to be a popular event in Portland, the gateway to the Oregon coast and the Oregon wine country.

The event will be a very upscale yet festive event at the Oregon Convention Center, promising a climate-controlled facility with lots of on-site and surrounding parking. Over 98,000 square feet of exhibit space will allow for lots of room to wander the event while stopping to sit and enjoy the good food, drink and live music throughout the event.The first 500 people each day through the gates receive a commemorative wine glass to use at the festival and then take home with you.

Portions of the $12 admission charge go to the Oregon Chapter of the National MS Society. There will be a $2 discount price on tickets purchased Friday from 2 PM - 4 PM and on Saturday from Noon - 2 PM (first 2 hours each day).Food item prices range from $1 and up. Wine sampling starts at .50 and prices for menu items varies from $2 to $15.00.

Festivals of Texas

2008-12-27T12:12:00.000-08:00

I just found a nicely designed website that lists events in Texas. It's called Festivals of Texas and breaks down into five areas of the state....North, East, Central, South and West. Describes event and provides contact numbers.

Good site if you are either a vendor or are looking for festivals in your area.Some of the shows included are: 12th ANNUAL SPRINGFEST WINE, ART & FOOD FESTIVAL, ROCKPORT’S CLAY EXPO, 63rd ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION (in Shamrock), LUBBOCK ARTS FESTIVAL, OILMAN’S CHILI COOK-OFF, 37th ANNUAL REDBUD FESTIVAL and a lot more.The have a page entitled 'searching for vendors' which comes in handy.

There are parts of the website under construction and I am sure that those sections will be every bit as impressive as the other area. Very nicely done.

For shows in California, please stop by my website www.starvingvendors.com for reviews, listings and loads of info on events we have done.

Desert Rock Festival

2008-12-25T12:18:00.000-08:00

When: Mar 2009 (annual) Where: Festival City Cost: US$68 Weekend package US$108
Opening Hours: Fri 2pm; Sat 4pm

Dubai Desert Rock, at Dubai Festival City, started off as a three-hour show and in five years has grown into a two-day festival featuring some of the best local and international rock bands.

The 2008 show included the world´s first suspended Music Cocktail Bar with a 360 degree panoramic view from the bar counter and two champions of flair bartending apparently able to serve 20 cocktails per minute. There were DJs and light jockeys live on the bar platform and all this 50 meters high suspended in the open air. Don't fall off.Also new was the fire art show featuring "BoneHead" the fire sculpture, a cable slide, a skate park and an infusion dance tent with rock DJ's.

The line-up for 2008:Day 1: Korn, Machine Head, Killswitch Engage, As I Lay Dying, Nervecell, Slapshock, Shamal winnerDay 2: Muse, Velvet Revolver, Marky Ramone, Juliana Down, Spoon Feedas, Shamal winner
Related Information
Website:
Desert Rock Festival

Parkes Elvis Festival

2008-12-25T12:12:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the CountryLink Parkes Elvis Festival -Australia's Premier Elvis Event

On the second week in January every year, the town of Parkes in Central New South Wales comes alive to the sounds of hip-swiveliling Elvis Impersonators. http://www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au/

The 5 day Festival Program features a dazzling array of more than 120 individual events. Highlights of the 2009 Program will include the Mark Andrew Feature Concerts, the ever popular Elvis Gospel Church Service, the iconic Elvis Street Parade, the Crowning of Miss Priscilla, the Elvis Golf Day & Dinner, the Back to the Altar Wedding Ceremony and the inaugural Elvis Poets Breakfast.

Cooke Park comes alive on Saturday and Sunday with markets and non-stop entertainment on the main stage including Elvis tribute artists and competitions that the whole family can enjoy. Visit Elvis Central Store to buy your official festival merchandise along with some unique memorabilia items. With CountryLink providing fun all the way from Sydney to Parkes on the ‘CountryLink Elvis Express’ and Rex Airlines flying in the ‘Priscilla Plane’ the non-stop Elvis fun and entertainment will begin even before you arrive in town!

Become an Elvis Festival Fanatic (for FREE) and receive festival e-newsletters with exciting festival announcements and news. REGISTER NOW!

NEW!! ELVIS - BACK ON THE BIGSCREEN AT PARKES
Mojo Events & Promotions & BE Productions are pleased to announce, in conjunction with the Parkes Elvis Festival, the inaugural Flix in the Stix Outdoor Elvis Movie Screenings as part of the 2009 CountryLink Parkes Elvis Festival.

The giant 10m x 6.5m airscreen will be screening Elvis favourites such as Blue Hawaii, Viva Las Vegas and Elvis-That's the Way It Is. A special family screening of Kung Fu Panda will take place for families on Wednesday 7th January.

Bring a picnic and settle in under the stars.

Book early to avoid disappointment!

Download more information here. For a booking form click here.

European Festivals 2009

2008-12-24T14:39:00.000-08:00

Enjoy one of the many festivals in Europe. Take a look at European Festivals of 2009. The page is under construction, but still helpful.

Januuary 2009
Paris Grand Parade FRANCE Jan 21-Feb 1 American marching bands, European performers from Britain, Poland and Belgium.

February 2009
Viareggio Carnival ITALY Feb 8, 15, 22, 24 and Mar 1
In n In 1873 some of the locals organized a Sunday, which was quite different than the typical Sunday, starting a procession of floats which travelled up and down the main street of the city. On that occasion a masked protest was also organized by a number of citizens, as they were forced to pay too many taxes and as a result the chief tax collector was certainly made fun of!! The parade was liked alot not only by the patrons but also by the citizens and the idea of making floats that interpreted humour and disatisfaction of the people came about in that year.

Nice Carnival, FRANCE Feb 13 - Mar 1 The first international carnival celebration in France and is the top winter event on the French Riviera.

February 14-24 ITALY Venice Carnival
Feb 15-25 SPAIN Sitges Carnival
Feb 19-25 GERMANY Cologne Carnival
Feb 21-25 GERMANY Dusseldorf Carnival
Feb 21-24 TALY Ivrea Carnival,
Feb 22-24 BELGIUM Binche Carnival

Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival -

2008-12-21T16:13:00.000-08:00

January 16-18, 2009 Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival, Carefree, AZ http://www.thunderbirdartists.com/ vendor application 10x10 space $410 Hours: 10am-5pmAdmission: $3Parking: FreeWhere: Downtown Carefree, Easy & Ho Hum Streets
View map and get directions from Google Maps

Carefree is nestled in the high Sonoran Desert five minutes from the Scottsdale border. Massive piles of granite boulders, sharp mountains and an abundance of desert growth surround the area and provide scenes that attract visitors from around the world. The town of Carefree also boasts the claim of the largest sundial in the western hemisphere. This wonderfully unique town provides the perfect backdrop for this celebration of fine art, great wine, live entertainment, gourmet food and much more

Thunderbird Artists has combined Arizona’s highest quality art event with the state’s largest wine tasting event for a magnificent weekend in downtown Carefree. This festival features renowned artists from throughout the United States and fine wines from around the world. All together, this event promises to be a weekend to forever remember.

The festival promises to accommodate every art lover’s passions with over 165 juried artists from throughout the United States and abroad displaying more than 5,000 pieces of original artwork. The festival also marks the return of Arizona's largest wine-tasting event, providing a unique opportunity to sample an extensive collection of domestic and imported wines. For $10, patrons will receive an engraved souvenir wine or beer glass with six tasting tickets; allowing patrons to come together and enjoy the unequaled atmosphere of fine art, wine, micro-brews and live musical entertainment.

This event, also considered “…a Collector’s Paradise” TM, will take place in downtown Carefree, at 101 Easy Street, near the corner of Easy and Ho Hum streets. Hours are 10am to 5pm each day. Admission is $3.00 and parking is free. Start the year off right with wine and art at the Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival!

34th Winter Fancy Foods Show

2008-12-21T09:08:00.000-08:00

January 18-20, 2009. Moscone Center, San Francisco vendor/exhibitor show info

With 50+ years of history, the Fancy Food Shows are North America's premier showcase for specialty, ethnic, natural and organic foods and beverages. Join us in San Francisco...taste new products, discover trends and get ideas that will differentiate your business and keep you competitive. Plus, you'll save time and money--all the products you need are under one roof!

North America's Premier Marketplace for Specialty FoodsThe National Association for the Specialty Food Trade’s Fancy Food Shows® are the premier marketplace for specialty foods…where retailers, restaurateurs, distributors and others discover innovative, new food and beverage products.

Recent Fancy Food Shows have attracted up to 24,000 attendees from every major food buying channel, influential members of the trade and consumer press and other related businesses.

These attendees come to see thousands of exhibitors from around the world; most are passionate entrepreneurs who created their recipes and started their companies. These trend-setting businesses showcase more than 250,000 innovative products at our annual Shows.

ORANGE COUNTY MARKETPLACE

2008-12-17T16:27:00.000-08:00

ORANGE COUNTY MARKETPLACE, 88 Fair Drive, Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa, California admission: $2.00. Children under age 12 are FREE. Shoppers Hotline: (949)723-6616. Vendor Hotline: (040) 723-6606. Website: http://www.ocmarketplace.com/ Forms/Vendor Applications

Thiss market draws more people annually than either Hollywood's Universal Studios or nearby Knott's Berry Farm. More than 1,000 vendors sell everything from luxury cars to$1 pairs of dice. There are about 100,000 shoppers on a good weekend. Call (714) 723-6616

The Orange County Market Place, America's most unique swap meet, is a celebration of food, fun, value and the entreprunerial spirit. With some two million visitors each year, the Orange County Market Place has grown to become the centerpiece of the Orange County outdoor shopping experience.

Also have an Artisan's and Crafter's corner. $35 per day for a 15x27. Check the website for more info.

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

2008-12-15T08:47:00.000-08:00

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair. Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, 2600 Geneva Avenue, San Francisco website

Four Weekends including the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 28, 29, 30, Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 2008; 11:00am - 7:00 pm General Admission: $22.00 Student/Senior/Military: $19.00 Children 5-11: $10.00 Children Under 5 are Free Groups of 15 or more: $17.00 ($15 for Senior Groups)

The bustling streets of London, immortalized for all time by the mighty pen of Charles Dickens, form the living backdrop of your excursion into Christmas Past. You are a living part of a Victorian Christmas card come to life!
A Bay Area tradition for 29 holiday seasons, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair returns to the San Francisco Cow Palace Exhibition Halls for four weekends , including the Friday after Thanksgiving in 2008, from Friday, November 28 through Saturday, December 21st from 11am 'til 7pm. Created in 1970 by Ron & Phyllis Patterson, the fair is now produced by Kevin & Leslie Patterson & Red Barn Productions, who continue the family tradition of theatrical excellence through authenticity, participation, and playfulness.

Come wander the lanes of Victorian London, as the glow of twilight settles upon the city. With the scent of pine boughs and freshly baked scones floating in the air and the sound of carolers and holiday merrymakers accompanying your stroll

Bell Rock Arts and Crafts Shows - Sedona, AZ

2008-12-15T06:57:00.000-08:00

December 20-21. Bell Rock Arts and Crafts Show. Presented by Donna Campbell.

Nestled in the cradle of some of the most beautiful scenery in the state of Arizona, the Village of Oak Creek is a growing community of upscale homes and clientele. Shows are held right in the village on Highway 179 at the Bell Rock Plaza.

Vendors: Application Website. Listed in Craftmasters. $100 for 10x10 space. I have been to Sedona many times and this is truly a beautiful place. Have not done this event though. The Red Rocks are so envigorating. Jeep tours are available along with many other activities.

Visit DandL CREATIONS for great buys on shell necklaces, etc. Reviews of shows that I have done and much more at STARVING VENDORS,......dave

2009 Houston International Boat, Sport and Travel Show

2008-12-15T06:36:00.000-08:00

The 2009 Houston International Boat, Sport & Travel Show, Reliant Center at Reliant Park, Houston, TX January 2 - 11, 2009 Website

One of the largest in the country with more than 1,000 luxury yachts, sailboats and powerboats and 450 exhibits, will open its doors, January 2-11 at Reliant Center.

The ten-day show, which annually attracts more than 150,000 visitors, also will present the latest in campers, RV accessories and services, travel trailers, and camping equipment. Many dealers at the show will offer pre-season savings and discounts.

Besides more than five football fields of boats and exhibits, those new to boating can visit the show's "Discover Boating Center" allows those new to boating to pick up valuable information on boater safety; tips on how to buy a boat, and more. Seminars on how to secure a captain's license; the how to's of wakeboarding and water sports; and the latest in fishing for Redfish and Bass also will be presented. Also at this year's show is the ever-popular Fish-O-Rama, which allows kids of all ages to try their hand at reeling in a prize catch. It's a great opportunity for all ages to experience the fun of fishing. Choose to catch and release, or keep the fish to take home!

Show Hours
Reliant Center at Reliant Park January 2 - 11, 2009 Friday January 2th 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
Saturday January 3th 10:00 AM-9:00 PM
Sunday January 4th 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Monday - Friday January 5th - 9th, 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday, January 10th 10:00AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday January 11th, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Vendors: listed in Craftmaster News. Need to call 713 526-6361 for info, fees, application, etc. 150,000 500 booths

Festivals in Philippines

2008-12-14T09:42:00.000-08:00

We have just completed a page on our website called Philippine Festivals which list by month, events and festivals in the Philippines. I think you will just love it. Check here before traveling back 'home'. Will be including all months of the year shortly.

Philippine Festivals - January 2009

2008-12-13T20:57:00.001-08:00

Here's a listing of festivals in the Philippines during the month of January 2009.

Feast of the Black Nazarene Date: January 9th Location: Quiapo, ManilaA grand Fiesta, this festival centers on the image of the Black Nazarene which was transported by galleon from Mexico to Manila in the 17th century. The festival is marked by an afternoon procession by thousands of devotees.

Ati-Atihan Date: January 16-22 Location: Kalibo, AklanOne of the most popular of the Philippine festivals, the Ati-atihan is a celebration in honor of the Sto. Niño. Revelers don colorful costumes and paint their bodies black and dance to the distictive beat of "Hala bira!" around the town.

Pasungay Date: Every 2nd Saturday of January Location: San Joaquin, IloiloA festival of bulls on the hillsides of San Joaquin. Prized bulls from the town and neighboring areas fight amidst wild cheering from spectators.

Sinulog Festival Date: Every third weekend of January Location: Cebu City, CebuThe Feast of the Sto. Niño is celebrated in Cebu with a procession, street dancing competition and a fluvial parade. Much like the Ati-atihan, the Sinulog Festival is marked by frenzied reverly to the chant of "Pit Senor!"

Dinagyang Date: Every fourth weekend of January Location: Iloilo City, IloiloSpectacle characterized by a frenetic stomping of feet and hypnotic drumbeating. It is a colorful whirl of thousands of people dressed in unique costumes dancing and chanting all day and night.

Zambulawan Date: Every third Sunday of January Location: Pagadian City, Zamboanga del SurThe founding of Pagadian City showcases the Subanon tribe's rich cultural heritage by way of songs, dances and exhibits of musical instruments.

Eco Holiday SF

2008-12-13T13:57:00.000-08:00

Eco Holiday San Francisco. Sunday, December 14th, 2008 The Galleria, SF Design Center101 Henry Adams St, SF 94103 (SOMA/Potrero) 11:11AM - 8:08PM
$5 admission / $3 if you ride a bicycle / Children under 12 FREE
Free Bio-Fuel Shuttle to/from Powell St BART / Union Square every hour

A Local Shopping Experience!
A glorious Eco-Mall set in a spectacular 4-story atrium
80 booths of Green Gifts ~ Fashion, Art, & More! See listings
Live Entertainment & DJs all day long
Support Locally-owned Sustainable Businesses. More info here

Starving Vendors Website

2008-12-11T04:13:00.000-08:00

We are constantly updating and improving The Starving Vendors website. Great source of information, especially for vendors. People think that selling products, Arts & Crafts as an easy occupation. Uh uh. No. Sometimes things go really great but a lot of times, some shows turn into nightmares....unwelcome trips to the twighlight zone. I have loads of reviews of shows that we have done over the past several years.

Do you ever go to a festival, etc., and see lots of people walking around enjoying themselves? But you really don't know what the vendors have to go through from the time they search out a show and send in an application until the time they close that door on the van, truck or whatever and drive away.

I have all kinds of information there....even pages about my favorite food, The Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich and much, much more. You have to see it to believe it. Awesome.

Antiques by the Bay, Inc. - Jan 4, 2009 - Alameda, CA

2008-12-10T15:14:00.000-08:00

Antiques by The Bay, Inc. Next show: June 4, 2009. The show is located on the main runway at Alameda Point - click here for directions vendor booth applications website

Over 800 outdoor dealers selling their merchandise on the first Sunday of every month at the former Alameda Point Naval Air Station in Alameda, California. Everything sold at our show must be at least twenty years old and there are no reproductions allowed. The Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire entered its fifth year as of September 2003. The show has grown in leaps and bounds, giving Northern California the largest antiques and collectibles faire ever. In 1998, the show started out with 250 booths and an attendance of about 3300 antique shoppers.

This year, we broke all of our records with 800 booths and a growing attendance that recently topped out at 10,000 customers. No pets are allowed as we are adjacent to a National Wildlife Refuge. We have grown in reputation as well as size. The Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire has been featured in Sunset Magazine, as well as Home and Garden Television's antiques show, "Flea Market Finds,"and attracts buyers from as far away as Japan.The Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire is co-produced by Betsy and Jerry Goldman and Allen Michaan and Sandra Michaan.

Jogs Gem and Jewelry Show

2008-12-09T19:04:00.000-08:00

JOGS GEM AND JEWELRY SHOW JAN 30-FEB 10, 2009
at Tucson Expo Center, 3750 E. Irvington Rd., Tucson, AZ

THE MOST IMPORTANT GEM AND JEWELRY EVENT OF THE YEAR
Online Registration is now OPEN

JOGS Gem and Jewelry Show is a lace where you will find the latest gem and jewelry trends, see newly discovered stones and learn about the hottest products on the market, find best bargains and deals of the year. The show is bursting with a mystockal energy and a festive atmosphere. Buyer list includes dertment storesm chin storesm wholesalers, cruise ships, museum stores and museums, galleries, gift shops and boutiques, retail stores, private collectors and even celebrities. Wholesale jewelry manufacturers, designers and internation gem dealers gather at the Tucson Expo Center, the site of the J.O.G.S. show every winter.

Visit http://www.jogsshow.com or call 1-877-GEM-SHOW for more information,

Trunk Show, Fashion and Art - Alameda

2008-12-09T18:17:00.000-08:00

Good Things Come in Small Packages-Designer Trunk Show, Fashion & Art Show

Saturday, Dec 13 12:00p to Sunday, Dec 14 12:00a

Designer Trunk Show, Fashion Show, Art Show~~~Starting at noon Dec 13th

at Autobody Fine Art 1517 Park St.Alameda, CA 94501(510) 865-2608

Fashion Show hosted by Autobody Fine Art. The Christmas art show and trunk sale runs from noon to 6 p.m.; fashion show begins at 7. Free to the public. Autobody Fine Art, 1517 Park St. (Info: 881-6974)

Events in Tyson Wells and Quartzsite

2008-12-09T16:44:00.000-08:00

Things To Do In Tyson Wells and Quartzsite 2009

November 1, 2008 to Feb 15 2009 - Prospectors Panorama 4 shows
January 1 - February 28, 2009 Desert Gardens - Annual International Gem & Mineral Show
January 2 - January 11, 2009 Tyson Wells Rock & Gem Show
January 10 - January 25, 2009 Main Event
January 16 - January 25, 2009 Tyson Wells Sell-A-Rama
January 17 - 25 . 2009 Sports, Vacation & RV Show
January 28 - February 1. 2009 Hobby Craft & Gem Show
January 21- 25 2009 Annual Pow Wow
January 30 - February 8, 2009 Tyson Wells Arts & Crafts
January 28 - February 8, 2009 Rock & Roll Car Show
February 27- March 1, 2009 Blue Grass Festival at Tyson Wells
February 28, 2009 Chili Cook-Off & State Salsa Championship

Marin County Antique Show

2008-12-09T14:24:00.000-08:00

Dec 13-14 Marin County Antique Show. Marin Center Exhibit Hall, 10 Avenue of the Flag, San Rafael, CA Admission: $6 Discount Coupon: $5 Hours: Saturday 10-6 Sunday 10-5 http://www.goldengateshows.com/index_files/DealerInfo.htm

Decorators and Designers: Come be inspired by yesteryear’s treasures in designing unique and eclectic environments. Re-animate the past in a tapestry of wonderful textures, colors and design.

Antique Collectors: Come and find rare treasures, meet other collectors and enjoy two exciting days of antique bliss! There’s an adventure in every booth: decorative and fine art, crystal, glassware, pottery, silver, estate and vintage jewelry, watches and clothes, paper & postcards, Asian art, antique dolls, collectibles & more.

Estate & Vintage Jewelry, Decorative and Fine Art, Silver, Glass, China and Pottery, Prints & Postcards, American Indian Art, Vintage Dolls, Porcelain & Glass Repair, Free Appraisals,
And Much More !

Glendale Chocolate Affair

2008-12-08T19:14:00.000-08:00

Glendale Chocolate Affair. Vendor Applications I was just looking through a number of event listings on a website and I noticed that vendors are forced to pay $60 for a 'background check fee.' They are charging $450.00 for an Arts and Crafts booth...at least they supply the booth, but that, my friends is pretty darn high, especially in this life and times.

Let's dwell on that $60 fee for a background check for a few seconds. I am certain that vendors will have to provide their SSN, Drivers License Number and probably some other material for them to run a trace on. Now, here ya go. We have somebody paying $475 for a 10x10 spot to sell their artwork, Do you think that somebody selling their lovely artwork at this show should be subjected to having a police check on them looking for warrants, etc. Do you really think these people are criminals. Only reason these people are not objecting is that they need to make money and moreso, enjoy displaying their artwork for people to see.

These individuals are being treated like criminals. A year ago, I (and several other vendors) had to shell out $25 for a 'police permit' which is the same thing and I felt that my rights were violated. Seriously, do they consider vendors to be criminals? That would piss me off if I was extorted like that for $60 in order to run a background check on me.

I know for darn sure this does not cost $60 and I find this to be a slap in the face of vendors. What are they doing.....feeding the person a nice steak dinner while that person sits at his computer and enters the person's name into some software. They do not have the right to force vendors to fork over the $60. Seems to me that the promoters of this event are the real criminals. I have nothing to do with this event, but I read about it and I am perturbed and I really frown over things like this. Vendors should voice their disapproval over this and demand their $60 money back. Sorry. Not right by any standards. Heck, these people could get away with charging vendors a $50 bathroom /porta pottie fee and get away with it.

California Gift Show - Los Angeles

2008-12-08T16:28:00.000-08:00

January 16-19, 2009. California Gift Show, Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA http://www.californiagiftshow.com/

Simply Handmade Collection: $18 per sq. ft. $1,080 for 6x10 + $150 corner. 440 spaces. Contemporary Handcrafted: $18-$19.50 per sq. ft. $1,900 for 10x10. Under 200 spaces. Kenita Hall World Style (International Handmade): $1,850 for 10x10. 700 spaces in World Style, categorized into furniture, museo gallery, jewelry and fashion/fiber sections. New exhibitors jury with slides/photos of product, photo of display. 17 product collections, 3,000 spaces, 24,000 attend. Emphasis on craft. DEADLINE: 10/1.

Contact: California Gift Show, DMG World Media, Charlie, (800)395-3901. 888 S. Figueroa, Ste 600, Los Angeles, CA 90017.

San Diego Gem Faire

2008-12-08T08:18:00.000-08:00

Dec 19-21. San Diego Gem Faire, Scottish Rite Event Center, 1895 Camino del Rio S., San Diego, CA Fri. 12noon-7pm Sat. 10am-7pm Sun. 10am-5pm General admission$5 weekend pass Children under 12 Free Wholesale Hours: Fri. 10am-11:30am

Gem Faire is a world renowned marketplace for the finest in gemstones, beads, jewelry, minerals, fossils, meteorites, lapidary equipment, metaphysical items and much more. Over the years, Gem Faire has produced over 40 shows a year, making it the largest gem & jewelry show circuit on the west coast. Gem Faire will bring together some of the world¿s finest jewelry designers, importers, manufacturers, beading instructors, gemstone miners & cutters, along with certified graduate gemologists.

Vendor info: Vendor application 10x10 space $895. www.gemfaire.com Listed in Craftmasters. Attn: 5,000

Desert Arts Festival

2008-12-08T07:56:00.000-08:00

Jan 24-25 Desert Arts Festival. 538 North Palm Canyon Drive, Frances Stevens Park, Palm Springs, CA Show hours: Sat/Sun 10-4PM.

Fine art festivals featuring exceptional artists and craftsmen offering high quality original artwork, from throughout the Western United States. Frances Stevens Park at Alejo in Palm Springs. 818-709-2907

Vendor info: Listed in Craftmasters. Promoter: West Coast Artists (818) 709-2907 vendor application Booth Fee: $185 plus 10% Jan show application Feb 14-16

Woodland Hills Arts and Crafts Fair

2008-12-08T07:32:00.000-08:00

Dec 13-14. Arts and Crafts Fair, Warner Park • Oxnard St. & Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA Sat/Sun 10-4PM. Website Vendor Application Att: 10,000. Booths 100

Over 100 Fine Artists Display Original Hand-Made Works in Ceramics, Glass, Mixed Media, Photography, Etchings, Jewelry, Paintings, Sculpture, and Water Color. Admission is Free! Food Vendors will provide a tasty menu selection! Bring the whole family and have a fun time at the 40th Annual Arts & Crafts Faire!

Vendor info: At least 50% of the artist’s work on display must be original. Only works representative of juried submissions may be displayed. Manufactured, imported or production-line works are not allowed. You have to describe how products were made. $275 single space, $440 double. Deadline was Nov 12. Think about it next year. Listed in Craftmasters.

2009 Quartz Hill Almond Blossom Festival

2008-12-07T19:33:00.000-08:00

Quartz Hill Almond Blossom Festival. Vendor application Website

It's that time of year when we start getting our applications for next year's festivals and I am pretty certain that all of us (previous participants) have receive their applications for the Quartz Hill Almond Blossom Festival in March 2009.

My wife and I had a very rough time this past March there and we pulled out of the event because we were so disgusted by the way Lee Barron treated us. He has no class and doesn't care about the way he treats vendors. We drove over 300 miles to get there and we refused to stay.

If you want to find out why and hear more about Lee Barron and the Quartz Hill Almond Blossom Festival please read what I had to say about it. My wife was in tears from what he had to say to her. Very humiliating. I spoke to other vendors that did that event and they did terribly. Some left after Saturday because their sales were so disgusting. I am glad we left without setting up. A very very bad show. Has carnival rides and that takes a lot of the money away from the vendors. If you want to listen to my two-cents worth (which is more than I made at this $($(% event) DO NOT DO THIS SHOW. You will not be satisfied. There are other events to do, so stay the heck away. If you are a returning vendor, you pretty know much what I am saying is true. If you are a new vendor who wishes to do this show....my word of advice (and my other vendor friends) is not to even think about it. Stay away. We have been doing events for over 15 years now and never have we been treated so disgustingly.

Fresno Hmong New Year Festival

2008-12-07T18:14:00.000-08:00

December 26-Jan 1. Fresno Hmong New Year Festival. Fresno Fair Grounds 1558 N 9th Street, Fresno CA 93703 Contact Info: (209)384-7384
http://www.hmongnewyear.us/

Vendor Applications: Vendors who wish to reserve a booth space may contact HINY immediately. Demands for booth spaces are extremely high. To reserve your favorable spot, contact us today.Please contact HINY at the following:1558 N. Ninth StreetFresno, CA 93703Ph: 559-487-1012Fax: 559-487-1015

This event is held at various cities in California, Wisconsin and Minnesota at various times late in the year.

Since the Hmong arrived in the United States in 1975, Hmong Year Celebration has become a part of American culture. Of all such events, the celebration in Fresno remains the largest of its kind.In order to prepare for the huge Hmong Celebration, Hmong International New Year, Inc. was selected by the community to organize this festive, cultural event.

Hmong International New Year is a non-profit organization founded to preserve Hmong cultural heritage, to promote collaboration and understanding among Hmong and other groups, and to build bridges with the world community.The spirit of community cooperation is reflected in how the New Year is organized and conducted. Since the beginning, the event has been organized and operated mainly by volunteers

KPFA Crafts and Music Fair

2008-12-07T15:22:00.000-08:00

Dec 13-14. KPFA Crafts and Music Fair, Concourse Exhibition Center in San Francisco.

The 38th Annual KPFA Crafts & Music Fair, the largest weekend holiday craft fair of its kind in Northern California, to be held December 13 & 14, 2008 at the Concourse Exhibition Center in San Francisco. Every year, more than 10,000 collectors, craft enthusiasts and holiday shoppers attend this signature event that features 220 craftsmakers and artists from throughout the country , a gourmet food pavilion and live performances by some of the area’s leading world musicians – all in a warm and spirited ambiance that reflects the Bay Area’s great diversity.

Website VENDORS: This event is listed in Craftmaster News and I would believe they are filled up. For informational purposes. booth fees range from $475-900 with 200 booths.

Kwanzaa Gift Show

2008-12-07T14:50:00.000-08:00

Kwanzaa Gift Show, Join us for 23rd Annual Holiday Kwanzaa and Christmas Gift Show, December 13th & 14th 2008, from 11am to 8pm at the Oakland Marriott Convention Center, located at 10th & Broadway in Oakland. Admission for the Gift Show is only $5 and children under 12 are free. Holiday Shopping is a fun time for individuals and families! It's a fabulous and profitable time for creative artist to market and sell their one of a kind specialty items to many jovial holiday shoppers.

It's also a season when community groups, organizations and corporations come out and support the annual Holiday Kwanzaa Gift Show. As Oakland's and the Bay Area's original African American Holiday Crafts Show, this grand event is in its 23rd year and is undoubtedly committed to sustaining and growing African American crafts exhibitors, small businesses, wholesome families and communities.

Kwanzaa is a unique, non-religious, African American celebration, celebrated from December 26 to January 1 with a focus on the traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. The celebration of Kwanzaa builds self-respect, unity and respect for those ancestors who worked and made a better life for all of us. Harambee (let's pull together) and let's make this event and all community affairs successful for the betterment of the people and our businesses. If you are interested in being apart of our event, please contact me at 510-534-1594 or email me at spam james@kwanzaagiftshow.com (remove the word spam before emailing for info)

NOTE: For Vendors, This event is listed in Craftmaster News. Booth fees are $575+ for 10x10, attendance 10,000. www.kwanzaagiftshow.com

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Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair

2008-12-07T14:30:00.000-08:00

Dec 13-14. Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair, Berkeley, CA. Also Dec 20-21 and 23-24.
More than 200 Artists offer 6 days of Bargain Shopping! 11AM-6PM. 94706
Janet Kleinrjrd20@hotmail.com (510) 234-1013
Yolanda Castillo yolandasbeadwork@hotmail.com (510) 220-8791
Vendors Info and Applications

Located between Dwight Way and Bancroft Way near the U.C. Campus in Berkeley CA.
Holiday shoppers to the Telegraph business district will be treated to an abundance of good cheer, great music, fine food, and unique and unusual handcrafts by some of Northern California's finest artists.

This fair offers the rare opportunity to buy fine art originals and inexpensive gift items in the same place. Shoppers can choose from a tremendous diversity of arts and crafts, including jewelry, beadwork, wirework, hats, candles, leather work, silk-screened and tie-dyed clothing, pottery, wood crafts, metal crafts, paintings, henna-art, gift boxes, photography and sculptures.
Festive lights, colorful decorations, and a friendly multicultural shoppingatmosphere complete the experience.

Yuma Lettuce Days 2009

2008-12-07T12:28:00.000-08:00

Yuma Lettuce Days January 23-25, 2009. 'The State's only festival featuring the "Winter Lettuce Capitol of the World". Produce, educational and Arizona grown displays. Come check us out ! You will be amazed at the commodities Yuma Arizona offers. Admission is free to the public. There will also be the Art & Craft Festival with entertainment on many different stages during the event. Bring the kids and participate in the games and get a look at all the farm equipment on display. Come see the Southwest's Longest Salad Bar and Free AG Tours! For more information call 928-782-5712. Website and application booth fee: $200 for a 10x10 space

Yuma Old Town Jubilee

2008-12-07T12:26:00.000-08:00

Old Town Jubilee, 2009. January 9-11. All three blocks of Main Street are filled with crafters, specialty foods, and strolling entertainment along with activities for the kids. For more information call 928-782-5712. website Application Booth Fees $200 for 10x10.

Merced Hmong New Year Festival

2008-12-06T19:20:00.000-08:00

Dec 19-22, 2008. Merced Hmong New Year Festival, Merced County Fairgrounds, 900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Merced CA Contact Info: (209)384-7384 http://www.hmongfestival.com/EventManager/em

The Hmong New Year celebration has existed thousands of years and in recent years has changed considerably. The heritage of this unique celebration was celebrated on the last day of the 12th Lunar Moon each year. Hmong ancestors celebrated this event in their native country of Laos through many traditional activities. More on history of the Hmong Related links: Hmong Americans

Author Notation: For more information on events, please visit Upcoming Events in our Starving Vendors Website. We have reviews of shows, etc. Check DandL CREATIONS for great buys on shell necklaces, cowrie chokers, wrap skirts and a lot more,

Santa's Helpers Art Craft and Gift Faire

2008-12-05T18:17:00.000-08:00

Dec 13-14. Santa's Helpers Art Craft and Gift Faire at Napa Valley Expo Chardonnay Hall, 575 Third St.Napa, CA 94559The 17th Annual Holiday Craft and Gift Fair on Saturday, December 13 from 10am to 5pm Sunday, December 14 from 11am to 4pm at the Napa Valley Expo Free parking and Admission.

Suisun City - Christmas at the Waterfront 2008

2008-12-03T10:22:00.000-08:00

Dec 6. Suisun City. Harbor Plaza Open Market. 2 PM to 8 PM at Main & Solano Streets. There are around 60 booths of vendors here and this show is combined with other events in the area with loads of activities for kids, adults. Caroling, Carriage Rides, Santa, Toy Drive, Bonfire (nice and warm), fireworks and a Lighted Boat Parade. If you wish to be a vendor, the listing is in Craftmasters. Or you may contact the promoter of the Market, Debbie Kiikvee, Phone#707 428-4970. Spaces are $75. This is a very nice community event and the people of Suisun come out for it. We were vendors for the past three years and will not be doing the event this year for health reasons. It can get a bit cool and quite windy during the latter part of the afternoon. If your booth is facing the wind, bring blankets.

Bass Lake Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony/Arts and Crafts Fair

2008-11-22T17:11:00.000-08:00

Nov 27-29 The Craft Fair, Bass Lake, CA 'Pines Village' Bass Lake Christmas Tree Lighting arts and crafts fair, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Friday and Sunday 9-5, and Saturday 9-9 because of the expected 5000 people coming for the parade and the tree lighting ceremony. This is a big deal up here in the mountains, and the locals really support this annual event. NOTE: A number of scenes from The Great Outdoors, with John Candy and Dan Akroyd were filmed at Dulcey's and other locations within Bass Lake