The Festival
Sunday, July 30th, 2023 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Blueberry Festival is the major annual fundraising event for the Austerlitz Historical Society held at our Old Austerlitz site at 11550 Route 22, Austerlitz, NY 12017. The Festival includes entertainment, exhibits, demonstrations, pancake breakfast and other foods, tag sale, antique dealers, artists, artisans and crafters, specialty food vendors, outdoor sports and activities vendors, garden/nature related organizations and vendors, as well as displays from other area non-profits. Typically, 2,000 to 2,500 people attend this annual event.
Vendor Acceptance
As a historical society we are especially excited to welcome vendors with a historical flavor to their products and services. However, we also welcome vendors working in new areas. For example, we encourage contemporary artists to apply. The general rule is that products should be original creations by an individual or a company (we do make exceptions in some cases; for example, an outdoor sports equipment vendor may showcase archery or fishing equipment made by other companies). If you think your products or services would make a nice addition to the festival, we encourage you to send a description of your items and booth display along with several photos to Margaret Hover at [email protected] or call 518-392-0062. If your products/services are accepted, you will be sent an application along with payment information. The AHS reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to refuse any vendor.
American Artisans & Crafters Tent
This large tent (supplied by AHS) is reserved for specially curated artisans and crafters working in a historically traditional manner. This tent may include artists working in pottery, weaving, woodworking, etc. The tent is a favorite among our visitors. If you would like to apply for this tent, please let Margaret Hover know at [email protected] or call 518-392-0062.
Fees
The standard fee for a 10’ x 10’ space is $60.00. Vendors are responsible for their own tents, tables and chairs. For vendors selling sandwiches or meals the same sized space is $120.00.
The fee for vendors accepted into the American Artisans & Crafters tent is $125.00 for a 10’ x 10’ space and $250.00 for a 20’ x 10’ space.
The Festival is a Happy Place
Our visitors are a very diverse group and it has always been our goal to make the festival an enjoyable experience for all attendees. With that in mind, we do not permit items with political messages or any items that we may consider objectionable or offensive. Such decisions are made at the sole discretion of the AHS. We have rarely experienced this problem and hope that all vendors will work with us to keep the festival a happy place.
What if it rains?
The festival is held rain or shine. There have been years when we have experienced some rain. Knowing that most vendors and activities are under tents, people still attend—albeit with umbrellas. Should rain be in the forecast, we recommend that vendors bring along plastic sheeting to hang on the sides of their tents.
Set-up
Vendor booth-space assignments will be provided at check-in on the day of the show. Check-in begins at 6:30 am. All vehicles must be removed from the festival grounds by 8:30 am. Vehicles should be parked in designated vendor parking areas. It is best to drop off your booth items at or near your space, park your vehicle, and then set up your booth. We understand that some vendors prefer to set up the day before the festival, in such cases, arrangements may be made with Margaret Hover, Manager of Operations at 518-392-0062.
Take-Down
No vendor will be allowed to dismantle any portion of their exhibit prior to 3:00 pm. This is a discourtesy to those attending the festival and to your neighboring exhibitors. Should an emergency or special circumstance arise please contact staff. There have been instances when vendors have sold out and then wish to leave, please try to be prepared with enough stock to last for the length of the festival.
We are anticipating a wonderful Blueberry Festival 2023 and look forwarded to your participation!