VENDOR CRITERIA

It is the Bala Cranberry Festival’s goal to diversify the portfolio of artisans throughout all genres of products and focus on Muskoka & Canadian handmade goods. The Bala Cranberry Festival is a Juried event and evaluated based on the following criteria:

Your Product Is Designed & Made By and/or Supervised By You:

With so many different types of artistic mediums available, there is no single definition of what “handmade” is, so each application will be considered according to its particular medium and evaluated case by case. With the evolutions of technologies changing the landscape of the crafting world, faster than ever before, artists are constantly exploring new things, evolving, and creating new techniques. The jurying process ensures that each artist lines up with the Bala Cranberry Festival’s vision for the overall event. Re-sale of items that you purchased will not be permitted. There will also be a limited amount of imported handmade items. 

You Live & Produce Your Work In Canada:

The Bala Cranberry Festival also believes in promoting Canadian producers and handmade products. Not all of the materials involved in the creation of each product must be Canadian-made, however, what we want to ensure is that the design and production are done in Canada.

The Business is Small Scale:

The Bala Cranberry Festival aims to promote the success of Handmade Makers. We have seen many businesses grow from their kitchen counter to large shops over decades. The size of the business will be considered when there are many applications for the same medium.

Your Incorporation of Cranberries:

As our festival celebrates the harvest of cranberries, customers seek products containing cranberries and gravitate to booth designs that include them. The incorporation of cranberries in your product(s), or used as décor will come under consideration when there are many applications for the same medium. 

You are Committed to Your Product:

Vendors who showcase at the festival have a high level of craftsmanship. For the success of vendors, and customer experience, the Jury is looking for vendors who are ready to sell, get leads, and have all aspects of the business covered. This includes:

• Product Brand: Vendors understand the value of branding and marketing. Customers are looking to connect with the product, with well-lit eye-catching booth displays, activity on social media channels, and representation in the artist & crafter community.
• Craftsmanship: The Jury will be looking for high quality and presentation of the work that you are selling. This means that the product is commercially viable, has appropriate price points, and is suitable for the consumer.
• Customer Service: Customers seek engaging and welcoming vendors. 

Items That Will Not Be Considered For The Festival:

• Products that are assembled from a kit or made from low quality parts
• Heavily manufactured products
• Subscription services
• Non tangible products