Become a Vendor

Bracebridge Business Improvement Area Association (BIA) is pleased to extend this invitation for outside vendors to participate at our special events that we hold each year.

  

Downtown Events Include: 

  • Fire and Ice Festival

  • Canada Day Festivities

  • Midnight Madness Street Festival

  • Festival of the Lights Street Party

  • New - Downtown Art Crawl

Vendor Approval

  • If the BIA member declines the use of the space in front of their store, the BIA can use this space for an approved outside vendor.

  • BIA members that have a business within the festival area can NOT reserve space for an outside vendor. They must reserve for their own business only.

  • All other vendors must apply to the Bracebridge BIA to attend the festival and vendor’s fees will apply.

  • All vendors and organizations outside of the BIA must apply to the Bracebridge BIA and be approved in order to participate in a BIA event.

  • If approved, outside vendors will be required to pay your vendor’s fee immediately and will only be confirmed once payment is received. Confirmations will be done on a first come, first served basis.

  • Vendor approval will be based on the following criteria:

    • Type of product sold in relation to our Bricks and Mortar businesses within the BIA boundaries.

    • Current vendors already approved.   

Vendor Information

To ensure that everyone has an enjoyable event we ask that all participating vendors set up within the space that is assigned to them. Spaces have been assigned by the organizing committee and careful consideration has been given based on surrounding local businesses.  Please be courteous to other participants and the merchants of the Downtown throughout the event.

Time of Set Up

Event set up will be based on each event. However, it is generally 2 hours prior to the start of the event. The Bracebridge BIA will contact you one (1) week prior to the event to provide you with your exact location and final event details. 

Vendor Space

  • Vendor spaces are 10 ft x10 ft unless previously approved by the organizers.

  • Do not block driveways and if you do please make sure you can move your items quickly in case of an emergency. 

  • An emergency lane must be maintained at all times along the entire length of street. 

  • Please set up within your designated area to ensure this laneway is maintained.  Failure to keep enough space for an emergency vehicle will result in us asking you to adjust your set up.  


Tents/Tables/Chairs

  • Vendors are responsible for providing all items for their booth. This includes; tents, table, chairs unless previously arranged.  

  • Tents MUST be secured – Each vendor is responsible for securing their own tent with weights.  If you do not have an appropriate way to secure your tents, then you will be asked to take your tent down.  Cinderblocks/cement blocks, 18L water bottles and sand bags are a good option for weights.   

Vehicles

  • Vendors may drive their vehicles to their location to load and unload only.  

  • NO VEHICLES ARE PERMITTED ON THE STREET DURING THE EVENT (unless approved prior).  

  • Please ensure your merchandise is off the street before the street is reopened.  

  • When you are driving within the closed off event area please do not drive more than 5 km per hour and be aware of your surroundings at all time. 

Garbage

  • All Participants are responsible for removal of their own garbage and recyclables. 

  • All garbage and recyclables must be taken with each participant when they leave. 

  • You are not to use the municipal garbage receptacles located within the festival area. These receptacles are for visitors to the event only.

Electricity

  • Electricity is limited within the festival area and if required should be discussed and confirmed at the time of reserving your booth.

  • Approval must be obtained if you are bringing a generator. 

  • Using a Generator - Quiet generators are permitted (4-stroke)

  • All cords running across a public walkway (sidewalk) must be covered with mats and are the responsibility of the vendor.

Food Vendor

  • If you are a food vendor you must display your approved permit from the Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit clearly at your booth. Failure to do so will result in you losing your booth space

  • All food served must be approved in advance by the organizers.

  • Permits can be obtained by filling out a Special Event Form through Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit - www.simcoemuskokahealth.org and must be completed at least 15 days prior to the event. 

  • Vendors are not permitted to dump grease, grey water or ice onto the pavement or park areas. Any costs incurred by Downtown Bracebridge for clean-up of spilt items will be charged to the vendor. 

  • All food vendors are to provide a garbage can and recycle bins for use at your booth and all garbage created during the festival is to be taken with the vendor. 

  • All food vendors must have their liability insurance listing the Corporation of the Town of Bracebridge and The District Municipality of Muskoka as additional insured to be part of the event. A copy of your liability insurance must be sent to visit@downtownbracebridge.com once you are approved.

Event Hours

  • Vendors are expected to stay for the entire event.  

  • If you have arranged to leave early you must contact one of the organizers who can assist you with leaving the festival area safely.  

  • Leaving early without prior approval will result in not being asked back to future events. 

Parking for Vendors

  • Once you have unloaded and are ready to move your vehicle you have several options within the Downtown Core where you can park.

  • If you are located on the upper end of Manitoba Street we recommend that you use the Bracebridge Arena parking lot.

  • If you are located on the lower end of Manitoba street, you may utilize either the Train Station parking lot or the Woodchester Parking Lot during the event.

  • No vehicles can stay within the festival area without prior consent.

***Safety is our number one concern. Please ensure you are parking in designated areas and adhere to the No Parking signs in the festival area to ensure our police, fire and ambulance can move around the town.

Washrooms

  • Portable washrooms can be found within the festival area. A map will be provided prior to each event with the exact locations. 

  • Indoor washrooms are in several locations – this includes Bracebridge Memorial Arena, Bracebridge Library, Visitor’s Information Center. 

First Aid

The festival organizer will manage any first aid requirements as well as any issues involving children being separated from their parents. If an issue arises you are to contact the festival organizer asap. 

Smoking, Vaping & Marijuana

  • Due to the new no smoking laws in Ontario all of our events are non-smoking. We are asking that all vendors adhere to this law.  The use of tobacco, marijuana or vaping products within the festival area is strictly prohibited. If you wish to smoke, please exit the festival area.

Festival Operations

  • The Bracebridge BIA is not responsible for loss or damage to your property 

  • Each vendor shall take necessary precautions to protect their valuables.

 Festival Organizer

Tracy Larkman
Phone: (705)646.5590
Email: Visit@downtownbracebridge.com