Our Lady of Mercy School Christmas Boutique Friday, November 6, 2009 5:00pm – 9:00pm Saturday, November 7th, 2009 10:00am – 4:00pm
Crafter GuidelinesDescription of event: This is a fundraising event, which is open to Handcrafters and Artisans only. This having been said, there will be a separate, designated and clearly marked area where items will be sold for fundraising purposes (ie. wrapping paper, candles, school related items, baked goods, etc) All of the vendors selling these items are giving their proceeds directly to our school. Therefore, there may be some products in this area that are not hand-made. We will do our best to ensure that none of the items sold in this area will compete with any of the items made by our artisans.
Set-up - Doors will open for exhibitor set-up at 11:00am on Friday, November 6 (must be complete by 4:00pm) On Saturday, doors will open for vendors at 9:30a.m. This is a rain or shine event.
Cost: $140.00 for an approximately 9’6” x 9’6” ft. space for the two-day show. Due to the unique configuration of the school gym, we cannot guarantee exact measurements of crafter spaces. We will do our best to accommodate your needs. Tables can be supplied at a cost of $10 per table. Due to the number of crafters that we have, each with varying needs, we cannot guarantee anyone a specific spot but we will give priority to our returning crafters. We will also do our absolute best to accommodate everyone as best we can. Please check in upon arrival to be shown your designated space. We also ask that each crafter donate an item valued at $25 or more to be included in a raffle to benefit OLM. If a crafter application is rejected, the application fee will be returned; otherwise, fees are not refundable.
Publicity: Our Lady of Mercy School, a non-profit, private Catholic elementary school, will be placing notices about the boutique in The Hartford Courant, The New Haven Register, The Source, The Shore Line Times, as well as other weekly newspapers in the area, and on the local cable television stations. The boutique will be highly publicized within the school community and throughout local churches and merchants. Sandwich boards are placed at highly visible areas throughout the town. Flyers, posters and signs will also be placed strategically in the area.
Application process: Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis, as well as quality and diversity of products and the jury’s decisions are final. The deadline of all applications is October 1, 2009. All applications must include a detailed description of all products and photographs or a website where items can be viewed. If you display items at the boutique that were not listed on the application, we may ask you to remove them. Please write your name and address on the back of any photos and they will be returned to you.
Taxes: A State of Connecticut Sales and Use Tax Permit is required for participation in the boutique. Your number must be listed on the application. There will be no exceptions. Any crafter who does not have a tax ID number at the show will be asked to leave the premises. To obtain a tax ID number, contact the CT State Tax department. Crafters are responsible for collecting applicable sales tax.
Volunteer Staff: We will be happy to provide volunteers to help you set-up and to cover your table for bathroom breaks and a half-hour lunch break.
Miscellaneous: Crafters are responsible for covering their own tables with fabric that reaches the floor. Boxes holding extra inventory must be stored underneath tables. All crafters must remain until closing time. Special display needs, such as electricity, will be met on a first-come, first-served basis. Please indicate on the application if you need wall space. Our lighting is greatly improved, negating the need for table lamps etc. although you are welcome to bring them if desired. Food and beverages will be available for sale throughout both days of the boutique.
Directions: Take I-95 to exit 61. At the end of the ramp, take Route 79 South to Route 1(Boston Post Road). Turn right on Route 1; travel West through Madison for about 2 miles. Turn left onto Neck Road (Schoolhouse Deli is on the corner) and travel straight until you reach the entrance to the school on the left.
Questions: Please contact Liz Connelly (203) 245-8314 or lizconnelly@comcast.net
