Browsing these discussions I can see that most shows in the US seem to be outdoor shows, and so the benefit to getting a high-quality art fair tent is obvious. However, of all the shows I'm applying for here in Canada only one is an outdoor show. I've gotten accepted already so I need to source a tent right now.
The show is a 3 day show and I have to setup/take down each day (tent and propanel display). The E-Z Up tents look like an ideal solution, but I'm curious if bad weather does roll through what kind of mess I can get into with a cheaper tent.
If you were me would you still spring for the extra cost of a professional tent?
Replies
The Sam's Club EZ-Up (the more expensive one around $200USD or the King Canopy Goliath would be good choices. However, my suggestion would be to invest in a set of lower Sta-bars to reinforce the tent legs. Sam's Club has available extra weight bags, although the EZ-Up does come with them. The EZ-Up weight bags can hold 45-50 pounds of pea gravel, which I recommend over sand. The gravel is cheaper, less messy, and weighs more than the sand. The gravel also dries quicker than sand when wet.
The trick with the EZ-Up tents is to secure the top well so water does not pool in the corners. I have the EZ-Up and have never had problems beyond leaky seams. If I were buying another tent, I would probably get the King canopy with the hexagonal legs as it looks stronger than the EZ-Up. Flourish Co makes Sta-bar brackets to fit the hex shaped legs.
For one show, I wouldn't invest in a real expensive tent. But the worse that can happen is that you're responsible for the damage your tent causes, whether it's another person or another artist booth filled with artwork.
Can you rent a tent for the event, and if so, maybe it can stay up for the three days.
Larry Berman
I just looked into local tent rentals and the standard price for a 10'x10' canopy seems to be $150 so I think I'm probably best off to just buy something like an E-Z Up Canopy instead. My only real concern is if the tent were to get damaged by high winds and other nasty weather. Since I'm not leaving it up overnight I guess I'm probably safe in that regard.
That sounds like a rough show .... 3 days in a row of setting up and tearing down. I think I'd have to pass. JMHO
May I ask their reasoning for all the setting up and tearing down when you are on the same site each day?
Usually happens when the show is on a street that they don't have a permit to close overnight.
Larry Berman
I had thought about that but wasn't sure. It makes sense.
I like Larry's idea of trying to rent one. Especially if you can leave it up all 3 days.