set up for short outdoor events

What do you use for a cover for short outdoor events?

I have my 10 x 10 canopy, but I don't want to set it up for a 3 hour event, especially for ones on sidewalks in a town. I have done a few small events without a canopy or cover, but I really want something to keep out the sun and weather if it should creep up, but mostly the sun.

Thanks.

It is up to the client to provide shelter... I've never had any issues with that. I've been under their awnings, they put up canopies or e-z up style tents (some bought just for that use).

I use a rainbow colored beach umbrella. It is 6 ft wide and cost about $30. Mines has a tilting feature so you can angle it against the sun. Now is the perfect time to buy them. Put the bottom part of the stick into a metal bucket and put in a little cement to hold it up. When you set up just attach the top portion of the umbrella and you are set to go. Of course, you can also just buy the base to go with it. I only do birthday parties and in the summer they are always outdoors. I like to look like fun so I dress in bright colors and use the colored umbrella. However, another color may be more appropriate if you dress more professional.

I am with Shannon on this one. Just be sure to state/put in your contract, that you will need cover against the elements.

I use a rainbow colored beach umbrella as well.

I have two umbrellas... one is rainbow colored and the other is Polynesian (grass fringe). They both say "fun" and I use whatever one fits the event better....sometimes I've used both. When I paint in the park I use these, even though I'm under a large elm tree... they let folks know there is something going on (it doesn't hurt that the ice cream truck sets up right near me!) And I always buy dollar store mylar balloon bouquets to attract attention - they will last through several days of park painting.

This event will be held several times throughout the summer and you have to have your own canopy/ cover. I was thinking about the umbrellas. How do they hold up to wind? Does the cement in the bucket keep them standing well? Thanks.

My way to make them stand straight is hard to describe, unless you use a collapsible wagon. I wedge the umbrella into the wagon's metal structure bars. Also, I have even used my 4 canopy weights (which are always packed in the trunk) stacked up to create a place to stick the umbrella down into. I have a 4 door car and would not be able to transport a bucket of cement with a pole sticking up in it.

Regular breezes are fine, but strong wind will usually knock them over. The thing with that is, if it is THAT windy around here, it usually is cloudy, too, and I just take the umbrella down since I am already under a tree for shade.


MeeMee - how does yours do in the wind?

Mine is awesome in the wind BUT.... here is the ticket... I lash it to the leg of my chair with bungee cords. It has a screw in tip so if I am in the grass or dirt, I can screw it right into the ground and then bungee it. If I am on concrete or pavement, I use a base that cost 7 bucks, you fill it with water or sand for weight.

Someone posted a beach shade canopy they use. I'm considering getting it for non windy days as it looks very easy to set up. It looks like the one on the bottom right of this page.

http://www.beachmall.com/category/beach-umbrellas-shelter.beach-tent-shelters/

I live on the beach. Just be aware that you won't be able to stand in those beach shelters......you may barely be able to sit in a chair in them. They are very low....more like beach chair low...

If you don't want to cart around a large umbrella and heavy stand, they have smaller ones at Ikea that attach to your chair or table. Very handy. This one right here: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40210794/

They also have a good selection of other types of umbrellas.

beckibut7 wrote:I live on the beach. Just be aware that you won't be able to stand in those beach shelters......you may barely be able to sit in a chair in them. They are very low....more like beach chair low...

The one I posted is 90 t0 110 inches in height. That's like 8+ feet...

I wonder if you can take those umbrellas that attach to chairs and put them on a fatmax..... Hmmmmmm.

I have a rainbow colored umbrella too which is nice and easy for transport. The pain is to transport the heavy umbrella base. I've only used it a few times. I really love my folding chair that I can wear as a backpack and has a canopy built right in. Here is a link on Amazon!http://www.amazon.com/Kelsyus-Original-Canopy-Chair-Blue/dp/B0018CQKW6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338346457&sr=8-1

Hi. I have a 2.5mx2.5m easy-up it has its own bag with wheels and i can put it up myself. Really good for big or all day type of events. Oh and it fits in the boot of my car too (3x3 wont).
Two of us fit in this. Some events where I live dont allow umbrellas as they say they are too unstable and cant get insurance for them.

I decided to get an offset umbrella. The pole is off to the side. I ordered it from Walmart so I'll see how that works.

If you're like many of us, that umbrella will be obsolete soon because we ultimately always end up finding "something better" for everything!!!!!

Probably. lol. I have gone through a dozen changes over the years as to what works best for me. The one thing that has remained constant though is that I like my 10 x 10 canopy for big events. Hasn't failed me yet. Now to figure out the best solution for these small 2-3 hour outdoor events on sidewalks. Just need something that will keep the sun off me and the paints, and the customer that is easy up and easy down. My canopy takes longer than I'd like for this short a time.

I have a 3 hour corporate event tomorrow. They asked me to bring my tent (10 x 10) and THEY will help me put it up and take it down. Otherwise, they pay extra. )I don't charge to bring it if THEY ASSIST ME IN PUTTING IT UP AND TAKING IT DOWN. That includes loading it back into my truck).

This event isn't a hired one. It's a 3 hour event where they ask us to come in and set up for free to us, we bring all our stuff and charge the public. It's so people who come to their event will have stuff to do I am guessing. It's my first time doing it so we'll see if it will be worth it.

When I got there, the event was being held in a nice well-shaded playground area under huge old live oak trees, so I didn't bother putting my tent up. Nice breeze, dappled sun, nice day.

This is more for sidewalk type stuff. It's being held in town along their businesses and in my experience with doing bake sales and other events in towns, I want to have at least shade and if rain comes up, even sprinkles, I like to have some kind of protection. That's just me. I like to be prepared. Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll let you know how my patio umbrella set up went.