Craft Show Canopy Question

[Steviegwood]

Hi Everyone, I have seen so many canopies advertised, Does anyone have any experience with any of them? I am looking for some kind of craft show canopies. I am looking for ease of set-up and take down. durability and the best place to buy for the buck. Any ideas on this? Thanks, Steve

[workin for wood]

You have so much stuff, I'm thinking circus tent !

All I really know is that canvas is probably the strongest most durable long lasting material for a tent. It may cost more, but you won't need to replace it if you take care of it. Most important thing is that it is dry before folding and stored in a dry place. At the art show, I notice people use milk jugs full of water or sand hanging down from the posts. That's for stability in the wind I imagine, since you can't stake a tent on pavement ...or well, shouldn't. Otherwise, you can use one of them black powder charged concrete nail guns, whew, I'd love to have an excuse to own one of them!

[Steviegwood]

Hi Jeff, I was thinking on the same lines as for the material choice. Those cheap plastic tarps do not last long at all. I too have seen people hang large jugs of water for weight in the wind on those. Thanks for your suggestions. Steve

[millwab]

Originally Posted by Steviegwood

I am looking for some kind of craft show canopies. I am looking for ease of set-up and take down ...

Steve, I would suggest a nylon-type material (as opposed to the reinforced plastic type) for durability and weight considerations (canvas is awfully heavy). Also, I would try to find one with 90° vertical supports rather than the ones that are splayed out (at an angle). These are more "neighbor friendly" and allow you to maximize use of your space underneath. If you get into some wet weather, you won't have to worry about keeping things in under the 'drip line' if the sides are at 90°.

[Jediscroller]

Steve,
It depends on your budget. I use an EZ-up canopy which is what you'll see many folks using. There's also a brand called caravan which is about the same. I picked mine up with 4 walls for $200 at BJ's Wholesale Club. I believe the Caravans can be had for the same price at Costco. Sam's club also carries one or the other for around the same price. The very best is the Trim-line Canopy. These are far sturdier and much better made than either of the previous ones.

Jeff brought up a good point about weights. Most folks hang weights from their tents. I saw someone using ratcheting tie-downs into dog stakes and I really like the stability this adds and will be doing this in the future. You want to tie or weigh down all 4 corners.

Hope this helps.

[Huntter2022]

Steve check out Gander Mtn.They do have what they call a privacy wall which are nice can close off like the back and half the side.

good luck on your show. Are you getting nervous?

David

[Steviegwood]

Originally Posted by Huntter2022

Steve check out Gander Mtn.They do have what they call a privacy wall which are nice can close off like the back and half the side.

good luck on your show. Are you getting nervous?

David

Hi David, does Gander Mountain have a site where you can actually view their products. I could not find it. I know that I used to get catalogs from them and don't get them anymore. The site that keeps popping up when I try to get them does not allow me to shop their products. Steve

[CanadianScroller]

Something I have used to keep tarps and canopies taught when camping is bungee cords, They are more attractive than the milk jugs, They also flex with the wind....not that you want much wind in the craft market...unless you are selling kites and whirlygigs.

We have a chain of stores here in BC that go under the name of Outdoor Depot. Not the same as the ones in the US.
Here is the gazebo list http://www.outdoordepot.ca/dotnetnuk...aspx?tabid=143

They have the popup type canopies for under $100.

Oh one more I found here

[PuzzledMoose]

That Outdoor Depot place seems to have some very good price, Carl shame they're only in BC ..

[Woodbutcher68]

I bought mine at Northern Tool.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...8124_200288124
They have over 100 listings under canopies and prices start at about $50.00.
I see some of the auto parts chain stores (AutoZone, Advanced and Murrays) around here are selling some for around $50.00.