Illinois Gourd Society Show September 17 & 18, 2011
Botanical Garden Vendor Regulations

Because no list of previous vendors is available, be sure to send in a new application for this year in order to have an area assigned to you. Booths will be assigned as application and fees are received.

There will be two areas for vendors:  Burnstein Hall (indoor) and Runnells Courtyard (outdoors, just outside the Hall).  The courtyard area has covered walkways and is locked after hours.  They are very dry even in the rain.  Vendors in this area will just have to cover their wares overnight.

Set-up:  Friday September 16 from 11 AM -6 PM.
More details about loading/unloading will be given later.  ID:  Two preprinted name badges will be given with each booth space rented.  These badges must be worn during weekend show hours.  The show will be open to the public 10 AM to 4:30 PM on Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18 but it is suggested you arrive by 9 AM.

Show Vendor Policy
All spaces will be 6’ wide x 6’long.  Those needing electricity please check the spot on the application.  We will try to accommodate all those needing electricity, but it is limited.

  • Booth locations will be assigned by the committee according to show layout.  Specific requests will be considered, but cannot be guaranteed.
  • Demonstrations in the booth are limited to the confines of the booth. Demonstrations mut be completed during show hours.
  • Manning the booth is the responsibility of the person applying for the booth space.  A vendor is responsible for staffing booth during show hours.  As a courtesy to neighboring vendors, no booth is to be left unattended during show hours.
  • One table and two chairs per space will be provided by the Chicago Botanical Gardens.  They will also supply table skirts which must be used to provide covering all the way to the floor on all exposed sides.  The botanical gardens will also have table covers available for us to use.
  • If you choose to use your own table cover, it must be in earth tones (tan, brown, green, white) or black.   The total display area cannot exceed 6’ x 6’.  If you want to make an “L” shape you will need to bring your own small table.
  • Each vendor is responsible for all Federal/Illinois taxes (forms/numbers can be obtained from the IL Dept of Revenue, Springfield, IL)
  • Merchandise must be at least ninety (90%) gourd and/or gourd related.
  • Committee reserves the right to reject and/or restrict vendors due to space constraints, condition and/or quality of sale merchandise, sale of inappropriate items for this show or sub-standard booth appearance.  All prices/signage must be typed.  Hand lettered signs will not be allowed without prior approval.
  • Sales begin after your booth is set up and continue through weekend show hours.
  • A small workroom with a sink is available for our use in Burnstein Hall. The table covers and some risers will be in there. This room is for storage of overstock items but is not large enough to store any containers or boxes used to transport the gourds.  Those must be kept under the tables or returned  to your car.
  • Tear Down:  Vendors may teardown after 4:30 PM Sunday.  Merchandise sell-out does NOT constitute a reason to dismantle your booth or remove merchandise prior to the designated tear down time.
  • Security:  /reasonable security will be provided for all show participants by the Illinois Gourd Society and the Chidago Botanical Gardens.
  • Refunds:  No refunds issued on cancellations received after Monday, July 30, 2011
  • Failure to comply with the regulations may prohibit any vendor from future participation in other Illinois shows.  Show committee decision is final.


    • link to Vendor  Application