Festival Vendor Information
Booth & Vendor Information
Booth Information
Booth spaces are limited and tend to sell out. Early applications are recommended.
Booth details:
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Booth spaces are 10' x 10' on paved streets
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Location: Historic District, Occoquan, Virginia
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FREE satellite parking with shuttle for all vendors
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In-town parking is available for $75
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The jury fee for this festival is included
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Vendors are included in Vendor Directory in printed and digital Event Program as well as visitoccoquanva.com
Category Descriptions
Crafters/Artists Category: All work must be original, handmade, and created by the artist. No t-shirts, imported merchandise or any resale items are allowed in this category. Vendors acknowledge the handcrafted nature of their own products by completing this application. Early entrants’ artwork may be featured in promotional materials.
Direct Sales/Commercial: Direct Sales reps and independent designers with ethically sourced or lightly manufactured goods that fit into the show aesthetic should also submit in this category. Note: Commercial product vendors must have tangible products (not services) for sale at the event.
Town Business: This category is for those who operate a business within the Town of Occoquan’s corporate limits and have a current business license.
Food Truck Category: Submit in this category if you cook and serve food from a completely self-contained food truck.
Food Tent Category: Apply in this category if you want to cook and serve food for consumption on the premises. This category includes a $200 refundable clean-up fee, payable at the time of application. Note: This category does not include selling prepackaged foods that are not cooked and served on site for immediate consumption.)
Non-Profit Category: Non-profit organizations may be permitted to exhibit at no cost, but must first apply for booth space. A limited number of spaces will be offered to non-profit organizations and space is not necessarily guaranteed. No spaces will be allotted for political parties.
Junior Entrepreneurs: If applicable, young business owners may be considered for booth space in Conservation Alley in the spring or Imagination Alley in the fall at a reduced rate. Restrictions apply.
Application and Pricing
Registration Details
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Applicants are subject to the jury process on a first come, first served basis and considered regularly until the category is full.
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To be accepted into the Crafter/Artist category, all work must be original, handmade, and created by the artist. (Applicants acknowledge the handcrafted nature of their own products by completing the application.) Jury photos may be used in promotional materials.
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The screening panel makes its determination on the basis of the artist’s application and images.
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Jurying criteria includes artistic quality, uniqueness, and craftsmanship.
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Please allow 30 days for the selection process.
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Registration is not complete without submitted photos, full payment, and a signed application.
2023 Vendor Booth Rates
Vendor Booth Payment
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Payment for the space completes your application.
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Vendor fee is non-refundable unless the application is not accepted, or the event is cancelled due to conditions related to health and safety.
Pay by Check/Money Order:
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Checks will be deposited upon receipt, but this does not necessarily indicate acceptance into the market.
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Check/money order should be made out to "Town of Occoquan."
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A $35 fee will be charged each time a check is returned for insufficient funds.
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Mail payment to Town of Occoquan, P.O. Box 195, Occoquan, VA 22125.
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Pay in person at Occoquan Town Hall, 314 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA 22125.
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Checks will be accepted for payment up to two weeks before the event date. After that, credit card, cash, or cashier’s check are required.
Pay by Credit/Debit Card:
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Pay online when you fill out your application or call 703-491-1918 to pay via phone.
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A 3% non-refundable service fee is added, when paying via credit or debit card both online and via phone.
Checklist to Apply
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Submit 4 photos: 3 photos of your work, 1 photo of your display space. Photos are accepted electronically via the application.
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Images should accurately represent only the work that will be sold/displayed.
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Please note any specific requests that you may have on the application form. Requests are considered, but not guaranteed.
Logistics & Planning
Showtimes
The RiverFest & Craft Show will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Visitors will park at designated lots and will be transported by shuttle into Town to attend the show. Festivals take place RAIN OR SHINE.
Breakfast
Complimentary coffee and pastries will be served at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday and 8:00 a.m. on Sunday the Occoquan Town Hall, located at 314 Mill Street. We would love to see you there!
Restrooms and Breaks
A variety of food vendors and portable restrooms will be located throughout the event area for your convenience. Show volunteers are identifiable with designated t-shirts and will be available to assist you should you need to take a break. A booth sitter will watch your booth to prevent theft and inform customers you will return shortly; however, they will not conduct transactions on your behalf.
Security
The Town will provide overnight security to patrol the streets. You do not have to clear your site Saturday evening, but the Town is not responsible for securing individual tents or properties.
In the event of an emergency, please reference the following Evacuation Map for the festivals.
First Aid
A First Aid Station will be located near the church on the corner of Commerce and Washington Streets at the main entrance to the show. In case of emergency, call 9-1-1.
Event Staff
If you need to contact a show official prior to the start of the show, email jlittle@occoquanva.gov or call Julie Little, Events and Community Development Director, at (703) 491-2168.
Parking
Vendors may freely park at designated satellite lots and will be transported by shuttle into Town. Each vendor will be allocated a Vendor Shuttle Bus Pass for this purpose. The shuttle will begin at 7 a.m. and will end approximately 1 hour after the show ends.
Lodging
There are a number of AirBnbs in Occoquan. See their website for details on specific accommodations.
Area hotels
Festival Policies
Payment
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Registration is not complete without submitted photos, full payment, and a signed application.
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Pay fees at the time of submitting your application or or call Town Hall during business hours to give your credit information over the phone.
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If paying with check or money order, make payable to TOWN OF OCCOQUAN.
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Checks will be deposited immediately upon receipt. A deposited check/accepted funds does not guarantee placement. Booth fee payments will be returned to vendors not accepted into the show.
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A $35 fee will be charged each time a check is returned for insufficient funds.
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Checks will be accepted for payment up to two weeks before the event date. After that, credit card, cash, or cashier’s check are required.
Festival Policies
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Vendors may exhibit and sell only products that were represented and accepted by the selection panel.
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While vendors may cancel at any time, there are no refunds once a vendor has been accepted into the market unless the market is cancelled for reasons of health and safety.
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Vendors must participate and tables must be staffed for the full duration of the show.
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Each vendor may only sell one medium per booth space.
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This is an outdoor show that takes place rain or shine. Each vendor is responsible for their own display materials. Tents, tables, and chairs are not provided. Electricity is not available but quiet generators are accepted.
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All work and displays must stay within the vendor’s designated spot. No boxes, extra merchandise, or debris should be visible. The assigned area must be kept clean throughout the event and be left spotless afterwards.
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There is no smoking in tents allowed. No dogs but service animals.
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Vendors may not distribute material outside of their designated booth space or loudly solicit visitors into their exhibit space.
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Trash dumpsters, recycling and garbage cans are provided for vendor use. Vendors may not leave garbage on the ground or stacked near the booth space.
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It is recommended that vendors carry their own insurance policy to cover their actions. The Town of Occoquan is not responsible for loss or damage to exhibitors or vendors.
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Rude, obscene, or abusive language and/or threatening or actual physical restraint and/or abuse of another vendor, staff, or general public is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate removal and banishment from participation in future shows.
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The Events Director will have the final decision on acceptance and denials of applications, as well as placement and category of vendor booths.
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All local laws must be followed.