Thank you for your interest in becoming a vendor at the Christmas in the Manger Christmas Market at the Saanich Fairground. We showcase local artists, makers and growers and the high level of quality handmade, home grown and upcycled goods they produce on Vancouver Island. We strive to provide a memorable family friendly holiday market in the heart of the Saanich Peninsula and look forward to seeing you there!
Vendor applications > Vendor applications (online and print) will be available on April 15.
Application and Product Approval Process > 2018, 2019 and 2022 vendors with previously juried and approved products: Your application will be reviewed, and you will be notified within 14 days of receipt of your completed application. OR > 2018, 2019 and 2022 vendors with new, not previously juried products and NEW vendors: Your application will be reviewed by our jury. Jury sessions are scheduled for the 15th of each month commencing May 15, 2023. You will be notified of the jury results, by email, within a week of the jury.
2023 Christmas in the Manger Details
Market Dates and Hours Saturday, November 26: 10am – 5pm Sunday, November 27: 10am – 5pm Market Set Up Friday, November 25: 4pm – 8pm Market Tear Down Sunday, November 27: 5pm – 7pm *Please note, tables will not shut down prior to 5pm on Sunday – there will be no exceptions to this rule Location: Saanich Fairground – 1528 Stellys Cross Road, Saanichton BC
Pricing Early Bird: $150 + 5% GST = $157.50 | Deadline June 14, 2023 Regular: $190 + 5% GST = $199.50 | June 15, 2023 – Deadline November 15, 2023 Please note, your application does not guarantee a spot in the market. All applicants will be advised of your application status via email. Once approved, the booth fee will be processed. Payment by Visa, Mastercard or E-Transfer is preferred however, cheques payable to the North and South Saanich Agricultural Society will also be accepted.
What you can expect > A venue in the heart of the agricultural community with plenty of space for shoppers and ample free parking. > A festive holiday atmosphere. > Food, entertainment, and family fun. > Advertising in print, radio and social media and a listing on our website; signage in a variety of locations throughout the Peninsula.
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS > Only products named in Application and approved by the jury will be sold at the Christmas in the Manger Christmas Market. > MADE BY HAND, HOMEGROWN, PRODUCED OR UPCYCLED by YOU. > All products are MADE, GROWN, PRODUCED OR UPCYCLED LOCALLY. > Vendors must have commercial general liability insurance for the Market weekend (Friday – Sunday). > You are required to comply will all required local, provincial, and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines. * Note: We are NOT accepting Multi-Level Marketing (MLM)/Direct Sales companies.
Commercial General Liability Insurance The North and South Saanich Agricultural Society requires that all vendors secure 3rd Party Liability Insurance in order to participate in this event. Although we will not recommend a specific provider, past vendors have recommended the following: DUUO:www.duuo.ca PAL:www.palcanada.com
Booth Space Agricultural Hall (Cedar Room, Juniper Room): 8 ft X 6 ft RCMP Barn: 10 ft X 10 ft
> We will do our best to accommodate specific location requests, but no booth assignment is guaranteed. Booths will be assigned in November. > The vendor is responsible for providing their own power bar and extension cord(s). > All booths must be tastefully decorated. > We do not provide backdrops. > Walls may not be used for display. > Tent frames (no side panels) can only be used in the RCMP Barn with the expressed permission of Saanich Fair. Please indicate clearly in your application if you would like permission to use a tent in the RCMP Barn. Approval of a tent will impact the location of your booth. > Freestanding shelves or racks must not exceed 6.5 feet in height and must fit within booth space. > No kettles, hot plates, heaters, or open flames are permitted. > Booths are for one vendor, maker, or grower only and may not be shared without approval of the Craft Fair Committee. > The vendor or representative must be in your booth for the duration of the market. You are required to have sufficient stock for both days. > Vendors will receive two (2) wristband passes per booth for the weekend. > Although building doors are locked at night, all property displayed and left overnight is at the exhibitor’s sole risk. The North and South Saanich Agricultural Society will NOT assume responsibility for the safety of exhibits against theft, robbery, fire, accidents, or other mishaps.
Cancellation Policy If Christmas in the Manger is cancelled by the North and South Saanich Agricultural Society due to local, provincial, or federal requirements, a full refund will be issued. If you choose to cancel, you must submit your notification of cancellation by email. If you cancel prior to 4pm on October 31, 2023 you will receive a 50% refund of the total fee. No refund will be provided for cancellations received after 4pm on October 31, 2023.
Permits and Insurance You are solely responsible for obtaining all permits, licences, insurance, and approvals necessary to sell your products at Christmas in the Manger. You will be required to provide this documentation upon request.
Information for Food and Beverage Vendors Food Vendors “Individuals wishing to prepare and sell food at public events are required to fill out an “Application to Operate a Temporary Food Service”. Once completed please submit the application to the local Health Protection & Environmental Services Office. Individuals wishing to sell lower risk food items at farmers’ markets and other temporary food markets, as well as Market Managers, should familiarize themselves with the Guidelines for Temporary Food Markets. Those wishing to sell higher risk food items at temporary food markets are required to complete an Application for Sale of Higher Risk Food at Temporary Food Markets and submit it to the local Health Protection & Environmental Services Office. (Applications must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the event date or market. Incomplete or late applications may not be processed.)”. Vineyard and Distillery Vendors All alcohol vendors must submit a market event to BC Registry: In Victoria: 1-250-952-7039 Toll Free: 1-888-544-0443.
Application Tips and Tricks > Complete your application in full prior to submission taking time clearly highlight what makes your product (s) unique. > Include only high-quality photos of out products. This will increase your chance of selection into the Christmas in the Manger craft fair and help sell your products.
