Looking for the best brand of canopy for a craft show?

by Noelle
(Broomfield Co)

I live in CO where it is CRAZY windy and really hot in the summer. I want to do some craft shows outside this year and would like some info on 10x10 canopies that have zippered wall sides and are white. What brands do you like and why?

Thanks,
Noelle

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Looking for the best brand of canopy for a craft show?

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Easy Up knockoff
by: Anonymous

I purchased a cheap canopy from Amazon with side walls for approx $100. I didn't want to invest too much money until I was sure I wanted to continue doing shows. Some people say, Easy Up, easy down. However, Trimline which is sturdier is also heavier. I am short and do shows alone. I needed something I could manage on my own. I have used it for two seasons without any major problems. I did end up reinforcing four of the roof supports by sliding wood slats into them. That only costed me a few bucks. It is important that you place 35 pound weights on each leg at the start of the show. I have seen other, more expensive tents go flying while mine stay put. I made weights from pvc pipe and quick set concrete. You find instructions on the internet.
You also need to figure out how to weight your tables and display. When I am on grass I use stakes and bungee cords to keep my tables from tipping over. On a windy day I have to lay my jewelry trays flat so they don't take off.

Good luck.

Margaret

Tents & Canapies
by: Pegi

I went the other way and got a really sturdy fram and canapy by Majestic. It is now eleven years old and good as new. (Never use bleach to clean the canapy or it may yellow.) I also use weights, sand in heavy plastic bags in my case, which work great, and stakes for shows I set up in grass. Which ever way you go with the canapy I suggest you stick with white because some shows require white and you will be set if that happens to you. Good Luck on your shows.

Canopy
by: Sheila Davis

My niece and I do shows together and we use the one from Cost-co, I think it's Canopy King. whatever you get, be sure it has sides. They are nice to block the wind ( a jewery seller's worst enemy) and sun, or to seperate you from someone elses booth. We never have a problem setting up either, if one of us gets there first, there are always nice people willing to help set it up.
we use water filled milk jugs and bungi cords on all 4 corners of the tent for weights.

Canopy for outdoor markets
by: Nikki

Sorry, I don't recall the brand of our canopy, but what I can tell you is that if you can find one with a vent in the apex it will be worth your while - I have seen many other gazebos (that's what we call them where I live!) take flight in the wind, but I firmly believe that one of our one's saving graces has always been that little vent in the top that lets the air puff out instead of creating lift off! Peg it well when on grass, weights are great especially on asphalt, and do you know what Blu Tac is? Adhesive (removable) putty that sticks all things well in the wind! Wouldn't be without it - we use it to secure display boards on easels, cards on displays .... you name it, we stick it with Blu Tac! Have fun!

Canopies
by: Kathleen

I started with an EZ Up that truly is easy and fast to put up,take down and transport and we have used it for the past four years,always weighted down. They are reasonably priced, especially if purchased at a discount type store. As I began a move into larger, more prestigious, multi-day shows I wanted something better quality and sturdier to be able to withstand several nights and days and chose a Trimline. Much more $$$ but worth every penny. The downside is I could not possibly set it up alone or even transport it alone. (To be fair, I don't do the EZ up alone either!)we use the Trimline for shows that are multi days and allow set up the day before the event. We use the EZ up for one day shows or occasionally the inside show in a large venue, or if good weather is forecast and we only have a short amount of time to set up. Hope this helps!

Shows are starting to regulate canopies
by: Annette

After a number of wind related canopy failures over the last year or so, some shows have started to regulate the type of canopy you can use and I believe that the cheaper ones are not approved. It is rumoured that other shows will be following this route as well.

I know it seems like a big investment but if you intend to do a few outdoor shows it might be wise to save up and purchase a sturdy and well thought of brand of canopy.

Canopy questions
by: Noelle

That is what I was thinking, but my question was what BRANDS do you like and why? A new question.... What BRANDS are the strongest and most waterproof. I decided that there is no way I can do an aluminum frame. Waaaay too wimpy for our Colorado wind gusts. I have read reviews that the bases were snapping in half. I'd like to go with a steel base, I really don't care how heavy it is to carry. I also love the previous comment about having that air vent in the top for wind and heat. I also want the zippered sidewalls. I want it all Baby! LOL

Canopy
by: Jane, Lone Rock Creations

I started with an EZup but it only had 3 walls with cheap velcro that never worked. I used it for about 5 years until the roof ripped beyond repair. Then I decided on a Trimline. It was much more costly, but worth every penny. In bad weather I put 70-80 pounds on each leg, & it has withstood some really nasty weather when others blew away. All walls zipper together & everything is heavy duty. I also considered a Lightdome, but the selling point for me was I can put the Trimline up myself because the legs telescope. I'm short and am usually by myself. It has two vents in the roof, and the roof is domed so water runs off with no place to pool. In windy weather I've been able to use it with 3 walls, & leave my displays up.

Canopy
by: Anonymous

Thanks so much!

canopy
by: Anonymous

I have the canopy king from costco. I bought a cheaper one when I first started and it was really frustrating. This one has a really sturdy frame and all four walls to work with. I will say though that in really windy weather, its almost better to leave the sides open at least a little or the wind will balloon out and try to lift the whole thing! Also, make sure you do regular checks on all the joints to make sure the bolts haven't come lose. I use my tent a lot and lost a few because I wasn't paying attention. Oh, and I'd go white! It gives you great diffused lighting on your work.
Happy shopping!

Best Canopy
by: Pegi

I wanted to add another piece of information. The comment on white is good. It does diffuse light as well being required in some bigger, better shows.
The Majestic we use is heavier than EZ-up but can be done by one person (my husband usually since I'm handicapped). But I help when I can. And I have set it up (when my husband cant come) with another woman, in wet, windy weather.
We have 4 walls that are reinforced clear walls. We have people ask all the time about where to get them because you can see in and out of them, which comes in handy. But lifting can happen is the best canopies. You need some way of letting the air out. The Majestic system uses bungy cords to secure the sides. Air can get thru the sides (between bungy crds at the posts) without lifting the entire canopy.
Another thing. After years of use the top may get a little dirty. This is for any brand. They wash easily but then you will need to redo the waterproofing. You can get it many places and it is pretty cheap and just sprays on. Be sure to make it part of the cleaning process to keep it waterproof. Amd a reminder, dont use bleach. It can yellow your nice white canopy.

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