2024 Vendor Applications
Our 2024 applications will open from mid-May to early June of 2024.
If you’d like to be on the mailing list to be notified when applications are live, email office@balacranberryfestival.on.ca.
Please carefully read over the criteria for vendors below to see if you qualify.
We thank you for your interest in the Bala Cranberry Festival!
Criteria for vendors
It is the Bala Cranberry Festival’s goal to diversify the portfolio of artisans throughout all genres of products and focus on Muskoka & Canadian handmade goods.
Over the past 5 years, the festival has had a goal of focusing on key items that are Quality, Local, and Canadian. Each year we have been fine-tuning and getting stricter on the requirements on who is accepted.
Please note: The Bala Cranberry Festival is a Juried event. All applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria.
Your Product Is Designed & Made By and/or Supervised By You
With so many different types of artistic mediums available, there is no single definition of what “handmade” is, so each application will be considered according to its particular medium and evaluated case by case. With the evolutions of technologies that are changing the landscape of the crafting world, faster than ever before, artists are constantly exploring new things, evolving, and creating new techniques. The jurying process ensures that each artist lines up with the Bala Cranberry Festival’s vision for the overall event.
Re-sale of items that you purchased will not be permitted. There will also be a limited amount of imported handmade items.
You Live And Produce Your Work In Canada
The Bala Cranberry Festival also believes in promoting Canadian producers and handmade products. Not all of the materials involved in the creation of each product must be from Canada, however, what we want to ensure is that the design, production, and assembly are done in Canada.
The Business Is Small Scale
The Bala Cranberry Festival wants to promote the success of Handmade Makers. We have seen many businesses grow from their kitchen counter to large shops over decades of investment in these crafters. The size of the business will come under consideration when there are many applications for the same medium.
Your Incorporation Of Cranberries
As our festival celebrates the harvest of cranberries, customers seek products containing cranberries and gravitate to booth designs that include them. The incorporation of cranberries in your product(s), or use in décor will come under consideration when there are many applications for the same medium.
Each year, we award two “Best Booth Awards” and winners will receive $100 off their site fee for next year!
You Are Committed To Your Product
Vendors who showcase at the festival have a high level of craftsmanship. For the success of vendors, and customer experience, the Jury is looking for vendors who are ready to sell, get leads, and have all aspects of the business covered. This includes:
Product Brand: Vendors understand the value of branding and marketing. Customers are looking to connect with the product, with well-lit eye-catching booth displays, activity on social media channels, and representation in the artist & crafter community.
Craftsmanship: The jury will be looking for high quality and presentation of the work that you are selling. This means that the product is commercially viable, has appropriate price points, and is suitable for the consumer.
Customer Service: Customers seek engaging and welcoming vendors.
Items That Will Not Be Considered For The Festival:
Products that are assembled from a kit or made from low-quality parts
Heavily manufactured products
Subscription services
Imported clothing
Re-selling of products
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last possible day to provide the insurance?
The 2 days prior set up.
What is the exact name and address needed for additional insured?
Additional insured listing on the vendor insurance must include The Bala Cranberry Festival - PO BOX 72, Bala, ON, P0C 1A0 and The Township of Muskoka Lakes - PO BOX 129, 1 Bailey Street, Port Carling, ON, P0B 1J0 for the dates of October 18th-20th, 2024.
If you require a set-up longer than 1.5 hours or are setting up the evening prior (October 12th) you will need to be insured from October 17th-20th, 2024.
Can I have the same space as 2022 or 2023?
Unfortunately no, we can not accommodate this request at this time. The entire layout of vendors will be different and there are no guarantees for any space. Many factors will be taken into account such as lineups, hydro, water, social distancing, public health requirements, and flow of foot traffic.
Where will it be located?
With so much information changing, we are not finalizing any layouts until October. Based on the preferences you selected upon application and listed in your vendor contract, your spot will be given to you upon load-in.
Is there assigned vendor parking?
There is no designated vendor parking. After vendors are finished with their set-up and load-in, we ask that you drive off location and find parking available. You'll notice in-town parking lots on the festival map - one of these is a paid lot being staffed by the local community groups and the funds they collect will go to their program.
The lot off Mill St. at Muskoka Lumber is accessible parking only.
Roadside parking is a common practice however be sure to pay heed to No Parking signs, Driveways, and Emergency Routes. We do hate to see people towed.
What are the load-in details for set-up?
We will email all vendors a Google Form link to select timeslot preferences based on your unloading time a week before the festival. Once a timeslot has been allocated for you, we will email you your instructions for that time and the next steps.
Included will be an information package a week before the festival that outlines important information in regard to unloading, parking, garbage disposal, etc. All of the information you need before the big weekend will be included!Why do you see some vendors at the festival who do not meet all of these criteria? The vendors/exhibitors that you might have seen at prior festivals who might not fall into these criteria are in the event as they are either a sponsor, have been an exhibitor with the festival for over 10+ years, and have become a customer favorite, a not for profit, or are a Township of Muskoka Lakes Business. All new applicants must fall into these criteria, be a not-for-profit that directly impacts the local community, or be a Township of Muskoka Lakes Business to participate.
What is a ticketed vendor area and a non-ticketed vendor area?
The area around Maple Avenue which includes the indoor building is the ticketed area. This is where there is live music & entertainment. The non-ticketed areas are along Muskoka Road 169 in designated areas and would have all the foot traffic, as people head to or from the ticketed area. The non-ticketed area is a great place for new vendors to come and check out what the Cranberry Festival is for their first time.
Is the pricing for all 3 days?
Yes, the price is for all three days. There are no one or two-day rates.
I see hydro can be purchased outdoors, what about indoors?
Hydro is available indoors at no extra fee. There are a limited number of hydro spots, so if you require it make sure you select yes at the indoor hydro question.
HST #87623 6118 RT0001
Private Property Vendors
Update Aug 15, 2022: Private Property Vendors (PPV) are vendors who sell items in Bala that are not on Festival grounds or a permanent business in Bala.
If an individual property owner wishes to host vendors they will need to apply and obtain their own permit through the Township of Muskoka Lakes by September 30th, 2024 by contacting Robert Kennedy at RKennedy@muskokalakes.ca, and additional insurance will be required. It is strongly encouraged that property owners advise the festival if they were approved for a permit and follow the same criteria for vendors and times which are:
Event Details: Friday, October 18th until Sunday, October 20th.
Hours: Thursday late afternoon set up
Friday 7am-8:30 am set up
Friday 10am - 5pm Markets open
Saturday 9am - 6pm Markets open
Sunday 9am - 3pm Market open