A family-friendly artisan Christmas craft fair in the country
Where: Saanich Fairground, 1528 Stellys Cross Road, Saanichton When: Saturday, November 26 and Sunday, November 27 Hours: 10 am – 5 pm each day General admission: $3 Lots of FREE parking! The North and South Saanich Agricultural Society is pleased to present the 2022 Christmas in the Manger Craft Fair at the Saanich Fairground on November 26 and 27, 2022, from 10 am to 5 pm daily. Once again, about 100 vendors will come together to showcase their artisan wares in this juried craft fair, offering you their handcrafted, homemade, and homegrown products in a festive holiday setting. You will discover fabulous finds to help fill your holiday shopping lists and stockings for the whole family. Don't forget to enter a free draw for hand-knit sweaters at the Gingerbread House.
Enjoy live music from two talented local musicians as you browse through the venues – Brad Prevedoros (Cedar Room) and Brandy Moore (RCMP Barn). CDs available for sale – offer the gift of music and support local musicians!
More than just a craft fair, Christmas in the Manger offer lots for families too. Santa and Mrs. Claus, fun food like Grilled Cheese, Mac & Cheese and hot chocolate, a Gingerbread House, and a farm animal display!
Take comfort in hot foods! Burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, chili, fries, soups, sweet treats, hot and cold beverages, and more. Look for the Sidney Lions Lunchbox in the Dogwood Room (Main Hall) and Mrs. Claus' Kitchen (Saanich Fair) in the RCMP Barn.
Enter FREE draws at the Gingerbread House (RCMP Barn) to win fabulous hand-knit sweaters, including this charming adult-child pair! And while you're there, look for special pickle decorations find a pickle, win a pickle!
VENDOR APPLICATION
The online vendor application is working again!
> Click HERE to access and complete the online vendor application > Click HERE to download the print version (pdf) of the vendor application form.
Notification: For 2018-2019 vendors with previously juried and approved products: Your application will be reviewed and you will be notified within 14 days of receipt of your application For new vendors, for Christmas in the Manger vendors prior to 2018, and 2018/2019 vendors with new products: Jury sessions will be held on May 15 and June 15 for Early Bird vendors. You will be notified within a week of those jury dates.
Don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of this beloved family friendly event in the heart of the Saanich Peninsula. Thank you for your interest in becoming a vendor for the Christmas in the Manger craft fair at the Saanich Fairgrounds. We showcase local artists, makers and growers and the high level of quality handmade goods they produce here on Vancouver Island, and we strive to provide a memorable shopping experience to the young and young at heart – and everyone in between! Before you complete your on-line vendor application, please take time to review the following carefully:
VENDOR INFORMATION
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
Location
Saanich Fairground – 1528 Stellys Cross Road, Saanichton BC
*Please note, tables will not shut down prior to 5pm on Sunday – there will be no exceptions to this rule.
Please ensure that you can provide sufficient product and personnel to cover your booth for the full market period. We want to guarantee that all paying guests can experience a full craft fair experience.
Pricing
Early Bird: $150 + 5% GST = $157.50 | Deadline May 21, 2022
Right on Time: $190 + 5% GST = $199.50 | Deadline July 31, 2022
Better Late than Never: $210 + 5% GST = $220.50 | November 1, 2022
A non-refundable deposit of $50 is required for eligible applications to be considered. Payment in full is due after your application has been approved and you have been notified. Your application does not guarantee a spot in the market. All applicants will receive email notification upon completion of the jurying process. Payment will be processed following approval. Payment by Visa, Mastercard or E-Transfer preferred. Payment can also be made by cheque (payable to the North and South Saanich Agricultural Society.
Jury Process
New Vendor: If you did not participate in the 2018 or 2019 Christmas in the Manger craft fair, your entry will be juried by a panel of experienced local artisans.
2018/2019 Vendor with New Items: While your application must include all types of items to be sold at your booth, only items added since the 2018 or 2019 Christmas in the Manger Craft Fair will be juried.
Jurying dates will be posted on the website.
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
1. Only products named in Application will be sold at the Christmas in the Manger craft fair. 2. All products sold are handmade, homegrown, produced or upcycled locally by you. 3. Vendors will sell only what is listed on their application, approved by the jury. 4. Vendors must have commercial general liability insurance for the Market weekend (Friday – Sunday). 5. 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.
IMPORTANT INSURANCE UPDATE
The North and South Saanich Agricultural Society has confirmed an affordable option for exhibitor insurance through Pal Insurance, a member of Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (CAFE). The online application can only be processed 6 months in advance, so if the insurance coverage is only for Christmas in the Manger, vendors can request a quote for exhibitor insurance starting on May 26. This is a 30-day policy and costs $70 per vendor. However, this coverage could also apply to other craft fairs held within the 30-day term for which vendors specify coverage; vendors could apply today and request the coverage for the month of November if you choose (you don't have to wait until May 26). Please note that the current recommended liability limit is $2 million dollars. The deadline for Early Bird registration remains May 21, 2022; you may need to provide proof of insurance after you have submitted an Early Bird application. Link to online application: www.palcanada.com. Under the PRODUCTS tab on the top menu, go to EVENT PARTICIPANTS, then to EXHIBITOR. Contact phone number: 1-800-661-1608.
Booth Space
Agricultural Hall (main building): 8 ft wide X 6 ft deep (does NOT accommodate a market tent RCMP Barn: 10 ft X 10ft
• We will do our best to accommodate specific location requests, but no booth assignment is guaranteed. Booths will be assigned after the Saanich Fair (Labour Day weekend). • We will provide tables and chair(s) and access to power upon request (see application). • 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. • Tents may not be used for booth display in the main hall due to space allocation and 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 for the weekend. • 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. Building doors are locked at night.
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, 2022 you will receive a 50% refund of the total fee. No refund will be provided for cancellations received after 4pm on October 31, 2022.
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.)”. For complete details, please visit the VIHA website: www.viha.ca
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.
Photography Tips
All vendors are required to submit product photos, even if they are not being juried. Your images are not only used for jury selection but may also be used to promote Christmas in the Manger. Here are some links to help you sell your crafts with good photography!
Each photo should be a minimum of 600 pixels in the smallest dimension and no more than 3 MB. Please rename your files before uploading so the file name is the same as your name or business name so we can easily link the image to you (for example, craftycrafter1.jpg). Accepted file types: jpg, png, jpeg, pdf.
For more information email craftfair@saanichfair.ca
