Charlotte Learning Center (CLC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving adult literacy and fostering lifelong learning in and around Charlotte County, Virginia since 1986. This is our 5th year of hosting an event to celebrate National Poetry Month and promote literacy, poetry, and growth in our community. This is our first year of turning it into a fundraiser and we're excited to share this with everyone involved! 

Important Dates and Times:

Friday, April 3rd:      Setup Time - 9am-11:30am 11:30am - All unloading must be completed and vehicles moved to designated area
12:00pm - Official Start of Event 6:00pm - End of Friday

Saturday, April 4th: Setup Time - 7am-9:30am

     9:30am - All unloading must be completed and vehicles moved to designated area
     10:00am - Official Start of Event
     6:00pm - End of Saturday

We welcome:

• Musicians (solo, small groups, acoustic preferred)

• Actors & local theater groups (especially Shakespeare or period-inspired skits!)

• Drama clubs and student performers

• Storytellers, spoken word artists, and poets

• Juggling acts, street performers, puppeteers, dancers

• Live demonstrators (falconry, calligraphy, tanning, pottery, historical skills, etc.)

This is a wonderful opportunity to share your talents with the community in a lively, themed environment that values creativity, curiosity, and culture.

Participation & Support:

As a small nonprofit organization, Charlotte Learning Center operates with limited funding. We ask all interested performers and exhibitors to submit a proposal below for participation that includes any performance needs and payment considerations.

While we may not be able to offer traditional performance fees, we do offer:

• The option to receive a tax-deductible receipt for your donated time or services

• Space to sell merchandise during or after your performance or demonstration

• The ability to accept tips from the audience during the event

• Promotion of your work in our marketing and event materials

We want this event to be mutually beneficial and are happy to discuss ways to support your group or organization.

Check-in/Setup Guidelines

When you arrive, check in with either Heather or volunteer at "Welcome" gate.  If you have a tent you'd like to set up, you're welcome to do so. However, if you don't use one, that's fine too.  

Parking:

Parking information will be released closer to the event date.

Weather: 

This event will be rain or shine.  Be prepared for the weather. Weights are required in every leg of pop-up style tents. Stakes are considered additional protection. Due to April weather, stakes aren't as reliable in wet fields. There will be indoor space available for warming up or cooling down... it'll be April in Virginia. So, the weather could be unpredictable.  In the event of rain, coordinators will do their best to mitigate issues, but we ask that vendors remain flexible.

The grounds are in a field, prepare accordingly. 

Power and Generators: 

Power is limited to one outside location on a deck that could be used for performances, but has a railing around it. There is another deck that has a more "stage" look and is available without confirmed power at this time.

Clothing:

All participants are encouraged, but are not required, to dress in garb representative of a Renaissance event. 

Children:

This is a family-friendly event, however all children of vendors, reenactors, and entertainers need to be supervised and are the sole responsibility of their guardians. 

Overnight:

Insurance: 

The event only procures the event insurance. Each vendor may provide or purchase their own insurance if they feel compelled to do so, or if they are legally required to.

Alcohol Use:  

Smoking:   Smoking, including vaping, will only be permitted in designated areas.  Consumption of THC, including vapes, is not permitted while on event grounds, in accordance with Virginia law.