Advice 2008
For Exhibitors Accepted into the Sale
(Click here if you would like information about exhibiting.)

Please read all information carefully, even if you have exhibited in past years, as a number of items have changed.

HOURS: Friday, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, 10:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. The show goes on, rain or shine. Parliament Street is closed to traffic at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday for the parade and the mini-marathon, so we advise you to be in the park no later than 8:30 a.m.

HOURS: Friday, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, 10:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m., but you may pack up and leave anytime after 4:30 on Sunday if things are slow. The show goes on, rain or shine. Parliament St. is closed to traffic at 9:00 on Saturday through Sunday night but you can reach the park along Gerrard and north on Sumach.

PREPARATIONS: Bring whatever chairs, stands, shelves, and shelter you need. There are no walls or fencing to attach things to. A brief shower can be discouraging, so make sure to protect yourself from inclement weather. Tents can be rented from Kanopys Canada (905-849-3980) or Varsity Tents (416-410-7370). However, a sun canopy from Canadian Tire is all you really need.

ELECTRICITY: We encourage demonstrations but access to electricity is only at the north end (see map). If you must have electricity, contact Randy Brown at 416-926-0237 in the week prior to the sale to reserve a space nearby. There will be a $10 charge. Bring your own extension cords.

SPACES: We do not assign spaces: first come, first served, but we guarantee you a space whenever you arrive. Locations are marked every eleven feet along the walkways; you may extend back as far as you like.

SET-UP TIME: You may put your tent up anytime after 6:01 a.m. Friday morning. We will sweep the park Thursday night & Friday morning before 6:00 a.m. and remove any spaces staked earlier; anyone proven to have moved someone else’s stakes will have to pay $75 to the aggrieved party or be asked to leave. There are lots of good spaces and there should be no need to arrive earlier than 10:00 a.m.

REGISTRATION: Register your space and pick up your badges at the organizers tent after 11:00 a.m. Friday near the northwest corner of the park. You will receive tickets for free coffee and croissants for two on Saturday morning. Please remain in your chosen spot all weekend unless you make other arrangements through the organizers.

SECURITY: There is overnight security in the park both Friday and Saturday but your tent and goods are there at your own risk. Please report any incidents to the organizer’s tent.

PARKING: You have paid $10 for parking in the schoolyard next to the park on Saturday and Sunday. Note: parking is not available until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, so you may park around the park until 6:00 on Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, after unloading, please move your car to the schoolyard; vehicles, trailers and RVs may be left there overnight. Artists may not park around the park Saturday or Sunday. If you flout this rule, you will be asked to leave the sale immediately or else pay a $75 fine. We have been warned by Emergency Measures with the City of Toronto that traffic congestion around the park must be reduced, so this rule is for everyone’s benefit - parking around the park is for your customers.

ACCESS: No vehicles are allowed to drive into the park. You must carry your goods 10 to 30 metres but many spaces are close to the street. When unloading, do not block other vehicles and then leave your vehicle unattended. There will be a tow truck nearby to control this chronic problem. Officers are around to give a $60 ticket to anyone who parks on sidewalks, curbs, in front of hydrants, driveways or other cars.

AMENITIES: Food and drink, portable washrooms and a pay phone is available in the park. Riverdale Farm has many activities for children both Saturday and Sunday, so bring yours along. There is a free square dance Saturday night.

ACCOMODATION: The Toronto Film Festival is on the same weekend, so hotel rooms are scarce and prices are high, so book a room as soon as you are accepted. Best Western Primrose Hotel 977-8000; Days Inn 977-6655; and Ramada Hotel 977-4823 are clustered only a few blocks away. There are some B&Bs in Cabbagetown. Call Randy Brown at 416-926-0237 if you want inexpensive accommodation ($75 per night for two).

INQUIRIES: Inquiries are difficult to handle. Best time is between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m a.m at 416-926-0237 and Randy Brown will make one attempt to reply to you or your answering machine. Call back if you do not receive a reply. No refunds after July 1.