need HELP and know how for applying for fairs and festivals

Last year I was too late calling around and most said January was the time to call . i am wondering if there is a good way you go about finding your area fair dates , contact info,and applications? With the applications do you have any advice to stand out or is it just first come first serve? THANKS!!!

I did the same thing. If i had a nickel for every time I said, "Wow! If I had known this was happening this weekend..." I'd be rich.
So this year I have been a bit more proactive, and have been googling every event I missed last year, as well as each nearby township for events I might be interested in doing. Look for tabs and links for vendor applications and follow the directions.
Lots of my upcoming events are not until this fall, and applications aren't even being received yet, so I have created a calendar of what events can be applied for at what times. I do not want to be the one watching from the sidelines this year, while another face painter from an hour away takes all the business from right under my nose.
Meanwhile, I have some beautiful new postcards that I have been mailing to local businesses and schools to try and drum up business.
Happy painting!

Thanks Diana
I have spent hours online searching and searching , so I was hoping there was an easier way . I guess the first few years will be the hardest ANY tips and tricks are always welcome .
It is really hard to break the procrastination tendencies I've had my whole life

Happy painting

I've just had to wrap my brain around the fact that the time I spend researching events and tracking a calendar, and preparing for work, is still WORK. I am running my business when I spend that time online. I'm not playing around. (although I may have another tab open with facebook... ;-)

Side note: I have family in Cedar Rapids! Both of my parents are from Urbana, IA.

COOL- Let me know if you are ever this way

Hey Kerrie try your local tourist place they may have things about festivals and such in your area . I live in Lacrosse Wis and they have a guide for every month for all events in the area...you may ck on google for festivals in your area....just a thought...ck out the restraunts too in your area..I get these free guides in the restraunt/bar we go to all the time..I hope you have a great year.

here is a link for your area under events I hope this helps

http://www.cedar-rapids.com/events/

Make sure you check out events MONTHS in advance. I have to register for most events in my area at least 3 month in advance. Some are as much as 6 months.
Diane had good advice...I keep one calandar specifically for events. Keep notes after each event...what sold, what didn't, what you want to do different next year, etc.
It will take a few years to find all the events in your area..don't forget to be friendly with the other vendors, many of my best events were suggestions from vendors set up near me. Some events you will drop from your calandar...only keep the best ones...after about 5 years you should have them all down pat...good luck
Every state has a tourism guide...that can be very valuable to..I try to do all the events I can within 40 miles of home.

Right on, Debra!
Cool beans, Kerrie! I'll let you know whenever I head north! (although I don't very often....) I'd love to jam!

Check your city's chamber of commerce website too. lots of good stuff there. Ask your friends and family on Facebook if they went to any festivals last year.

Try festivalnet.com. I have the basic member package and it is just awesome.

Instead of just checking online try calling all your local chamber of commerce. I got tons of information I couldn't find online just by calling them. Also, try calling the radio stations, they know about ALL the events and sometimes will sponsor a painter. I was able to get into the promotions department of one station who actually runs about 6 stations, perhaps something will come from it. Either way, they forwarded my email to tons of people and word of mouth will go pretty far! Also, if the event has no more room, try contacting the sponsors (listed on the site usually), they might be interested in hiring you for their booth.

Thanks for all the help I LOVE YOU GUYS!!

I would check your state wide Fairs site....some states like the one I live in have a convention every year in Jan. You pay a fee go to the convention and any one who is running a fair, owns a carnival, ect...should be there. I got attached to a carnival thru that way....I am just awaiting for finalization of the dates they are booking to see if it will work for my schedule. It should bring me atleast 45 days to add to my calender. Check your agriculture fair organization....I booked two county fairs this way. There are fairs looking to ad more and there are fairs that want to get rid of old...not to sound mean...but I landed a gig based upon my work ...that seemed to be better than the person from the former year. Take about 20 pics (I made a 8x10) of my work and then added a few of my stand, and a few from some jobs. I also got some feedback from the festivals I did last year as references. That worked very well. Soo good luck!!!

Thank you for the info, Jobena,