CALL FOR ARTISTS: THE BEST OF MISSOURI LIFE MARKET FAIR

Call for Missouri Artists, Makers, & Food & Drink Producers for Missouri Life Market Fair, September 3–4, 2021!

Deadline for applications is July 14, 2021, (first come-first served for indoor spaces.)

Missouri Life magazine invites you to participate in our Missouri Life Market Fair September 3–4 in the West Bottoms area of Kansas City, which is experiencing a booming revival. Just fill out the online application form.

The Missouri Life MARKET FAIR is a two-day celebration of the food, wine, art, music, other products made in Missouri, and the cultural heritage of the state. This open-to-the-public event will feature a variety of entertainment for the entire family with live music and reenactors of colorful characters from Missouri’s past. Stroll throughout the historic district and delight in the beautiful displays and shops. 

Kim Carr, a juried Best of Missouri Hands photographer who has participated in past Missouri Life Market Fairs, will be assisting Missouri Life and exhibitors during this Market Fair. You may direct questions to her at either kimmerhaw@yahoo.com or 636-358-7042.

Discover more about the West Bottoms area here and here.

FAQ

Who is eligible to host a booth? All of Missouri’s artists, makers, and innovators are welcome to apply. Applications will be juried by Missouri Life staff, as we have a limited number of booths! This includes artists, artisans, fine crafts, food and beverage vendors, authors, and more.

When is the event? September 3-4, 2021, from 9 AM–6 PM both days.

Where is the event? The event will be held in the West Bottoms in Kansas City, MO.

When can I set up my booth? Thursday, September 2, 9 AM–8 PM. Drive to booth set-up area outside; indoor has loading dock and elevator.

Will there be someone to help me set up? Yes.

Will there be someone to watch my booth if I need a break? Yes, Missouri Life will have a limited number of volunteers that can watch your booth for a short time.

What are the costs? Booth fees are $150. Booth fee is due upon signup. Electricity for your booth can be purchased for $20, and a table and two chairs can also be purchased for $20, also due upon signup. Additional costs may apply for vendors requiring an alcohol license, see below.

What if I need to cancel? Refunds minus a $75 cancellation fee will be given if received by July 30. No refunds after July 30. A full refund will be made if for any reason your registration is not accepted.

Is there a notification date when we will be notified if we are accepted as a vendor or not? Yes, you will be notified within two weeks of your registration.

What do I need to do to sell alcohol? More information about sales and permitting to come.

What is the booth size? Booths are 10’ x 10’ and only one vendor is allowed per booth.

Will there be pipe and drape set up for the inside booths? No pipe and drape.

Is there Wi-Fi? No, West Bottoms does not provide Wi-Fi. You will need to use your own data and equipment if you are taking credit card payments.

Will I have to charge sales tax? Yes, forms will be provided at check-in.

Will this show be juried? The show is juried, and Best of Missouri Hands juried artists have been pre-approved. Missouri Life will provide jurors.

Are there going to be awards–monetary or otherwise? Yes, Best of Show will receive a $300 cash prize.

What is the expected attendance? Amber Arnett-Bequeaith, President of the Historic West Bottoms Business District Association, has said their First Friday Weekend Festivals, which we overlap, typically draw from 5,000–10,000 shoppers in good weather, and sometimes more.

How will the event be promoted? Missouri Life is working with Full Moon Productions to make this a successful event, and they will be assisting with marketing and public relations to promote the event, which include a variety of media and methods. Missouri Life promotion will consist of at least four and up to six editorial and advertising pages in Missouri Life magazine, and will be supplemented by a full schedule of digital promotion on our website (over 50,000 pageviews/month), in newsletters (26,000), on Facebook and Instagram (46,000 social media).

Are meals and lodging provided? No, each vendor will need to secure their own meals and lodging. Food will be available at food trucks or at restaurant establishments throughout the West Bottoms.

Will there be security for the event? Security is provided, but artists must carry their own insurance, and Missouri Life and the West Bottoms Business District Association will not be responsible for loss or damages.

Will there be other attractions beside exhibitors to draw attendees? Multiple stages will host live music and Missouri reenactors.

Who can I contact with questions about the event? Marketing@missourilife.com or 573-514-5453.

How do I register for the event? Register Here.

Eligibility and Rules: All juried show participants must have original creative work. Artists or their representatives must be present during art show hours. Jurors for applicants who are not juried members of Best of Missouri Hands include the Missouri Life editor-in-chief and a panel of artists.