Participants Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Arts and Crafts section is mid-avenue, from Curtis (in Albany) to approximately "Ventura" (in Berkeley). There are relatively fewer performers and food vendors in this area. Most of the objects for sale in the crafters area are to be "hand crafted"; there may or may not be a "commercial" vendor mixed-in – the merchants are allowed to use the front of their stores in any way they see fit and therefore you may see "out of category" or not crafted items for sale.
Yes. The SAA [volunteer] Board of directors "updates" every year, and so current Board Members need to be able to review your work.
" Jurying" of the arts/craft participants takes place every year promptly at the end of June. We will let you know soon afterwards by email – usually by July.
It is optional in either/both cases. (Applicable to performers and arts/crafters only.)
There are two separate checks/money-orders involved: The "jury fee" is a non-refundable payment for us to determine if you qualify as a Crafter. The second payment is deposited once you are accepted – sent back or destroyed if not. Both checks/money-orders should be made out to the "Solano Avenue Association".
Please let us know! We rely on the vendors to self-police the section. Please let us know, anonymously if necessary who you suspect of selling non-crafted items. The integrity of the crafters area is of paramount importance to us and in 2010 (and thereafter) we will step-up the "jurying" process and getting into the crafters area will become more difficult.
Reviewing of the performers takes place every year promptly at the end of June. We will let you know soon afterwards by email – usually by July.
The SAA [volunteer] Board of Directors updates frequently and so there is no "preference". That being said it is safe to say that the Board looks for something exciting and up-beat. "Festival" music is a good way of describing it; however we do have space for more "reserved" acts.
Additional advice includes making the first cut/track on your demonstration CD really count. The Board has hundreds of CD’s to listen to so we do not have the resources to listen to full songs/albums during the review process.
We technically only have one stage – our main stage or "grandstand". The other performance locations are typically on "the street".
Yes. The SAA [volunteer] Board of directors "updates" every year, and so current Board Members need to be able to review your work. Volunteers usually take the cd/media home after the "jurying" (at the end of June.)
It is optional in either/both cases. (Applicable to performers and arts/crafters only.)
No.
The Solano Avenue Association. (Arts and Crafts participants, make your "jury" check out to the Solano Avenue Association as well. Please see Crafters FAQ.)
Checks for most categories are cashed shortly after your registration is processed. (However it is not unusual for a check to remain un-deposited for a month, depending on registration activity.) For arts/crafters, your ($10) "jury fee" check is deposited once we receive your application as well, however your participation fee ($140) check will not be cashed until after the "jurying" takes place in late June (after the application deadline on June 15th).
It depends on who issued it and how close we are to the actual event.
Yes, however please add/note the business name or organization on the face - if applicable.
Checks go out immediately after the event.
Everyone except performers and parade participants.
Arts and craft participants need to send in one self addressed, stamped envelope, and an additional SASE if – if you want your photos back.
It really doesn’t matter, however "invitation" size may be too small. For Solano Stroll Postcards, six by ten inch "manilas" work best.
94707-2116
Yes. However packages cannot be hand delivered.
The Solano Avenue Association does not have a physical address. Our 1563 Solano Avenue Address is a "UPS Store". Applications become available on-line April 16th – annually. If you need a "physical" application please let us know.
Category 04 "Commercial – Art Activity". We realize that you will need a little extra space for mats. However if we consider your mat-space to be "excessive" we may have to charge an additional fee. Please indicate the amount of mat-space you are requesting on your application.
Yes, we do not keep the copies on-file for security and logistical reasons.
Anyone can request electricity except Arts and Crafters. Outlet locations are mainly in Albany and up a 12' pole. Stroll volunteers cannot help you access it, but with a small stool you should be okay. We "preserve" most electrical availability for the bands that require it to perform.
(Page 02 – optional location) Basically if you have attended the Solano Avenue Stroll previously and want to be in the same location, simply note "same location as last year" inside the box. If you are a first-time participant we’ll give you the best possible spot. If you have any other preferences, please note them in the box – such as you do not want to be next to a band or barbeque; close to a restroom; or any other special requests. We will try and honor them.
Yes, but please make it clear in your application that you plan to do so (especially if your massages are free.)
We begin accepting registration every year on April 16th. Then in
May: We send out an email mid-month to confirm that we have your application and all is well.
June: We send out an email mid-month to confirm that we have your application and all is well.
June: We perform the "jurying" for the Arts and Crafts applicants and review the performers in late June, then confirm your participation VIA email as soon as possible.
In July we will "map out" the Avenue and get any documents that you need out to you in the US Mail, including performance schedules, health department permits, the map illustrating your physical location on the Avenue, and/or any other necessary documents relative to your participation at the event.
The Solano Avenue Association does not have a physical address. Our 1563 Solano Avenue Address is a "UPS Store" that cannot (by Federal Law) accept mail or any other documents by-hand from the public.
You are in the wrong place! You want to become a member of the Solano Avenue Association and that information can be found here: http://www.solanoavenueassn.org/saa_about.html
Yes and the important thing is for you to confirm by email, as we use the date/time as your order on any list we develop. Please add yourself by sending us an email.
Additional: The Cities of Albany and Berkeley, California; The Solano Avenue Association, their officers, agents and Board of Directors including Executive Director Allen Cain.