How do I become an exhibitor at the War Eagle Fair?

We get this question a lot.  Hopefully this post will provide a few helpful tips.

Becoming an exhibitor at the War Eagle Fair starts with submitting a screening application (click here to download).  The screening application is your chance to blow away our jury members with your unique, high quality, handmade items.  It's a basic introduction to you, with information on you, your craft, and your experience.

Once you have your screening application filled out, the next step is to select the pictures you wish to submit with your screening application.  We ask for four to six pictures.  Included among these pictures, we need to see your items.  Make sure to show us good pictures that reflect your item as positively as possible.  We also ask to see the process you go through to make your items.  The process pictures are an important part of the screening process but tend to be the most forgotten.  (It's important to include both process and finished product pictures with your screening application.  Without these, your screening application will be incomplete and cannot be reviewed by the jury.)  The third type of picture to be included should be one of your booth set up.  If you have never participated in any other show, just indicate that on your application.  We have had several exhibitors over the years who had never participated in any other shows prior to their acceptance to the War Eagle Fair. 

Now that you've filled out your screening application and selected your pictures, you'll need to mail your completed screening application along with your pictures to us at the mailing address indicated on the form.  Each year we receive numerous phone calls and emails asking about screening application status only to discover that the artist or crafter has submitted their screening application to the wrong address.  There is no application fee, so please do not send any form of payment with your screening application.  Please do not send your screening application via certified mail.  Items received by certified mail require a signature, and we frequently check our PO box after hours, so these creates a delay in processing your application.  You may include a sample of your item with your screening application.  Many people do this.  If you send a sample that you wish to have returned, include the return postage required.  Samples received without return postage will not be returned.

Once we have received your screening application, it will be reviewed by our jury.  The jury screens all applications and makes decisions on them throughout the year.  You will be notified once a decision has been made regarding your application.  You may select to receive your notification via email or via regular mail.  Screening application processing can take four to six weeks from the time we receive them. (Processing may take longer during the winter holidays, so please be patient with us.)

Each year, we receive far more applications than can be accommodated; however, we do have several new exhibitors each year.  These artists and crafters are among the best and most unique in their fields.  We are also very careful to keep our offerings proportional.  If you are ready to join us, get your screening application in early.  We look forward to seeing what you have to offer!