Holiday Shindy

Known as one of the most spectacular handmade craft fairs in the region, the Holiday Shindy has boasted all sorts of artisans in the past decade, including woodworkers, toymakers, printers, jewelers, ceramicists, apothecaries, clothing designers, upcyclers, farmers and more!

When + Where: December 9th, 10am-4pm, in the Common Room at Zion Lutheran Church, Pittsfield MA

New this year: Pre-View Shopping from 9AM-10AM by reservation only (more to come!)

Who should apply to vend at Holiday Shindy?

While there are no requirements or particular aesthetic, this is a highly curated event. We do look for vendors who are committed to their craft and offer handmade, sustainably produced, unique and high-quality items. The range of wares, methods and sensibilities of our selections is key in the selection.

We’re looking for:

Makers who are engaged with their work and committed to their craftsmanship.
Artists, designers and makers who are distinctive with a cohesive product line.
Sustainable, eco conscious practices and methodology.
Vendors from Berkshire County and the surrounding areas.
Great branding, packaging, website, and social media accounts.
Handmade items that fit the season and geared towards the holidays.
Returning vendors: We LOVE our family of past vendors and do tend to give them preference if they meet the above criteria and this additional requirement: We hope to see development and evolution in your work—whether in a new line or new products, experimentation with different techniques and materials, expanded offerings, or some other demonstration of intent to offer fresh and exciting items to our many returning shoppers.

We do not allow:

Manufactured and Vintage goods:

We do not accept vendors selling manufactured goods (no Premier Jewelry, LuLaRoe, etc.), or vendors who sell items produced outside the US. We also do not accept vendors selling vintage items. However, using vintage materials to create new pieces—e.g. clothing made with vintage fabric, original artwork on repurposed wood, etc. is very welcome. Applications from these types of vendors will be turned down, vendors who bring these types of items will be asked to remove them from their display and/or leave the event. The Shindy is a carefully curated handmade shopping event. We require that all items are designed and/or made by you.

We want all of our vendors to do well at this event; therefore, if we feel that your work isn’t a good fit, you may not be accepted. We also reserve the right to turn down applications based on our goal of offering a diverse range of items. Space is limited, and we want to curate a diverse group of makers while avoiding saturating any categories. Please understand that our inability to accept your application is not necessarily a reflection on your work or talent. Declining your application this year does not mean you should not apply in the future. You may just need to expand your line, work on your packaging/display, wait for an opening within your category, etc.

Applications are competitive and we receive more applications than we have space for consistently.

If you think you share our vision and that your work meets these criteria, we encourage you to apply.

My work fits the above criteria…What else do I need to know?:

Applications close: September 30th.
Acceptances will be sent by October 22nd.
There is a non-refundable application fee of $15
Application fees are due at the time of submission. If accepted, we will inform you directly via email with further instructions regarding booth fee, registration etc.
If accepted, the following cancelation policy goes into effect:

Cancellation/Refund Policy:

75% fee, less deposit, before NOVEMBER 1.

50% fee, less deposit, before NOVEMBER 26.

25% fee, less deposit, November 27 - December 4.

Please have backup staff if possible to run your table in case of illness.
We require that all vendors commit to vending for the full hours of the show. (9am-4pm).
Booth layout, load in times, and parking directions will be emailed to you 1 week before the event.
All vendors must be set up by 8:45AM the day of the event, and must stay set up until closing time at 4PM, all vendors must be packed up by 6pm on the last day.

2023 FOOD VENDORS

We are looking for healthy, accessible and diverse, simple-to-eat prepared food options for lunch/snacks during the Shindy. There is limited space for food vendors.

You must have the proper permits and insurance in place to vend. Contact Lauren at holidayshindy@gmail.com for more info.

Questions? Please contact us at holidayshindy@gmail.com