Juried Artisan - Essex VT - October

The Champlain Valley Craft Show is a juried indoor event produced by Castleberry Fairs & Festivals, featuring American-made handmade arts, crafts, and specialty foods. This long-running Vermont event attracts a loyal audience of shoppers who value quality craftsmanship and a thoughtfully curated show experience.

The Craft Show takes place alongside the Antique Expo, which is held in a connected building and independently operated by Champlain Valley Exposition.

Antique dealers interested in participating in the Antique Expo should contact:
Shawn Quinn
📧 SQuinn@cvexpo.org
📞 (802) 878-5545 ext. 27

Castleberry Fairs accepts applications for handmade artisans and specialty food producers only.

Exhibitors can expect:
• A professionally organized indoor event
• Strong regional promotion and advertising
• A carefully balanced mix of categories
• Clear communication and on-site management
• An engaged audience that appreciates handmade work

All applications are reviewed through our jury process to ensure overall quality and category balance.

We look forward to reviewing your work and welcoming you to the Champlain Valley Craft Show.

Exhibitor Notes

Overnight parking/dry camping and RV camping w/ power is limited - must preregister. 

• Event Hours: Fri. 10-5 / Sat. 10-5 / Sun. 10-4
• Setup: Thursday 2:00–7:00pm and Friday 6:00–9:00am
• This facility is a carry/dolly-in only - no driving into the building. 
  • There are several ground level doors available, but NO overhead doors will be open.
• Pipe & Drape: Provided - color blue.
  • 8-foot back drape
  • 3-foot side drapes (subject to availability of additional drape stock)

• Electricity: Basic electricity (110-volt/10 amp) is included with booth fee.

  • Exhibitors must supply their own grounded extension cord (3-prong). 

  • Exhibitors requiring more than 10 amps may upgrade electric for $150.

• Wi-Fi: WE CANNOT GUARANTEE CONNECTIVITY. 

  Please plan to process transactions using your own wireless carrier or hotspot device.

• Security: The building will be locked after set up, 7:00 PM Thursday, and at the close of each show day. Please be out of the building by 5:30 PM Friday and Saturday.

• Application Deposit: A $100 deposit is required and will be charged upon approval.
• Payment Timing: Balances will be charged on or after September 1, 2026. Applications submitted on or after this date will be charged the full booth amount upon approval.
• Insurance: A Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI) is required for exhibitors offering consumable goods (including food, candles, personal-care, aromatherapy, etc.).
• Local accommodations are expensive. Book your hotel or Airbnb early. Dry RV Parking is FREE - Must sign up in advance.

• Food & Amenities

  • Complimentary coffee & muffins will be available on Friday until 9:15 AM located in the lobby area of the main entrance.

  • Outside food and drink are NOT allowed inside the event during public open hours.

  • A variety of food vendors will be available on-site during open public hours.

• Specialty Food Requirements: No additional event-specific health permit is required.

  Specialty Food exhibitors must bring the following documentation to the event:

  Current health permits or licenses
  ServSafe certification
  Allergen Awareness certification
  Copies of product labels for all items being sold

• Vermont Sales Tax: Exhibitors must collect and remit Vermont Sales Tax. The statewide rate is 6%, plus a 1% Local Option Tax in Essex Junction, for a total of 7% on applicable sales. All exhibitors must register with the Vermont Department of Taxes and obtain a Vermont Tax ID Number prior to the event.
  For more informaton on VT Sales tax
  • See file: General Guidelines on Sales Tax: What is Taxable and Exempt 
  • Visit Vermont Department of Taxes: https://tax.vermont.gov/business/sales-and-use-tax

CASTLEBERRY FAIRS & FESTIVALS

2026 Exhibitor Terms, Rules & Regulations

Acceptance of Rules & Release Agreement

By submitting an application and participating in any 2026 Castleberry Fairs & Festivals event, I/we agree to the following:

1. To abide by all 2026 Castleberry Fairs & Festivals Rules and Regulations, as well as all venue-specific rules applicable to the event location.
2. To accept full responsibility for my/our conduct and the conduct of staff, helpers, and representatives.
3. To be responsible for all property brought onto the premises.
4. To hold Castleberry Fairs & Festivals, its producers (Christopher and Teresa Mullen), agents, employees, volunteers, and the owners of show sites harmless from any damages, losses, or injuries caused by unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to weather, theft, fire, or other Acts of God.
5. To acknowledge that in the event a show is canceled or show hours are changed due to weather or circumstances beyond our control, no refunds will be issued.
6. To permit the use of my/our business name, images, videos, descriptions, pricing, and likeness for promotional or informational purposes as outlined below. 

Media Release & Promotional Use

• By submitting an application and participating in any 2026 Castleberry Fairs & Festivals event, I/we irrevocably grant Castleberry Fairs & Festivals, its producers, agents, representatives, and assigns the unrestricted right to photograph, record, videotape, and otherwise capture my/our image, likeness, voice, booth, products, displays, and business identity.
• These materials may be used for promotional, advertising, marketing, educational, editorial, archival, and informational purposes, in any media now known or hereafter developed, worldwide, in perpetuity, without compensation or further consent.
• I/we waive any right to inspect or approve the finished materials and release Castleberry Fairs & Festivals from any claims, demands, or causes of action arising from the use of such materials.
• Failure to adhere to these regulations may result in removal from the event and exclusion from future Castleberry Fairs & Festivals events.

Overview

Castleberry Fairs & Festivals produces juried events celebrating unique, handmade arts, crafts, and specialty foods made in the USA. All exhibitors are expected to uphold the integrity, quality, and standards of our events by adhering to these guidelines.

We do not accept:
– Buy-sell or imported items
– Kits, “seconds,” clearance products
– Tumblers, sublimation on blanks, 3D-printed items
We do not allow:
– Sales reps, MLMs, commercial vendors
– Financial services, home improvement, or vacation marketing booths

Sublimation printing is permitted only if the design and imagery are created entirely by the exhibitor. Items featuring pre-manufactured designs, clip art, or third-party artwork are prohibited. Documentation from material suppliers may be required if questions arise.

General Requirements

• All items displayed and sold must be handmade by the exhibitor.
• No mass-produced, imported, or buy-and-sell items are permitted.
• Once accepted, no additional product lines may be added without prior written approval.
• Booth sharing is prohibited unless approved in writing.
• The Castleberry Jury reserves the right to remove work that does not meet event standards.
• Exhibitors must be present at their booth during all event hours.

Applications & Payment

• Applications must include clear, accurate images of work and booth display.
• A $100 deposit will be automatically processed upon approval.
• The remaining balance will be automatically processed no sooner tthan 45 days prior to the event date. Applications submitted on or after this date will be charged the full booth amount upon approval.
• All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• A $100 fee will be assessed for any returned checks.
• Castleberry Fairs & Festivals reserves the right to assign or reassign booth locations.

Specialty Food Applicants

Specialty food exhibitors must meet all state and local health regulations applicable to their products and point of sale.

• All specialty food items must be made by the seller.
• Products must be properly labeled and packaged in compliance with all applicable state and local regulations.
• Exhibitors are responsible for obtaining and maintaining all required licenses, permits, and certifications related to their products.
• A Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI) listing Castleberry Fairs & Festivals as Additional Insured is required.
• Castleberry Fairs will obtain the event food permit on behalf of accepted specialty food exhibitors. This permit does not replace individual exhibitor licensing or certification requirements.
• Exhibitors must be prepared to provide documentation upon request and have required paperwork available onsite during the event.

Liability & Insurance

• Exhibitors are responsible for their booth, merchandise, and belongings.
• Castleberry Fairs & Festivals is not responsible for loss, damage, or injury.
• Exhibitors selling consumable items (including food, candles, and personal care products) must provide proof of insurance.
• Castleberry Fairs & Festivals is not liable for damage caused by weather or Acts of God.

Booth Setup, Presentation & Equipment

• Exhibitors must provide their own tables, chairs, displays, and booth equipment.
• All tables must be covered to the floor on all sides. No visible boxes, back stock, or dollies.
• Booths must be professional, neat, safe, and staffed at all times.
• Interior booths are 10 feet deep. The additional 2 feet behind each booth contains electrical access and must remain clear at all times.
• Booth displays must remain within assigned space; no items may extend into aisles.
• Indoor exhibitors selling exclusively off the aisle must pull displays in by one foot on all aisle sides.
• All items must be clearly priced.
• Wi-Fi and cellular service are not guaranteed.
• Electrical cords must be heavy-duty, grounded, and safely covered.
• No attachments to walls, railings, signage, or venue structures are permitted.
• Vehicles must be moved to designated parking areas immediately after unloading. Vehicles left in unauthorized areas may be towed at the owner’s expense.
• Booths must be secured and covered during closed hours.
• Setup must be completed prior to event opening.
• Exhibitors not present 60 minutes prior to opening may forfeit their space without refund.
• Castleberry Fairs & Festivals reserves the right to open the show up to 30 minutes early.
• Absolutely no early breakdowns. Dollies are not permitted during public show hours.
• All booths and materials must be removed within four (4) hours of show closing on the final event day.
• Failure to comply may result in penalties, including late breakdown fees and exclusion from future events.

Trash Management

• Exhibitors are responsible for compacting and disposing of trash in designated dumpsters.
• Failure to leave the area clean will result in a $100 cleanup fee.

Conduct & Compliance

• No hawking or calling out to customers.
• Exhibitors are responsible for collecting and remitting all applicable taxes.
• Compliance with all venue rules, fire codes, and municipal regulations is required.
• Smoking and vaping are prohibited within event areas and near entrances.

Venue-Specific Terms

Champlain Valley Expositon – Essex Junction, VT

This event takes place at the Champlain Valley Exposition and is subject to all venue rules, Essex Junction Fire Department regulations, and Town of Essex requirements.

The following venue-specific requirements apply:

• Canopy covers are not permitted at this facility. Only open tent frames may be used where allowed, in accordance with fire and venue regulations.
• Exhibitor parking is located within the DUMPSTER GATE behind the facility. 
• Preregistered RV parking is permitted at this location.
  • Free dry parking available 
  • $30 per night for power and water hook up. Please park inside and against the gate located between the building and the public parking lot, for power and water hook up.
  • The Champlain Valley Exposition has given permission to access their dumping station. The dumping station is located through the parking lot. 

Food & Specialty Food Exhibitors

• Cooking devices must comply with all local fire codes, including size and placement restrictions.
• A fire extinguisher is required for each cooking device.
• Coolers, if used, are subject to inspection by venue staff or security.

Electrical, Internet & Utilities

• Basic electricity (110-volt/10 amp) is included with booth fee. This should be enough for basic lighting, a string of lights, a cash register, or phone charger.
  • Additional power options:
    Up to 1000 watts - $150.00 (MUST be pre-ordered). Access is limited to certain locations.
  • Exhibitors must supply their own grounded extension cord (3-prong).
• Castleberry Fairs & Festivals does not provide Wi-Fi.
  WE CANNOT GUARANTEE CONNECTIVITY. 
  Please plan to process transactions using your own wireless carrier or hotspot device.

Cancellation Policy

• All fees are non-refundable.
• Cancellations must be submitted in writing through Eventeny.
• Booth reservations are non-transferable.
• If you are unable to attend, you must notify Castleberry Fairs & Festivals as soon as possible by calling our office at 603-332-2616.

Weather Policy

• Events are held rain, snow, or shine.
• In extreme cases, show or setup hours may be adjusted due to weather.
• Exhibitors are responsible for securing their booths against weather conditions.
• Castleberry Fairs & Festivals is not responsible for weather-related damages.

Pets Policy

• Pets are not permitted at indoor events.
• Only service animals as defined by the ADA are permitted indoors. 

Final Acceptance

By submitting this application, I/we acknowledge that I/we have read, understand, and agree to all 2026 Castleberry Fairs & Festivals Terms, Rules, and Regulations.