The Tunkhannock Business and Professional Association is again offering the opportunity for member to participate in Founders' Day. This benefit is directed toward members who are not located in the downtown two-block area. Founders' Day will again include-

• 130 vendors in the streets
• Demonstrations of chair caning, spinning, quilting, wood carving and more
• An expected attendance of four thousand plus
• A staging area with multiple performances, actors, and fun for the whole family
• Street musicians
• Local food specialties including homemade strwberry short cake, potato pancakes, and more
• Volunteers from TBPA to help you find your space, help you get set up if needed, and check on your well-being throughout the event.
• Tractor shuttles all day to and from remote parking lots
• The opportunity for you to promote your craft, art, or business, demonstrate your art, hand out contact cards, talk one on one, and potentially make hundreds if not thousands of contacts

The last two years have seen "waiting lists" for vendors wanting to participate - so don't wait too long to submit your application.

2009 Changes

If you have participated in Tunkhannock Founders' Day before, some changes have taken place this year.

• We have increased our fee. With this increase, TBPA can do considerably more advertising(on your behalf). We market the event throughout Northeast PA and beyond. We reach the Finger Lakes in NY, Williamsport in Central PA, and the borders of New Jersey to the east. In addition, Tunkhannock Founders' Day is promoted statewide via PA Visitors Bureaus and is listed on major tourist websites, including PARoute6.
• Unfortunately, there is no access to electricity this year. A problem with the streetlamps has restricted their usage. If you need electricity, you are welcome to bring a generator, but please let us know if you do.
• Gem 107.7 Radio will be broadcasting live on Founders' Day, and the Wyoming County Press Examiner is providing a guide for visitors to the event. The guide will be inserted in the Wednesday newspaper before the event and will contain maps and your location. The guide will be distributed free to all visitors and vendors and will be available throughout town.
• The local newspaper office (located at 16 East Tioga Street) is also serving as the event Wecome Center. Vendors are invited to "take breaks" at the Welcome Center
• TBPA will provide each participant with a "Vendor Permit" for the day at no charge.
• At 7:00 PM the Wyoming County Cultural Center/Dietrich Theater is sponsoring "Shakespeare in the Park" with a special performance of Romeo and Juliet at Riverside Park in Tunkhannock. You are certainly welcome to join us. Admission is free.

Please keep in mind...

• If all the spaces are filled before we receive your application, we will add your request to the Waiting List. If not spaces open up, your check will be returned.
• Last June Tunkhannock Founder's Day hosted 4,000+ visitors at the event and anticipates the same or more this year.
• Tunkhannock Founders' Day recognizes and celebrates the history of the area and encourages participation that illustrates early crafts, art, and heritage. Demonstration of your individual skill is encouraged. While not a requirement, many participants dress in "earlier era clothing" to ad to the historical theme.
• Set up begins at 7:30 AM on Saturday, June 27, and must end by 9:30 AM. Please have all vehicles and other set-up materials moved from the area by 9:30 AM and be ready to greet our visitors. We will try to accomodate late arrivals, but after 9:30 we may not be able to get your vehicle at all close to your assigned space. Please do not arrive before 7:30 as the volunteer set up crew may not have the streets market yet.
• You will need to "check in" at the Information Booth before your set up. The Information Booth will have an updated map (in case there are some changes in assignments), a local Permit for you for the day, and other information that may prove helpful to you.
• Spaces on Tioga Street are located in the middle of the street (back to back with another vendor facing the sidewalk) - in many cases these spaces will be on an "incline." You may want to bring something to "level" your table/tent with. If you are reserving more than one space, please let us know if you want "back to back" or "side by side" assignments.
• The new Streetscape Project trees are growing, but they are still small and provide little shade. Your are encouraged to bring a "canopy" or at least and "umbrella" to shade your space. Hats are also recommended.
• Acceptance as a vendor does not guarantee a space on Tioga Street. You may be assigned to a space along a neighboring street or in an adjoining area.
• In the event of inclement weather, you will need to make a decision. We do NOT have a rain date, and we will do our best in moving forward with the event. However, if you have questions, you can call 836-0765 for a recorded message. If for any reason you cannot participate, and we have reserved a space for you, we would appreciate a call; however, reservation fees cannot be rufunded.
• BASIC INFORMATION: Spaces are approximately 10' x 10' each and do not include tables, chairs, etc. Come type of canopy or tent is recommended. Vendors requiring more than a 10' space are required to reserve and pay for the approximate number of additional spaces. Vehicles must be unloaded and moved to designated parking by 9:30 AM. Vendors requiring electricity must provide their own generators and notify TBPA in advance. Participants are expected to have their own liability insurance. The event will be held rain or shine and registration fees are non-refundable. You will receive a confirmation of your registration as a vendor by email or postcard within 7 to 10 days of receipt and acceptance of your application. Spaces are assigned on a first come, first served basis. Thank you.

We trust that we will have your understanding and cooperation about possible last minute changes which may be out of our control. Thank you in advance.