General FAQs
What's it all about?
The Augusta Handmade Fair is a semi-annual fundraiser held by Redemption Church to benefit Sojourn Church in Kampala, Uganda. The event is focused on showcasing local creatives. The juried event showcases an array of mediums that include, art, soaps, jewelry, pottery, clothing, paper goods, accessories, knits, photography, home decor, and so much more! Aside from the exciting shopping, we offer a fun and relaxed vibe, giveaways, local treats, and an all around good time.
Where is it located? Where can I park?
We are located in beautiful Downtown Augusta. The event is primarily in the Doris Building but our wonderful neighbors at Tip Top Taps, The JB Whites Building, and New Moon Cafe allow us to spill over into their areas. The address is 930 Broad Street Augusta, GA. Parking downtown on a Friday night can be a little tricky but usually if you circle a couple times you can find a space within a very short walking distance.
When is it?
The Augusta Handmade Fair is held the First Saturdays in May & November from 12-4pm. In November the event is also held on First Friday from 5-9pm. We also host mini markets at various times during the year in collaboration with Back Deck Booking. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram so you don't miss any events!
What can I expect to see?
At Augusta Handmade Fair, you'll find regionally handcrafted goods in the following categories: Local Art, Bath & Body, Accessories & Apparel, Food & Beverages, Gifts, & Home Decor.
Will there be food?
Yes, so come hungry! We will have local food vendors to provide entrees, snacks, desserts, coffee, etc.
Can I volunteer?
Yes, we love our community volunteers. You can sign up to be an Augusta Handmade Fair volunteer here. If you sign up at least two weeks prior to the event you will get a cool AHF tshirt printed by our awesome sponsor Mod Ink!
What else is there to do downtown?
See here for other downtown events going on during our event. We encourage you to check out all the our city center has to offer.
Is there a cost to attend?
No, the event is free to attend. All vendor fees benefit Sojourn Church in Kampala, Uganda. If you would like to make a donation you can donate here or bring cash to donate at during the event at the event information desk.
Is the event wheelchair accessible?
Yes.
Is the event kid-friendly? What about pets?
We love seeing children at our event and strongly support exposure to a variety of art forms at a young age. However, keep them close to you at all times. There will be large crowds and many of our vendors will have breakable items on display. Strollers are allowed, but please be considerate to not block walkways. Working service dogs are welcome as required by law.
What is the code of conduct?
The Augusta Handmade Fair works very hard to provide a fun, clean, and safe atmosphere to enjoy and support handmade goods & local art. However, we do rely on the participation of our attendees to create a pleasant experience for everyone involved. The code of conduct can be view here. Those in violation may be asked to leave by security.
Can I take photos or video?
You are welcome to document our event. In fact we’d love to see your photos on social media using #augustahandmadefair. If you post photos of your AHF purchases and use the #AHFtagyourswag you will be entered to win an amazing prize package. Please be considerate of artists & their work and ask before you shoot. Also note, The Augusta Handmade Fair will have official photography / videography at the event. By attending the festival you agree to be photographed or videoed for promotional purposes.
Artist & Maker FAQs
How can I apply?
Our Call for Vendors usually goes out 3 months prior to the event. To be alerted when applications open, join our mailing list and follow us on social media.
Our Fall 2023 Event is Full. Vendor Call for Spring will go out in late January.
What is the deadline to apply?
The Deadline to apply is typically about 2 1/2 months prior to the event. To be alerted of the exact dates please join our mailing list and follow us on social media.
When will I be notified I was selected?
Selected vendors are typically notified about 2 months prior to the event.
If I was not selected is there still a chance I could be picked?
We always have more applicants than we have room for so we compile a waiting list in case those initially selected are not able to participate. Not being selected should not diminish your art and hard work and we regret that we cannot make space for all that apply.
Who can participate?
Anyone who makes or designs art or handmade goods is encouraged to apply. The Augusta Handmade Fair focuses on artisan handmade items. Third-party wares are wonderful, but are not what our event is promoting and are discouraged. Our jury will review all applications and select the most fitting for the feel of the event. If you apply and are not selected please do not be discouraged from applying again.
What are you looking for in an application?
We're looking for high quality handmade goods and fine art. When you submit your application, you will be asked to include a brief description of your work and 5 photos. Make sure the photos are well lit and a good representation of what you will be selling at the event.
The jury reviews all applications collectively and chooses the best submissions for the event. Work is judged according to its originality & uniqueness.
TIP: Make sure your photos are well lit and on a neutral background if possible.
How much does it cost to be a vendor?
There are several booth options at the Augusta Handmade Fair - a junior maker 3x3 for $25 (must be 18 or under), a small booth space (approx 6ft wide) for $50, a medium booth space (approx 8ft wide) for $60. a 10x10 tent booth for $75 (tent is not provided), and a large booth (approx 12ft wide) for $80. 100% of vendor fees benefit The Redemption Church Missions Fund. This fund benefits Sojourn Uganda, Envison Atlanta, etc.
Can I share a booth with another maker?
Yes, but only if you initially apply together and are accepted to be in event as a team.
What is the cancellation policy?
Since 100% of vendor fees benefit the Redemption Church Missions Fund no refunds will be given for cancelled booths. We apologize for any inconvenience.
*If the event is cancelled refunds will be made minus the small PayPal transaction fees
I design my own products, but don't make everything by hand. Can I still apply?
The Augusta Handmade Fair strives to showcase and promote handmade goods. But we realize that artists, designers, and makers often have businesses that have grown beyond a single person’s capacity to produce everything themselves. It is not our intention to penalize small business growth. Therefore, we require that the ideas, prototypes, brand direction, etc., of an Augusta Handmade Fair vendor be original to them.
Vendor Event FAQs
What are some times I need to be aware of?
Saturday Vendors: Booth set up begins at 10 a.m. The event begins at 12pm and ends at 4pm. Vendors must be gone by 5pm.
Friday Vendors (Fall Event Only): Booth set up begins at 3 p.m. The event begins at 5 pm and ends at 9 pm. Vendors must be gone by 10pm.
Where and when do I check in?
Saturday Vendors: Check in is from 10am – 11:30 pm, at our Event Info Booth in the JB Whites Building, 936 Broad Street.
Friday Vendors (Fall Event Only): Check in is from 3 – 4:30 pm, at our Event Info Booth in the JB Whites Building, 936 Broad Street.
We recommend checking in before you begin to load in.
Where do I unload?
If you are a vendor in the Doris Building, you may either load in through our front doors at 930 Broad or from our back door at 915 Ellis St. Look for an iron gate with a vendor load in sign. There is much less traffic on Ellis Street, so this is recommended.
If you are a vendor in the J. B. White’s Building, you may either load in through our front doors at 936 Broad or from our back door at 916 Ellis St. Look for the rear White’s building address with a vendor load in sign. There is much less traffic on Ellis Street, so this is recommended.
Both buildings are connected and shoppers will be directed to shop in a full circle with our event scavenger hunt map.
Any special load-in instructions?
Please bring a cart/hand truck/etc. to carry in your items. We have a few volunteers and carts, but your load in will go more smoothly if you are prepared.
What should I bring?
Your table/display, your products, a cart/hand truck, a business sign or banner (if you have one).
Will I need to collect sales tax?
Yes, You will need to personally collect and remit any applicable sales tax.
What if I need help at the event?
Look for one of our volunteers wearing an Augusta Handmade Fair tshirt.
Is there WiFi available?
Yes, you can ask for the password during check in.
Anything else I need to be aware of?
Chairs are provided but tables are not. Vendors are responsible for providing their own table, set up, and the security of products. Vendors will be responsible for taking payments for sold items. Vendors are responsible for all trash clean-up in their area before and after the event. Two-day indoor Doris Building vendors will be able to leave items overnight but Items will be left at your own risk. The Augusta Handmade Fair is not responsible for lost of stolen items.
If you have a question that was not answered above, please email us.