How to Become a Vendor

Upper Canada Village is excited to welcome back its annual Horse Lovers' Weekend on September 3, 4 and 5, 2022. The event celebrates our special relationship with the noble Canadian Horse, first introduced to Canada in the 1600s (New France at the time). This well-attended three-day festival showcases riding, driving, and working horses with the help of our Village Interpreters and a variety of community partners.

New this year, we are thrilled to announce that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Musical Ride, one of Canada's most recognized icons, will be making a special appearance on Sunday September 4, performing intricate formations and drills set to music in the Village fairgrounds! The RCMP Musical Ride represents a colourful Canadian tradition; the troop of 29 horses and riders will perform a variety of cavalry drills choreographed to music. This event is sure to draw crowds from all over Eastern Ontario, Quebec, and beyond!

In fair-weather years, the event has seen over 7,000 visitors over the three-days it runs, but we anticipate an increase in visitors in 2022 with the presence of the RCMP Musical Ride.

This year, we are pleased to offer a vendor zone for enjoyment by guests who attend the event. We are accepting applications for vendors who fit the qualifications listed below.

Horse-related craft and food vendors will make up the Marketplace at the festival. As a vendor, it is important that your booth presents a cohesive 1860’s theme suited to the setting of Upper Canada Village: a) in the presentation of your merchandise and food offerings; b) in your booth decor; and c) in your booth staff’s attire. Craft vendors are also encouraged to demonstrate your craft when possible. Ten by twelve spaces (or multiples of), in the form of a sheltered drive-shed or wooden hut (provided by UCV), are available for vendors for $50. Electricity, tables and chairs are available as add-on options. 

More details can be found in the links below. 

August 5, 2022

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS:

All vendors must complete a Vendor Application Form no later than August 5, 2022.

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August 12, 2022

ACCEPTANCE & NOTIFICATION*:

Vendors will be notified of their acceptance once their completed application form is submitted and approved. Notification will be sent to the successful vendor applicants in the form of a Vendor Contract, to be signed and returned to Upper Canada Village.

*Not all vendor applicants are guaranteed a spot at the festival as there are limited spots available. Late applicants may or may not be accepted, based on approval and inventory of spaces still open by that time.

PAYMENT:

Your booth payment will be processed according to the method you indicate on your application form, once you have been approved. (Fees and details are on the application form).

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September 3, 4 & 5, 2022

ARRIVAL, SETUP, TEARDOWN, and DEPARTURE:

Vendors can setup each day from Saturday September 3, 2022, to Monday September 5, 2022, anytime between 7:00 a.m. & 9:00 a.m. and must be ready to open their booth by 9:30 a.m. Alternate arrangements may be possible if these will not work for you. Please note that no one will be able to set up (and all vehicles must be offsite) a half hour prior to opening of the Village to the public each morning at 9:30 a.m. No vehicles or trailers are allowed to stay on site. (NO EXCEPTIONS).

Vendors can choose to leave their booth set up for the full weekend at their own risk (there is security monitoring the Village 24/7). Or vendors can pack up their booths each evening after the Village closes (5:00 p.m.). Vehicles are allowed on-site after 5:15 p.m. each evening, but vendors must leave the premise by 6:00 p.m. each night.

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