Merchandise Venue/Vendor Criteria

Erin-Halfway Days is a living history festival for those who wish to experience what this area was like in the 19th and early 20th Centuries. It should allow families and people of all ages the opportunity to time travel, if only for one day, to celebrate our heritage through authentic re-enactments and events.

In keeping with this theme, all vendors and their helpers working at the park are asked to wear at least two period pieces of 19th Century or early 20th century inspired attire. Even simple hats, aprons or blouses will suffice (see below for inexpensive suggestion ideas). This will encourage visitors to do likewise, and help lend an authentic feel to the festivities. Vending booths/tents/handmade stands with tables are acceptable but trucks, vans or trailer will not be allowed. Coolers and other paraphernalia, which are necessary in some cases, should be out of site or covered if possible. Electrical hook-up is available in a limited area. We need to know this in your application.

The Erin-Halfway Days committee is NOT responsible for tents, chairs, tables, electrical cords, personal signage or setting up your facility. We will have maps of the area and you will be assigned an area the week prior to the event.

Vendors can begin their set-up at 7:00am on the day of the festival. You must complete your set-up by 9:30am. Vendors shall sell wares and foods appropriate to the 19th or early 20th Century era. Typical vendors welcomed at the park include crafters who can exhibit and demonstrate 19th Century crafts, such as basket weaving, broom making, spinning, weaving, quilting, tatting, lace making, knitting, blacksmithing, candle making, and woodworking. Please no modern “country kitchen” arts and crafts. Vendors are encouraged to send a complete description of items they wish to sell, or to submit photos showing their “wares” along with their application.

Likewise, all food vendors are encouraged to sell 19th Century foods, such as fruit and meat pies, ribs, roasted chicken, baked potatoes, biscuits, soups, cakes, cookies, candies, simple donuts, fruit, roasted chestnuts, peanuts, popcorn, and cotton candy, etc. Beverages include iced tea, lemonade, root beer and root beer floats, Vernors and Vernors Boston coolers, Coca-Cola and cola floats, spiced cider and coffee. All food vendors must submit menus and be pre-approved by the Committee.

If you know a vendor who may fit into our theme, please contact me with their name and numbers. We will welcome any vendor that does not compete with the vendors we already have contracted on or before

Suggested Costume Ideas

For Vendors

For obvious reasons, jeans, shorts and t-shirts are not acceptable. Let’s try to get in the proper mood for the festivities, and wear something with a Victorian air to it! The public will love it! Try these inexpensive suggestions, most of which can be found at Salvation Army stores.

For Men

Hats: bowler, straw or racing cap with snap-front brim
White button-front shirt with bowtie or string-tie (elastic “garters” on arms a plus)
Vest or suspenders
White bib apron (if working with food)
Dark trousers, or knickers

For Women

Women w/long hair: Put up in Gibson Girl style
Women w/short hair: Wear brimmed, straw or prairie-style hat or bonnet
High-necked Victorian blouse or square-necked Armistice blouse
White bib apron (if working with food) and mop cap
Peasant blouse
A plain blouse will work with a lacy scarf at the neck.
Long skirts, straight, gored or gathered (add bustle to straight skirts)

Other Suggested Vendors

Pantry Shop - distinctive marmalades and jellies, pastry, teas and more.
The China Shoppe - teatime porcelain, items, soap dishes, etc.
Somewhere In Thyme - Victorian accessories.
Decorative painter such as on china and wooden items
Enchanted Memories gift baskets (no plastic coverings)
Vintage Linens and crocheted articles
Crazy Quilts and Sewing Whimsies.
Candle Shop, candles and candle making supplies
Floral shop– dried flowers, Tussy Mussy, herbs and spices
General Store – new or used memorabilia
Garden shop – potted plants and garden supplies
Children’s Paper Crafts such as: kites, fans, hats, etc