2025 Exhibitors,

Here is the Set up information for the 50th annual Mount Dora Arts Festival to be held on Saturday Feb 1 9am-5pm  & Sunday Feb 2 9am-4pm, 2025.

OBSERVE the TRAFFIC FLOW pattern on the Map. ALL traffic enters through Donnelly St and flows north out of the event area.
PASS & MAP:

1. PRINT the blank PASS and MAP.
2. FIND your Booth Number, Entry Animal and Parking Lot on the attached Artist
3. FILL IN the information on your pass.
4. Bring the pass with you.

CHECK IN: You Do NOT need to go to “Check in” if you bring your printed PASS with you. You must have your pass to enter the event area.  If you forget or need a pass printed, you can get one at Mount Dora Center for the Arts 138 E 5th Ave, Mt Dora, FL on Friday 2-5pm or Sat 6-8 am.

PARKING: Your PASS must be clearly displayed on your vehicle dashboard or affixed to your trailer when parked.  Vehicles and trailers without passes are subject to being towed! We do not monitor lots so be respectful and only park in your assigned lot.
Overflow parking is in Lot 8 (Upper parking garage) for cars and lot 10 for trailers if you find your lot full. There is a concrete slab in the grassy park near the water to park your trailer if spaces on the street are full.
RV/CAMPING: Overnight sleeping in your vehicle is PROHIBITED downtown. If you purchased the $75 RV pass to dry camp, the special map and pass will be emailed separately to you. FYI, the area is not close enough to walk to and from the event, and there is no shuttle so plan accordingly. If you need to pay the fee and get a pass, Email janet@mdca.org.

FRI DOLLY OPTION: If you can Dolly-in (walk your items) from your assigned parking lot on Friday, you can avoid the vehicle load in traffic that starts at 5PM.  You must be in your assigned parking lot before 3:30PM or you will need to wait until the time listed on your Exhibitor/Parking Pass and enter with the other vehicles. You do not need to tell me that you plan to Dolly.
Anyone can choose Dolly-in from their assigned parking area. If you determine the lot is too far when you arrive, simply proceed to the vehicle ENTRY POINT at your Assigned Time with your vehicle.  
 If you choose Dolly-In, you will be allowed to walk your items to your booth space. Keep all items OFF the road against the curb. Once the police give us the “All Clear” you will be allowed to start set up at approx. 5:00 pm or much earlier if we can get all public cars out of the event area.  Do NOT start your set up before the all-clear is given or you will be asked to tear it down.  

SAT SET UP:  Anyone can drive in on Sat and Sun to drop items between 6:30- 8:00 am.  You do not need to Dolly on Sat & Sun. Please have your vehicles out of the event area by 8:15 am Sat and Sun. 

TRAFFIC FLOW: Do NOT turn around or backup once inside the event area. If you miss your space, continue out of the event area and go back to the entry point. Your assigned Parking area may be in a place that seems logical to back up or get to by going in the wrong direction on your map. DO NOT go against the traffic flow. Be calm and follow the path out and around the event area to get to your parking area.
Do not set up while your vehicle is in the event area if at all possible. Streets are tight. Please unload your items to the curbside, go park your vehicle in your assigned lot and return to finish setting up.  If you need to unload and set up at the same time, be courteous and try to arrive later when traffic is clear. There is no cut off time for setting up at night.
 CENTER your booth on the number on the curb at the back of your booth.  Even one booth in the wrong place will disrupt the row of booths and you will be asked to move it if you are off center.
 
WEIGHTS:  Be sure to secure your tent for up to 40 mph gusts. Tent stakes are NOT allowed anywhere in the event. Secure your tent with blocks, sand bags or other weights. There is a $100 fine and risk of being passed over for future events if we need to protect other artists from your thoughtlessness.
 
VOLUNTEERS:  There will be students and some adults walking around to help with set up Fri/breakdown Sun. They will be wearing Arts Festival T-shirts or safety vests. Flag them down if you need help.  Booth Sitters will be walking around with paddles on Sat and Sun if you need a break.

SECURITY: There is overnight security but be aware that Mount Dora businesses are open and pedestrians may be walking in the streets after dark. Zip up your tent to secure your space. 

JUDGING and AWARDS: Judging begins on Sat morning at 9AM. Winners are announced in Donnelly Park on Sun at 8:30AM. Cash winners over $600 will need to fill out a W9.

DONATIONS: Mount Dora Center for the Arts is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 dedicated to supporting art education. If you would graciously donate an item to one of the volunteers who will be collecting on Sunday, it would be immensely appreciated. This is optional. The items will be placed in auctions at our annual fundraising events. It is also a great place to have your item showcased in front of hundreds of art lovers in the community so provide extra business cards with your contact information.  A tax donation receipt will be provided to you upon request. Text me if you have a large or fragile item 352-217-8390

VENDOR ONLY Bathrooms, coffee, water and snacks will be provided at the MDCA gallery (138 E. 5th Ave) for artists on Sat and Sun. 
BREAK DOWN: The show ends at 4PM on Sunday….not a minute before. We will let vehicles in once the streets are cleared of pedestrians and police give us the “All clear”.

If you have any questions or concerns before or during the event, you can always call me directly at (352) 217-8390. I wish you all the best show ever!

 Sincerely, Janet Gamache

 Mount Dora Center for the Arts Executive Director and Festival Coordinator