It's not to early to start thinking about the 2019 Bluffton Arts and Crafts Show. The 2019 event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 11. The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce announces booth fees at a reduced rate, if you register early, says Paula Scott, chabmer CEO.

Here are the details:

GUIDELINES:
Please review the following updated guidelines for the 2019 festival.​ They are also available at explorebluffton.com/arts-crafts-festival.

WHO MAY PARTICIPATE:
Vendors with non-commercial artwork and crafts are invited to participate in this event. Mass-produced components should be limited and not sold separately.
You may send photos to help vendor coordinators determine if your artwork or crafts are appropriate for this event.

Direct sales: By chamber members only.

All merchandise shall be of a family-oriented nature. The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to refuse any merchandise deemed offensive or not suitable to our festival.​

This application is NOT for food vendors. Please email [email protected] for food truck and booth inquiries.
 
BOOTH FEES:
$40 each through April 21
$60 each April 22-May 3
$20 each for Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce members; deadline May 3
 
VENDOR AGREEMENT:
Application approval by the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce is required. Download and print Application and Guidelines or request electronic and print copies at (419) 369-2985 or [email protected].

Complete, sign and mail. You may also email the agreement to [email protected].
 
PAY BY MAIL: Make checks payable to / send to: Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 142, Bluffton OH 45817.​

PAY ONLINE Service fee by Eventbrite. Link provided after application is approved.

There is NO RAIN DATE or alternate facility provided. No refunds are given if the festival is canceled due to weather.
 
RULES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Vendors must have proof of liability insurance.

Securing a State of Ohio sales license/permit is entirely the responsibility of the vendor; a state vendor number must be listed on the event application and presented on the day of the festival. Learn more at bit.ly/2otvdxF.

Business must be conducted within the assigned booth.

Vendors must abide by and keep show times as stated. No late arrivals or early departures.

Vendors must supply their own currency to make change.

The vendor is responsible for collecting sales tax.

All booth equipment--tables, racks, chairs, canopies, etc.--must be supplied by the vendor.

LOCATION:
Booths will be set up on Main Street between Elm (Town Hall) and Franklin (Post Office).

BOOTHS:
All booths are15 feet across by 10 feet deep. There are approximately 85 booths available. Exhibitors may register for more than one booth, as needed.​

No electricity is available.

Notification of booth assignments will be sent after May 3.

Booths are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis when payment is received. If you have attended our show in the past and wish to return to the same space, register early! Fees are not refundable.

SET-UP AND PARKING:
Vendors may begin setting up at 6 a.m. on Saturday. All vehicles must be removed from the vendor area by 8:45 a.m. Parking for vendors will be in the public parking areas only. After unloading, you must move your vehicle to the designated areas. If you require special parking for a medical reason, please notify the chamber CEO by letter or email by Wednesday, May 7.​

STATE OF OHIO COMPLIANCE:
If the Ohio Department of Taxation requests a list of vendors at our event, we will send the department all vendor names, mailing addresses, vendor license number and type of goods sold within 10 days following our show.

Vendors who do not collect, file or pay sales tax on sales are subject to legal action. Only a vendor with a 501(c)(3) status may make sales up to six dates per year without collecting and submitting sales tax. If you have this status, please send us a copy of your form. If you need a vendor’s license, call your county auditor’s office or visit https://www.tax.ohio.gov/sales_and_use/registration.aspx.

Bluffton is in two counties. The show is in Allen County, Ohio, where the sales tax rate is 6.75 percent.

QUESTIONS?
Contact the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce at 419-369-2985; or email [email protected].

FIND US ONLINE: explorebluffton.com/arts-crafts-festival  AND ON FACEBOOK!