2011 Winter Solstice Gathering

Information for Merchants

We are delighted that you’re interested in bringing your talents and energies to the community by offering items and services that contribute to the sacred activities of the Fire Tribe Gathering. Such contributions will enrich and deepen the festival for us all. Thank you for taking the time to familiarize yourself with the following considerations:

Alignment

It's important for you to have a good sense of how your goods and services might align with our fire circle community. We encourage people interested in being a merchant at Fire Tribe to first participate as a festival celebrant at a Fire Tribe Gathering or other sacred fire festival.

The items and services you provide should support the Gathering's ritual and sacred focus, and support the celebrants' continued sacred practices beyond the Gathering. Things like ritual clothing, jewelry and masks, musical instruments, statuary, incense and herbs are always welcome.

What we'd like most is to count you among the trusted friends offering good and beautiful things or blessed practices at our organically evolving tribal market. May the Gathering become a place where we can get what we need for our ceremonies from people we like to see — a place where cool things and cheerful exchanges help keep the whole community happy.

Tithe

We ask merchants to tithe 10% of their total sales up to a maximum of $25. Any donation above this amount would be gracefully received, but not expected. Your gift will be invested in ways that will enhance the quality and experience of the next Gathering.

Setup

In setting up, please cooperate with the Merchant Coordinator. The camp is small and may be at-capacity. The marketplace will be located in a central area, hopefully under one large tarped structure. The idea is to team up to create critical mass, rather than to stake out turf. We would like to create a joyful, cooperative atmosphere. You might envision this opportunity as a group show rather than a competitive marketplace.

Security

The Fire Tribe community strives to provide a safe, secure environment by expecting high personal integrity of all attendees. While we hope you will feel relaxed and secure about your inventory, you are ultimately responsible for safekeeping your property.

Camping

Camping is not available in the merchant area itself. Tent sites will be available nearby, although not necessarily in direct sight of the market. Please remember that all tent sites are claimed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Electricity and Lighting

Electricity is not available in the marketplace and the electric lights at the camp are minimal in keeping with the atmosphere of the Gathering. Open flame light sources are discouraged because of their potential as a fire hazard. It may not surprise you that generators would be about as welcome in camp as a giant centipede would be in your sleeping bag. For these reasons, you might consider selling only during daylight hours. If you wish to have lighting at night, please use battery-powered light sources. Of course, we ask that once the fire circle begins, please extinguish your lights, and leave your merchandise to join us in the circle.

Weather

Please be alert to changing conditions and respond to them accordingly. Please be ready to secure your merchant area (and camping spot) and kindly assist anybody in need of help in doing the same.

Because we cannot guarantee the availability of shelter and protective coverings, we ask that you employ common sense in planning to safeguard your inventory against weather damage. Consider having a quick and efficient method for packing-up shop on short notice. We also invite you to network with community members via the email discussion list about sharing tarps (or any other items) you need or can provide.

Rain: Although we’ll be on the dry side of the island, rain is still quite probable. Please help all of us remember that rain is a gift of life itself. It won’t turn to sleet, nor will you suffer hypothermia. If we are blessed with rainfall, kindly take care of your immediate needs and welcome the rain.

Sun: Despite mild year-round temperatures, it can become quite hot in the direct sunlight. Take steps to find or create shade. The latest findings about sunscreen conclude that it only partially protects you from harmful solar radiation. It blocks Ultraviolet-A rays but not UVB rays, which can cause invisible damage to the skin. More immediate effects of sun exposure can sneak up on you, causing dehydration and fatigue that can make your experiences at the Gathering less enjoyable. Be careful about sunlight exposure and remember to drink plenty of water.

Wind: A sudden wind may arise at any time, and perhaps bring with it a gift of rainfall. Creative planning can help prevent your goods from flying away.

Hints for Those Traveling From the Mainland

The geo-economics of travel and the cost of shipping to Hawai'i suggest offering smaller, more portable items for sale. Familiarize yourself with the local economy before deciding what to bring for sale. For example, sarongs, tie-dyed clothing and beachwear are already well represented here and, as such, are not likely to be novelty items. Large items like drums or personal shelter structures may be difficult to transport to the site.

We suggest packing the essential items first and take decorative items if space permits. Ornamental hangings and attractive fabrics are a good choice for creating the desired festive atmosphere.

Please remember that Honolulu is a champagne town with most people living on a beer budget. At best, you may recoup only a portion of your expenses through sales at the Gathering. Although we invite you to explore creative business opportunities throughout your stay on O'ahu, our priority is to have YOU here as a fully active participant.

You will experience a very laid-back vibe at the Fire Tribe Gathering. Potential customers will likely take their time and browse around slowly, so we recommend a pressure-free sales approach.

If you have any questions about being a merchant at the Fire Tribe Gathering, please contact the Merchant Coordinator at info@firetribehawaii.org.