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SOAPMAKING101 CO-OPS/FAST BUYS Cold Process
ADDITIVES CRAFT SHOWS |
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Here in Delaware County, PA we have had some strange weather and this can make for a difficult show when you are dealing with canopies. So I thought now would be a good time to talk about weights and such. I am a firm believer in weighting and tying down your canopy. I have seen to many take off! Weighting systems can be very easy. Here are some examples of the types I have seen: * Big 5 gallon plastic water jugs (these are the type you take camping with you, and can be found in camping supply stores. These can be brought to the show filled and emptied before packing up) * Husband's 25# weight lifting weights (I used these when I started out. The whole in the middle makes it easy to attach, but always tie it around to the pole so it doesn't swing) * PVC pipes in various thickness and lengths (This is what I use now. 3" pvc in 3' lengths filled with concrete and a huge eye hook on the top for attaching to the canopy. Again make sure you tie this around to the pole. I have seen this made in smaller widths and made like pillars.) * Buckets filled with concrete ( a whole in the middle of the concrete allows the leg of the canopy to rest inside the bucket. As you can see these systems are easy to make. They are a must for any outdoor show, even if it is a one day show. NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ATTACH YOUR DISPLAY TO THE CANOPY!!!! I have seen this done and also watched a gust of wind took out a potter's entire booth. The canopy went over and so did the display. Even if you weight your canopy down and stake it, weight the display itself. Display weights can be sand bags just placed over the legs of the tables, just for added support. Always attach the weights so they touch the ground. So now you have made your weights, what can you use to
attach it to the canopy? Many people use bungee cords and some
use suitcase straps. (these can be found at PEP Boys and car supply
depts.) Either will work as long as one is going form the weight
to the top of the canopy and one is tie it around the canopy leg and
it is touching the ground. You can also add to this by using
suit case straps and a dog leash grounder. (these are things you screw
into the ground so the doggy stays put) If on dirt you can add 2 or 3
to the sides and back; screw the doggy grounders in the ground
outside the canopy around the middle of the wall side. If you
have extra room on the outsides place it at least a ft. away. Now
attach the suitcase strap to the The point is, a little work with your weights will make a more pleasurable show. How? It's a lot of extra work? Let me tell you a little story, Ocean City NJ, 5 years ago. Three day show, a lot of EZ-Ups. All but about 5/6 crafters tied down. A big storm hit Sat. night, bad winds and hard rain. They were picking up their displays and inventory for blocks. The rest of us, shook the rain off the canopies, and opened for business. One last tip; if you know winds are coming that night, take the legs down to half their height, this will create less drag on the top. We all know that craft shows are hard work, but don't add to the stress, wondering if the canopy we still be there the next morning! Once you have your system in place and have used it a couple times, you will find it only takes a couple minutes for a whole weekend of peace of mind. Carol Kapochus |
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