Updated: September 27, 2025

Thanks for taking part in the Alafia River Rendezvous and for keeping the spirit of the Alafia alive. All trade goods must represent articles and goods available in the Colonies before 1840. The displays of any modern items or items not in keeping with the spirit of the Alafia are prohibited. Items that require modern packaging or containers (gun parts, solvents, toothbrushes etc.) must be under canvas or paper cover with identification of item on top. If you are not sure about acceptable trade goods, please ask or bring documentation with you.

The Trade Committee will make themselves known to all traders upon set-up and will inspect all items for sale throughout the Alafia.

Glossary

  • Trader: A trader is any person or merchant who sets up a store or sets out a trade blanket with goods for sale or barter. Traders do not have to set up in traders’ row but must check in with the trade chief or committee before setting out trade items.
  • Blanket Trader: A Blanket Trader must display their goods on the ground and not exceed 110” x 110”. Plan your space to be out of the way of foot traffic and not encroaching on other camps or traders. If blanket trade goods total over $500.00 or contain food items, a trade fee will need to be paid.

General

  • All trade areas are to add to the whole Alafia atmosphere. The items in a store or on a blanket must be original, handcrafted, or authentic reproduction or adaptation of trade goods common to North America and must be displayed in a manner similar to that common during that period.
  • All traders will register at the Location Station with their real name, and trade name to receive a camp ribbon. This is vital if you plan to receive inventory via mail services. You will also NOT receive a trade license until this is done.
  • All food sales (including trade blankets) must have a trade license.
  • Trade licenses MUST be displayed once they are issued.
  • Each Trader is responsible for the collection and reporting of FLORIDA STATE SALES TAX. Phone number is (863) 499-2260.
  • Unloading: Traders pull into Traders Row and find your spot. Please unload and move your vehicles to the parking lot promptly to aid in the smooth flow of getting other traders in and out. There will be plenty of time to socialize later.
  • All traders must have a 5-pound or a minimum of a 3A:40B:C rating certified fire extinguisher.

Trade Goods

  • Items for sale must be displayed in period appropriate containers.
  • Cassettes, CDs, and DVDs are to be displayed in period container AND always covered with identification of the item on top of canvas or paper.
  • Books, patterns, paintings, etc., pertaining to the time period may be sold but must be displayed in an appropriate manner.
  • Some items of question like toothbrushes (made of bone and bore bristles) in plastic for keeping sanitary, cigars in cellophane to keep fresh and other items packaged to keep clean or sanitary must be under canvas or paper cover with identification of item on top of canvas or paper coverings.
  • Jewelry items shall be constructed of traditional materials and reflect the time period.
  • Artwork must relate to the era. Photographs and prints may be sold but MUST NOT be visible to passersby. No photocopies or copyrighted material shall be sold or displayed. Frames and displays must be proper for the pre-1840 time period.
  • Enamelware is not period correct but is considered acceptable. Modern green, red, blue, or other colors will NOT be accepted as trade goods.
  • Knives and swords will not be sold to anyone less than 18 years of age unless accompanied by an adult.

Prohibited Trade Goods

  • NO “tourist trash”, chrome or stainless-steel items, iridescent feathers, t-shirts, posters, feather hat bands, ceramic figurines, novelty mugs, lamps, wind chimes, plastic goods, contemporary “Native American motif” or “Buckskin motif” arts, crafts, or jewelry, (including dream catchers and mandalas, etc.), crystal balls, dyed rabbit foot key chains or other swap meet items. Also, no sales of Ninja stars and related products.
  • The sale in any form (cash or trade) licensed or otherwise of black powder is prohibited.
  • Animal parts or protected species that do not conform to the laws of the State of Florida and the Federal Government shall not be sold. (For specific information, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 3900 Drane Field Road, Lakeland, FL 33811-1299, or call (863) 648-3203.)

PROCEDURES FOR THE REMOVAL OF NON-PERIOD TRADE ITEMS, THEIR CONTAINERS, PACKAGING OR LABELING

  • The Trade Representative or a Dog Soldier will notify and explain the nature of the problem and request compliance with the Alafia River Rendezvous Trade Rules and explain the consequences of any non-compliance.
  • If the trader disagrees with the Trade Representative or Dog Soldier, they remove the item in question and contact the Trade Chief with their reasons for disagreement. Decisions of the Trade Chief are FINAL!
  • If, after the above steps, the trader is still not in compliance or refuses to comply with the decision of the Trade Chief, the Booshway will be contacted for further actions and the trader may be asked to leave the Alafia.

Food Vendors

  • Paper containers only, no plastic or Styrofoam. (We have found a local vendor for paper cups if you cannot find them).
  • Please use period correct containers or cover modern containers for condiments.
  • No plastic tablecloths.
  • No modern candy (Snickers, Milky Way, etc.)
  • Cans and bottles must be kept out of site.
  • Please use period correct appropriate trash collection bins. (No plastic cans or collapsible tailgate type bins). All food vendors must supply trash containers and are responsible for removing all trash to the dumpster.
  • Beverages and food items must be put into a period correct container before leaving the food tent. (We need to get participants back into the habit of bringing their own dinnerware).
  • LP GAS TANKS MAY BE USED UNDER COVER OUTSIDE OF TENTS. LP TANKS MUST BE SECURED TO PREVENT TIPPING OR FALLING OUTSIDE TENTS AT ALL TIMES AND SIX FEET FROM OPEN FLAMES.
  • Food vendors will be given a sticker that allows them to shuttle supplies into the event thru the stockade gate during the hours of 6am – 8am.
  • Per our Polk County Fire Marshall, any kitchen that has an open flame near canvas needs to have a non-flammable barrier placed against the canvas. They require sheets of metal or tin.
  • Fire extinguishers are REQUIRED for cooking vendors.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact me by email (ronwilson0104@gmail.com). If you are in doubt about something you sell, ASK FIRST. Thanks so much for caring about doing it right. Your signature on the registration form implies agreement and acceptance of all guidelines.

Ron Wilson
Alafia Trade Chief