ABOUT MINI MAKERS & RISING STARS

This is a brand new program inspired by Juliana & Eliza Empey and Maddy York. The Empey sisters started Splatters for Kids in 2020 and have now raised more than $25,000 for the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. Maddy York creates wonderfully constructed and whimsically-inspired crocheted friends. We’re so proud that all three got their start in selling at Visit Freeport’s Makers on Main program and we wanted to create a way for even more young people to benefit from the programs we offer to artists & makers.  

Before submitting an application please review the rules & regulations outlined below. If you cannot meet ALL of the conditions or expectations here, please do not sign up.

Any questions about this new program may be emailed to [email protected] 

APPLYING:

• All applicants must be Maine residents.
• All applicants must be age 18 or under.
• Artists & makers only. All work must be original and made by the applicant. 
• Three photos of your work must accompany your application. These photos and a description of your products on your application will be used to approve your sign up and also on our website, social media and in press releases to promote this new program.
• If accepted, you may only display and sell products representative of those in your application materials.
• All applicants receive an email when their application is submitted, and a second email after September 1 confirming your participation. If you have not received an email, please check your spam filter and then check with us!
• Space is limited. It is possible that not all applicants may be accepted based upon space restrictions.

BOOTH SPACES & REQUIREMENTS: 

• Each artist or maker will be provided with one six foot table. Additional display materials are welcome but you must provide them. 
• Each participant will be allotted a space approximately 10′ x 10′ 

BEFORE THE FESTIVAL:

We’re partnering with some special organizations who support professional artists & makers in Maine to offer a pre-festival video conference just for Mini Makers & Rising Stars. In this short program, we’ll cover things like how to best show off your creations, basic sales techniques, etc. Special thanks to Maine Made, Maine Craft Association, & Freeport Market for their technical support!

DURING THE FESTIVAL:

• All participants will need to be accompanied by at least one adult at all times.
• All participants must participate in both days and all open hours of the Festival on Saturday, October 5 from 10 am – 6 pm and Sunday, October 6 from 10 am – 4 pm.
• There is no central location for trash, so please be prepared to pack out everything you bring in.
• There is a Public WiFi inside Freeport Village Station courtyard but the signal strength inside the building may not be enough for sales transactions. Log in info will be provided in your confirmation packet. If you are going to do sales via Square, Clover, Stripe or take payments on Venmo, you should check your cell service by visiting one of the adjacent spaces before the weekend of the Festival.
• The exhibition space will be locked overnight. You may leave your display in place from Saturday to Sunday. For peace of mind, we recommend taking any valuable or sentimental items with you when you leave each day. Visit Freeport, L.L.Bean, Freeport Village Station, Town of Freeport, and other property owners are not responsible for any theft or damage.
• The consumption of alcohol and the use of illegal drugs is not permitted in any of the show areas. Smoking and vaping is also not permitted within the show sites. If you must smoke or vape please exit the show area and allow at least 20 feet from any nearby business.

CANCELLATIONS 

• If you must cancel after signing up, please send an email to [email protected]
• In the event that there is guidance from the State of Maine and CDC regarding SPECIAL EVENTS AND FESTIVALS and any infectious disease, any recommendations or requirements in effect at the time of the Festival will be enforced by Visit Freeport. This includes, but is not limited to, masking for participants and vendors, hand sanitizer stations, social distancing, etc.

LOGISTICS:

• Set-up time begins at 8 am on Saturday (10/5) and ends at 9:30 am. 
• Breakdown on Sunday (10/6) is to begin no earlier than 4:00pm – those who break down earlier will not be allowed back.