Vendor Information

Updated Feb. 2011

Being a vendor during the annual Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous can be a highly profitable venture. An estimated 35,000 visitors along with approximately 400 to 500 reenactors attend the two-day event scheduled for Memorial Day weekend. Those big numbers easily can be converted into big sales

The Rendezvous' merchants and traders utilize the area known as the French Commons along Willow Street in Vincennes, IN.  This fenced area is located across the street from the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park.

Applications: All participants are required to preregister by completing an application. The deadline for this form is March 15.

Information relevant to merchants, traders, and craftsmen:

Demonstrators: Those who demonstrate only will not be charged a fee; however, those who demonstrate and sell will be charged a fee.

Housing: Housing will be available on the Vincennes University Campus with a per person per night fee.

Clothing: All people  including booth helpers or visitors, are required to be in period clothing.

Lean To: (Approximately 8X10  ft) with canvas tops will be provided for those who request one.  There are a limited number.  You must provide your own tables and chairs.  Tables must be covered to the ground in front if they are of modern design.

Firewood and Water are provided. Straw is available but should be requested prior to arrival.

Pets: are discouraged but, if you need to bring one they must be on a leash and kept away from the public.  The public is not allowed to have animals, excepting service animals, on the grounds.

Insurance: Liability Insurance is required by all vendors. Copies of forms showing your certificate of insurance with liability limits of at least $300,000 naming the spirit of Vincennes Inc. and the dates of May 28 & 29, 2011.  Or for $20.00 we will include you on a blanket liability insurance policy.

Alcohol use on grounds is discouraged and any person causing problems will be removed from the grounds.  Absolutely NO alcohol use by minors will be tolerated!

The Spirit of Vincennes Inc. is constantly trying to upgrade the level of authenticity of this event.  It is imperative that all vendors strictly adhere to the time period of 1700 - 1815.  Several people (with identification) will be checking your merchandise and "set up".  If they ask you to remove something, you are expected to do so.  Please review the following NO NO list:

Only quality, period correct items 1700-1815!
The event will be juried each year and you are expected to cooperate with this process. If you are asked to remove an item and later return it to the sales area – you will be barred from future events and may be removed from the current event.
Jurors may not identify themselves and some jurors will be “shoppers” in modern clothing!
These items will not be permitted at the Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous. This is not meant to be an inclusive list – Ask before displaying questionable items. If you have doubts, don’t display the item for sale:
• Items made of plastic, nylon or other fiber or material incorrect for the above period
• Items deemed of low quality
• Plastic or modern price stickers, plastic bags & credit card signs
• Powwow items, totems, mandalas & dream catchers, “Karate Kid” prayer drums
• Mexican blankets - for sale or as table covers
• Plains Indian style clothing or beadwork, cowboy gear, & concho jewelry
• Buck skinner & mountain man style clothing & accoutrements
• Archaeological artifacts
• New age paraphernalia, crystals, etc
• Neon colored feathers or dyed fur - Plastic beads & imported beadwork
• Skins of domestic animals - Rabbit foot jewelry & key chains
• Cap, pop and rubber band guns, crossbows, slingshots, slings, & bull whips
• Alcoholic beverages
• Food items (no apples, pickles, cookies, cakes etc.) OK items: Rock candy, bulk coffee and teas, seasoning spices
• Parasols must not display oriental writing or symbols. Landscape drawings or sketches are permitted. Neon colors are not acceptable.

We’re not perfect and we will always consider primary source documentation when questions of authenticity arise. Common sense shall prevail.
Rev 12/13/10

Rendezvous home

The Spirit of Vincennes, Inc. is a non-profit organization
dedicated to preserving and to presenting
the history of the Vincennes, Indiana area.
Spirit of Vincennes, Inc
P.O. Box 1816
Vincennes, IN 47591

Web Master Frank Doughman, Webmaster @ spiritofvincennes.org