Information for Participants

Thank you for your interest in taking part in Piscataqua Riverfest 2022! The information below is designed to help you decide whether the show is a good fit for your work and how you can get involved. We are currently looking for vendors and boat show exhibitors, sponsors, demonstrator, advertisers, and Around the Region partners. Our first year was a huge success and we had over 30 boats, lots of food, live music and more with over 700 people in attendance. We are also happy to speak with you directly to answer questions. Give us a call at 603.433.9505 or email info@gundalow.org.

For those interested in sponsorship, please see our sponsorship packages:

Demonstration, presentation or activity registration:

For those interested in advertising in our program, please see our advertising options:

Can’t Join us on the festival Grounds? Become an Around the Region Partner and offer a program or discount at your own site.

Vendors and Exhibitors (including Boat show exhibitors) All vendors and exhibitors must relate their work and sale items to maritime heritage or the marine environment. Please read the terms and conditions below.

Step 1: Registration form

Call 603.433.9505 for payment

Registration costs: PLEASE NOTE ALL REGISTRATION IS 100% REFUNDABLE PRIOR TO MAY 1st OR IF THE EVENT IS CANCELLED FOR ANY REASON

  • $100 for non-profit organizations
  • $10 for non-commercial boat owners (1 trailer site)
  • $250 for commercial boat vendor (1 trailer site). Vendor spots for boats include trailer/boat space up to 26 feet (you may have a small table – not to exceed 3 feet long. If you need additional space, you will need to purchase a tent site in addition.
  • $250 for commercial vendor with own pop tent (includes food vendors). Vendor spots for tents are 8×10 and you must bring your own tent and table.
  • $50 for local crafters

Exhibitors and vendors will receive $50 off the cost of registration if they offer either an:

  • Ongoing demonstration/activity at their site all day that relates to the maritime heritage and marine environment of the river.
  • A demonstration, talk, etc. as part of the Riverfest program

For those interested in information about become an Around the Region Partner:

About the Gundalow Company

The Gundalow Company’s mission is to protect the maritime heritage and environment with education and action. Each year the Gundalow Company welcomes school groups, campers and the public out on the water for sails aboard our gundalow, PISCATAQUA. These programs, along with our new shoreside exhibit and outreach programs, education people about the maritime history of the region and how this related to the health of our environment. To learn more, visit our website: gundalow.org.

About the Piscataqua Riverfest

Goals:

  • Promote the beauty and health of the Piscataqua Region
  • Provide opportunities for all ages to have fun on and near the water
  • Educate people about our complex river system and the people working hard to protect it
  • Celebrate the rich maritime heritage of the Piscataqua Region
  • Promote stewardship of the Piscataqua Region

Attendance: We are thrilled to kick off the third run of the Piscataqua Riverfest in 2023. Our hope over the next several years is to grow this festival into a yearly celebration with thousands of attendees. Our attendees will come from throughout New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts and will likely be mature, upscale, and affluent. Past shows had ~750 ticketed guests.

Events: This event is part festival, part boat show, and part celebration. The emphasis is on highlighting our maritime heritage and environment.

The Site: Portsmouth is a vibrant town with a rich maritime heritage and a complex marine environment. This festival will take place on the grounds of Strawbery Banke Museum, in Prescott Park and around the town with discounts at local establishments.

Event Promotion: We are thrilled to promote this event across the region to bring you an engaged audience through social media, print, radio and more. All exhibitors will be listed in our program and may choose to pay an additional fee for an advertisement in the program or to become a festival sponsor.

Zero Waste Event: In celebrating our rivers, our goal is to eliminate the negative impacts of waste and have this be a Zero Waste event. The goal at a Zero Waste event is to plan ahead and distribute only materials that are recyclable or compostable. “Resource Recovery Stations” consisting of recycling, compost and liquid collection containers will be available to participants at numerous locations throughout festival. There will not be trash containers around. For full details on the Zero Waste aspects, please click here.

Exhibitor and Vendor Terms & Conditions

The Gundalow Company reserves the right to refuse organizations and businesses as exhibitors for any reason or as it deems necessary.

Exhibitors and vendors must show only goods and services as described in their application or agreements. The Gundalow Company reserves the right to restrict or prohibit exhibits that are determined, in its sole discretion, to be objectionable or detracting from the general character of the exhibition as a whole. In the event of such restriction or prohibition, Gundalow Company shall not be liable for any refunds or other exhibit expenses.

Exhibitor agrees to appoint a duly authorized representative to be responsible for its exhibit, and agrees that said representative, or someone authorized by Exhibitor, shall be in attendance at its exhibit during on Saturday from 11:00-5:00. Only companies and organizations with assigned exhibit space may solicit business within the exhibit area and hand out promotional material. Exhibitors may not solicit businesses or hand out promotional material outside their assigned exhibit space.

Payment: Fifty Percent (50%) of the total balance due must be submitted when registering for the event. The remaining balance is due May 1. If full payment is not received by May 1, inclusion in all show-related materials will be forfeited.

Cancellation: An exhibitor/vendor who elects to cancel their contracted space for any reason prior to May 1, will be fully refunded. Cancellations occurring after May 1, will be charged One Hundred Percent (100%) of the license fee for the Space. In the event the event is cancelled, vendors will receive a 100% refund.

Installation and Character of Exhibits: All exhibits are to be installed according to the instructions of the Gundalow Company. Exhibitors/vendors may set up between the hours of 8:30 and 10:30 on Saturday and may break down their exhibit only between the hours of 5:00 and 7:00. Failure to comply will have a direct effect on the opportunity to exhibit at future shows. No explosives, fuels, or other combustible matter may be brought into the Space.

Weather: The Exhibitor/vendor and Gundalow Company agree that neither Gundalow Company, nor any of its employees or agents, shall be liable for loss, damage, third-party damages, claims, or loss to property, person, or vessels in the event of storms, floods, high winds, gales, or hurricanes.

Insurance: All commercial vendors must carry and provide proof of current liability insurance by May 1st naming “The Gundalow Company’s Piscataqua Riverfest in partnership with Strawbery Banke Museum” as additionally insured. Please contact us with questions.

Contacts: Address all questions, correspondence, payments, and requests to: Gundalow Company 60 Marcy Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801 • Tel: 603.433.9505 • E-mail: info@gundalow.org

Space Options: We offer tent booth space and space on land for boats. Space will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

In-tent Booth (10′ x 10′) Exhibitors/vendors must provide their own table, tent, chairs, etc. Electricity may be available upon request.

Land Space for Boats: Land space for boats is limited to 26 feet. You may have a small table near your boat not to exceed 3 feet. If you need a full tent space you must purchase an additional vendor spot. If you have other space requirements, please talk with us so we can configure a space that suits your needs.

Exhibitor/vendor Tickets:
Each exhibitor receives TWO Tickets per exhibit space. These tickets are to be used for yourself and your guest.

Show FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How will this festival adjust to the coronavirus pandemic? The Gundalow Company takes the health and safety of our members, volunteers, passengers, crew and staff seriously and like many organizations we are monitoring the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.  For future events – we will continue to evaluate the situation and adapt our cancellation policies as necessary.

When do I have to get all of my information in? Space is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. All information must be in at the time of your registration.

By what date do I need to get my information in to be listed in the show program? The deadline for a listing in the shows program is May 1

What is the ground like? Will I need to bring flooring? The area is flat and grassy

What happens if it rains during the show? This is an outdoor venue. The show goes on rain or shine. We will only cancel for extreme weather or other emergency.

Are pets allowed? Unfortunately pets are not allowed on the grounds of Prescott Park or Strawbery Banke Museum.