Frequently asked Questions

• “How do I get an IBT number and what does it cost?”  Go to MyTax Illinois.  No fee. If from a neighboring state, the process should be the same.

• “I am just getting started and I am not sure how to choose a vendor fee.”

  • The percentage of sales fee is for those who are feeling less confident in their sales potential.  If the jury is confident in a new artist’s skills and work, this fee option gives them a chance to try out our event without as great a monetary commitment.

  • When vendors do well, fee schedules can be changed to the flat fee for future events.

• “Can my friend sell my art for me?”  On a limited basis that may work if you have to be gone for part of the time, but we advertise that customers buy art from the artists who have made them.

• “How does the jury choose vendors/artists?“  Original work made by the person selling it is the foremost criteria.  Exceptional quality and creativity presented with flare and an attention to pricing so that your neighbor doesn’t feel undercut by your offerings.

• “How many artists of the same medium are permitted?”  We are careful to encourage a wide diversity of art media, but it is most important that artisans’ works are an expression of themselves.

• “How many people attend the events?”  Thousands come for the Scenic Drive which is a combination of two counties’ fall festivals that have been operating for decades.

• “Are the artists helpful to each other?”   Most definitely!  They give each other tips on marketing, display, pricing, work on projects together and love to share their newest ideas.  They invite their friends and family to the events.  It’s a homecoming for the artisans as well as the guests.