Artisan Vendor Information:
Discount available if you vend at multiple festivals
GO ART! invites artisans to apply for participation in the Erie Canal Artisan Festival.
Dates: August 28-30, 2026
Location: Holley Canal Park, Holley, NY along the historic Erie Canal in Orleans County
Application Deadline: June 20th, 2026
Jury Fee: $40 (non-refundable)
Vendor Fee (Upon Acceptance): $175 (for one 12′ x 12′ space; additional 12′ x 12′ spaces available for $100 each, corner surcharge $50)
Notification of Acceptance: June 30, 2026 or before
Full Vendor Fees Due: July 31, 2026
Spaces and Parking Regulations
- Setup and Parking: Vendors will have vehicle access to their spaces for unloading and loading during setup and tear-down times. However, not all spaces include adjacent parking for vehicles. Vendors will be allowed to set-up the day before, Friday, August 28th and have the option to be open for business Friday evening.
- Exhibit Requirements: Exhibitors are required to remain set up and present for the entire duration of the show. Exhibitors are responsible for providing their own tables, displays, and canopies.
- Security: While there may be periodic patrols of the grounds, the festival does not provide dedicated security. GO ART! and event organizers are not liable for any loss or damage to personal or business property.
- Facilities: Food vendors and public restroom facilities will be available on-site for the convenience of vendors and attendees.
- Overnight Stay: Overnight camping or staying on festival grounds is not permitted. A list of nearby campgrounds, hotels, and other accommodations will be shared with vendors upon acceptance.
- Vendor Support: A Hospitality Committee will be available to provide short-term booth coverage as needed. Specific details will be shared with participating vendors closer to the event.
Work Criteria and Restrictions
Eligibility:
- Each application may include only one individual artist or craft artisan.
- Partnerships between two artists are permitted if both contribute to creating the same finished product.
Originality:
- All items must be the exhibitor’s original work and handmade.
Prohibited Items:
- Items featuring copyrighted or trademarked characters, logos, or designs (e.g., NFL, Disney, Warner Brothers) are not allowed.
- Products that are mass-produced, imported, or created using kits, commercial molds, or patterns are prohibited.
- Bulk materials, arts and crafts supplies, and rubber stamps cannot be sold.
Specialty Items:
- Artificial or dried flowers must be arranged and cannot be sold as loose materials.
- Pre-packaged foods, soaps, oils, and candles may be included but must meet specific guidelines and receive prior approval.
- Screen-printed apparel is permitted only if the designs are original works by the exhibitor.
Material-Specific Guidelines:
- Ceramics must be designed, fired, and finished by the exhibitor.
- Hand-poured candles must be made without commercial molds.
- Items made with or derived from endangered species are not allowed.
Solicitation Restrictions:
- Solicitations, raffles, and games of chance are not permitted, in accordance with state regulations. Exhibitors may not conduct prize drawings or sell raffle tickets for their merchandise.
Compliance:
- GO ART! reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of all crafts and artwork displayed at the festival.
- Vendors who violate these guidelines may be asked to leave without refund and may not be invited to participate in future events.
Selection Process
The Erie Canal Artisan Festival will feature a curated selection of vendors through a jury process.
- The jury panel consists of experienced artists and craftspeople.
- Applications will be evaluated based on the quality of craftsmanship, originality, and suitability for the festival’s theme and audience.
- Applicants are encouraged to include supplemental images or descriptions that highlight their creative process and the unique aspects of their work.
Prizes
Each exhibitor may submit one item for judging for ‘Best of Show’.
- Winner will be awarded $100 cash prize, ribbon, and a free booth space for the next year.
To apply to be an artisan vendor click the link below:
Erie Canal Artisan Festival Artist Vendor Application
Erie Canal Artisan Festival Food Vendor Information:
Discount available if you vend at multiple festivals
Dates: August 28-30, 2026
Location: Holley, NY along the historic Erie Canal in Orleans County
Vendor Fee (Upon Acceptance): $500
Notification of Acceptance: July 31, 2026
Full Vendor Fees Due: August 14, 2026
Application Requirements & Important Information
- Health Permits:
- Vendors are subject to on-site health inspections at any time during the festival.
- Ensure all food preparation and handling meet health code standards.
- For questions or permit requirements, contact the Orleans County Health Department at (585) 589-3278.
- All vendors must obtain and display the required Health Department Permit. Contact the Orleans County Health Department at (585) 589-3278 for details.
- Booth and Truck Space: Standard booth space is 12′ x 12′. Food trucks up to 10′ wide by 24′ long are permitted. Larger trucks may require additional fees and must be pre-approved. Vendors are responsible for their own setup and equipment.
- Sales Tax: Vendors are responsible for collecting and reporting all applicable New York State and local sales taxes. Orleans County sales tax is 8%.
- Set-Up and Hours:
- Festival Hours:
- Friday, August 28: 5 PM – 9 PM
- Saturday, August 29: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday, September 28: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Set-Up: Begins Friday, August 28 from 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM, and then at 8 AM each day. Vendors must be fully set up by the start time and remain until closing.
- Weather Contingency: The Erie Canal Artisan Festival is a rain-or-shine event. Vendors are expected to come prepared for various weather conditions, including rain.
- No refunds will be issued due to weather-related cancellations or vendor no-shows.
- Vendors should ensure their setups are secure and able to withstand wind or rain, including properly weighted tents.
- Electricity Needs: The Village of Holley will be installing electric for the vendors to use. If more electricity is needed vendors will need to provide their own power source. Generators are permitted; however, they must meet the following requirements:
- Noise Level: Generators must operate at a noise level of 60 decibels (dB) or less to ensure minimal disruption to the festival experience.
- Safety: Generators must be in good working condition, securely placed, and operated in compliance with local safety regulations.
- Waste Management: The Erie Canal Artisan Festival will provide waste receptacles for customers and dumpsters for vendor use. Vendors are responsible for the following:
- General Waste: Vendors must ensure that their space is kept clean and all trash is disposed of in the provided dumpsters by the end of each festival day.
- Grease Disposal: Vendors handling grease or oil are required to properly dispose of these materials off-site, as festival dumpsters are not equipped to handle grease waste. Dumping grease or oil on festival grounds is strictly prohibited. Failure to comply may result in fines or disqualification from future events.
- Insurance Requirements: All food vendors are required to carry general liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. A copy of the insurance certificate must be submitted with the application.
- Certificate Holder: The certificate must list GO ART! as an additional insured party.
- Vendors who fail to provide proof of insurance by the deadline will not be permitted to participate.
Spaces and Parking Regulations
- Spaces Available: 12
- Setup and Parking: Vendors will have vehicle access to their spaces for unloading and loading during setup and tear-down times. However, not all spaces include adjacent parking for vehicles.
- Vendor Requirements: Vendors are required to remain set up and present for the entire duration of the days they are scheduled to participate.
- Security: While there may be periodic patrols of the grounds, the festival does not provide dedicated security. GO ART! and event organizers are not liable for any loss or damage to personal or business property.
- Facilities: Public restroom facilities will be available on-site for the convenience of vendors and attendees.
- Overnight Stay: Overnight camping or staying on festival grounds is not permitted. A list of nearby campgrounds, hotels, and other accommodations will be shared with vendors upon acceptance if requested.
To apply to be an food vendor click the link below: