About Winterfest
Winterfest is committed to presenting a high-quality juried show with balance and variety between the various art forms as well as between fine, folk arts and crafts. Winterfest is scheduled for the weekend before Thanksgiving.
Location of Winterfest
Winterfest is held at the Aberdeen Civic Arena located in Historic Downtown Aberdeen. The Aberdeen Civic arena is located at 203 S. Washington Street Aberdeen, SD 57401.
Eligibility
Arts and crafts of original design, handmade by the exhibitor as well as culinary items made by the exhibitor are the only merchandise allowed to be sold. Please note on application the use of any manufactured items used to enhance hand-crafted work (i.e., painting on a purchased sweatshirt; purchased decorative accents used on hand-crafted woodwork; purchased components used with handmade beads).
Booth Size, Layout, Set Up and Lighting
Each exhibitor will be required to provide their own lights to adequately light their booth for display and sales. Booth Spaces are 12 feet wide x 10 feet deep. The ceiling lights are dimmed.
Please be advised the nature of the show is to create an elevated shopping experience for our patrons. The lights are set low for ambiance and will not be adjusted. It is your responsibility to read and understand these conditions. If these conditions are a hinderance, we advise you to reconsider your application.
Example of lights that work well includes 10-12 arm style lamps or 4-5 stripes of track style lighting. White canopies are recommended and make the booth appear brighter. All canopies and display pieces must have adequate protection on the bottom of their legs to avoid damaging the wood floor.
IF YOU NEED TO SECURE A CORD OR OTHER ITEM(S) USED IN YOUR BOOTH TO THE FLOOR, THE VENUE WILL PROVIDE THE RECOMMENDED TAPE THAT WILL NOT DAMAGE THE FLOOR. USE OF ANY OTHER TAPE(S) IS PROHIBITED.
Assistance with load-in and load-out is limited.
Set up hours are Friday 1:00PM – 8:00PM and Saturday 7:00AM – 9:00 AM. The artist or an individual familiar with the artist’s work must be present at the display at all times during Winterfest hours of operation. Demonstration or explanation of the art form is encouraged where possible and appropriate.
Tables and Electricity
Up to four (4) tables are available (if requested in advance) for $8.00 each. There is no additional fee for electricity. If you are bringing your own tables, please be sure there are rubber or felt glides on the table legs to prevent damage to the floor. If you cause substantial damage to the floor, you will be subject to the fees upon completion of the repairs.
Process for Application and Payment
- Complete and sign the application.
- Images must represent current work and must proportionally represent what the artist intends to exhibit – i.e., 2/3 pottery and 1/3 jewelry. The following are recommendation for submitting images:
- Images must be between 72 and 300 PPI, and under 5MB;
- Provide five (5), no more than ten (10) images of your work representing what you are selling;
- Include one (1) image of you working/your workspace;
- Include one (1) image of your display, if possible.
3. Check, money order, or cashier’s check for correct fees payable to: Aberdeen Parks, Recreation and Forestry. If you wish to pay by credit card, please call (605) 626-7081
We will only accept DIGITAL images for the jury process. Images can be submitted by email to winterfest@aberdeen.sd.us or on a CD/jump drive that is labeled clearly with your name. We will NOT accept photographs or photocopies. The applicant is responsible for the quality and nature of the responses in the application form and the supporting materials.
Application Fee/Late Fee
- The $130.00 application fee will entitle the exhibitor to a 12’ wide x 10’ deep booth space.
- If space allows, you may request an extra ½ booth space, for an additional $65.00. DO NOT SUBMIT PAYMENT FOR THE EXTRA ½ booth space unless you are notified there is space available.
- Late applications may be considered at the discretion of the Winterfest Committee and are subject to a late fee of $30.00.
Corner Booth Request
If you request a corner booth, please send a SEPERATE CHECK in the amount of $30.00 with your application. If your request cannot be filled, your check will be returned to you. We will notify you before the event if you have been assigned a corner booth.
Refund Policy
Once the exhibitor has been reviewed and accepted, the registration fee is not refundable.
Important Dates
Friday, September 29 Application Deadline
Friday, October 6 Notifications sent
Friday, November 17 Winterfest Set-up – 1-8 p.m.
Saturday, November 18 Winterfest Set-up – 7-9 a.m.
Saturday, November 18 Winterfest – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, November 19 Winterfest – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
General Information
Please be advised that all reasonable measures will be taken to ensure security. Neither the Aberdeen Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department and the Aberdeen Area Arts Council are responsible for lost or stolen articles.
You are required to collect sales tax and report that to the SD Department of Revenue within 30 days of the event. Forms from the South Dakota Department of Revenue (SDDOR) will be given to each exhibitor at check in. The SDDOR will be provided a list of registered exhibitors and may attend the festival to check on exhibitors. For sales tax questions, please contact the SDDOR at (605) 626-2218.
Questions regarding Winterfest may be directed to Aberdeen Recreation and Cultural Center at (605) 626-7081, the Aberdeen Area Arts Council (605) 226-1557 or e-mail winterfest@aberdeen.sd.us.