Show Rules

Updated September, 2026

OUR COMMITMENT

We strive to provide the historical reenactor, collector, historian and black powder enthusiast with quality, historically accurate pre1890 merchandise. We aim to bring history to life, entertain, and educate the general public to the most fascinating times in history.

REGISTRATION PROCEDURE

PREVIOUS PARTICIPANTS are invited to register if they have displayed appropriate trade goods, worn pre-1890 dress during show hours and worked cooperatively within the show guidelines. Tables and space are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis pending show needs and quality control requirements. Space is limited.

NEW DEALERS must submit photographs (a website address or emailing them is fine) of their trade goods, themselves and their assistants in period dress along with their completed application and full payment to be considered for acceptance. Tables and space are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, pending show needs and quality control requirements. Space is limited.

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION PROMPTLY. If you are not accepted, payment will be refunded.

As of 2026, Vendor Applications are MAILED the day after Thanksgiving. We are exploring digital application options and hope to have a solution in the coming years.

Read and understand the section on “Tables, Booths, and Special Requests” and the “Exhibitor Badge Policy” below.

To expedite your application, please follow these registration procedures:

Carefully complete all requested information on the registration form.

Indicate whether you wish to rent tables or booth spaces

Indicate the total number of exhibitor badges you will need in the appropriate space.

Promptly return your signed and dated registration with full payment in the form of check or money order payable to:

Yankee Doodle Muzzle Loaders, Inc.

Tables and space are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited.

Please submit your application promptly.

TABLES, BOOTHS, AND SPECIAL REQUESTS

Tables are to be covered and skirted to the floor so merchandise and boxes stored underneath are not visible from the aisles. For security Friday and Saturday nights, the table skirt must be folded up over the merchandise on the table before leaving. FIRE EXITS AND AISLES MUST REMAIN CLEAR. No items are to be placed on the floor in front of tables, or to protrude off the table edge into the aisles. Tables and merchandise in booth areas must remain within the markings on the floor.

Tables measure 30” x 96” and are laid out in double rows in room interiors.

Booths consist of 150 SF of floor space (15’ width x 10’ depth) around room perimeters. Booths may be furnished with dealer’s own display fixtures or up to 5 tables can be supplied free of charge if requested on application form. You may request and pay for multiple adjoined booths.

Special Requests: Table Configurations, Electricity Needs, Location Requests

Straight line- two or more tables placed end to end

Back to back- two or more tables on opposite sides of a double row

End cap- minimum of three tables; can be four, five, etc.; at the end of a double row in a “U” or horseshoe shape

Tables removed? Need electricity? Special area requested? Like to be moved? Indicate under “Special Requests” on application

EXHIBITOR BADGES

Exhibitor badges are to be worn by all dealers and their assistants in an appropriate fashion, above the waist and visible at all times. ALL PERSONS WITH AN EXHIBITOR BADGE MUST BE IN PRE-1890 STYLE CLOTHING DURING SHOW HOURS NO JEANS.

Dealers not in compliance will not be invited back.

Exhibitors are allowed two complimentary badges for the first table rented, and one free badge for each additional table to a maximum of six badges.

Additional badges may be purchased at $10.00 each. Badges must be requested in the appropriate space on the registration form.

NOT-FOR-PROFIT DISCOUNT

The show exists to serve and promote the living history community. Therefore, in an effort to support museums, muzzleloading groups, historical associations, living history sites and reenactor organizations, a 20% discount on table/booth fees is offered to not-for-profit organizations that fit the spirit of the show. The 20% discount is limited to 3 tables. Each table after 3 is not eligible for a discount. All not-for-profit groups MUST meet all quality control guidelines, deadlines, and MUST be in period dress. In order to qualify for the discount, sufficient proof of not-for-profit status (501 c3, etc.) must be submitted with application. Not-for-profits will be placed as available space allows.

Dress

During show hours, all dealers and their assistants wearing exhibitor badges must be dressed in pre-1890 style clothing.

NO JEANS! The ambiance of the show is what brings people back. At the close of the show each day, persons dressed in period attire will be eligible for a drawing on a door prize.

We encourage all our dealers and their assistants to register for the drawing each day in Room A.

Quality Control

All items for sale or display must be pre-1890 original or reproduction firearms, accoutrements or related crafts.

Each exhibitor is obligated to honestly and properly present their merchandise at this show. Reproductions, altered items or modified originals must be so identified.

Show staff reserve the right to request documentation for any item at the show at any time. If show staff determine an item is not appropriate for the show, it must be removed from display and placed under your table immediately.

Quality Control Staff decisions must be followed to remain in good standing at the show.

We are working to maintain the integrity of the show, its vendors, and their storefronts. Thank you for your cooperation.

Questions prior to the show about quality control should be submitted via email: KalamazooLivingHistoryShow@gmail.com

Racks, boxes, cases, and shelves used for displaying merchandise must be pre -1890 in appearance.

Not permitted for table display: cardboard boxes, plastic totes, tackle boxes

Among Unacceptable Items Are:

THE QUALITY CONTROL COMMITTEE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REQUIRE REMOVAL OF INAPPROPRIATE ITEMS.

If you are not sure of your merchandise or display racks, please check with us before reserving tables.

Sale of Animal Parts

Persons engaged in the sale and/or purchase of game and non-game: turtle, reptile, bird, animal hides, plumes, feathers, teeth, claws, bones, parts or organs are to check with the MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES to determine if restrictions apply: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Division, P.O. Box 30028, Lansing, MI 48909 Telephone 517.373.1230 www.michigan.gov/dnr

HAWKERS

Individuals selling multiple items from their persons in the aisles and/or hallways will not be allowed. However, persons attending the show may sell one or two items, if appropriate, such as pre-1890 firearms. Wagons and carts are NOT allowed.

Staff will work to manage hawkers at the gates and through the show. Please report concerns to any staff member.

SALE OF NATIVE AMERICAN ARTS & CRAFTS

“The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990,” Public Law 101-644, Section 104a, reads in part: “It is unlawful to offer or display for sale or sell goods, with or without a Government trademark, in any manner that falsely suggests it is Indian produced, an Indian product, or the product of a particular Indian or Indian tribe or Indian arts and crafts organization, resident within the United States.”

If a Native American Indian makes the items you sell, make sure you have the paperwork to prove it. If a Non-Native American makes your items, some statement to that effect must be displayed and attached to each item. It is your responsibility to be familiar with and comply with the law.

Protect yourself; become familiar with Public Law 101-644.

The intent of the above statement is only to make you aware of PL 101-644. It is not meant to be a legal interpretation of the law.

SALE OF NATIVE AMERICAN ARTIFACTS

Under Public Law 101-601, “Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act,” Native American burial site, cultural or sacred artifacts may not be bought or sold.

Set Up Times

Friday evening the building will be locked until 7:00 P.M.

If staff orientation finishes early, doors may open earlier, but no earlier than 6:30 P.M.

Upon arrival, come to the main lobby at the Main Expo building entrance and pick up your table/booth assignment and exhibitor badges. The show area will be open ONLY TO REGISTERED DEALERS AND THEIR ASSISTANTS for unloading and set-up Friday night from 7:00 to 10:00. P.M. and Saturday morning 7:00 to 9:00 A.M. Only you and persons in your party wearing exhibitor badges will be allowed to enter the show area for unloading. Dealers MUST have all their boxes and merchandise out of the aisles and walkways by 9:00 a.m. Saturday.

We recommend that you bring a cart or dolly for unloading, as none are available at the fairgrounds.

Tear Down Time

Dealers are to remain with trade goods displayed on all tables until the close of the show both days. No packing up or tearing down displays before 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 22 or you will not be invited back to the show. Dealers are to have their merchandise removed from the building by 6:00 p.m. Sunday.

Subleasing or Sharing Space

Only registered exhibitors are permitted to sell or display merchandise. Absolutely NO subleasing or sharing space with anyone who is not a registered dealer.

Camping

Campsites are available for dealers with modern, self-contained units only. Sorry, water hookups are not available (space may be limited due to the weather). For reservations, contact Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 2900 Lake St., Kalamazoo, MI 49048, telephone 269.383.8778, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Refunds

No refunds will be made if the show is cancelled due to weather, fire, strike, loss of power and/or heat; national, state or local emergency; government regulations; natural disaster, pandemic, acts of God, insurance unavailability; or any other cause beyond the control of Yankee Doodle Muzzle Loaders, Inc.

It is our policy to refund payment in full if we receive cancellation notification from a dealer 10 days prior to the date of the show. If cancellation is made less than 10 days before the show date, the refund will be based on our ability to resell the space.

No refunds will be made to dealers that do not arrive at the show by 9:00 a.m. Saturday, March 20, 2027.

If you cannot make it to the show at the last minute due to personal or family health, vehicle breakdown, weather, or for any other reason, please contact us as soon as possible so that we know you are okay and can make arrangments.

MICHIGAN SALES TAX & INSURANCE

Dealers without a Michigan Sales Tax License are required to report their gross sales to the Michigan Treasury Department within 3 business days after the show. The necessary report, “Concessionaire’s Sales Tax Return and Payment Form”, may be downloaded from the state of Michigan’s website at www.michigan.gov. Vendors are responsible for having their own liability insurance.

Smoking and Alcoholic Beverages

The Expo Center Complex is a smoke-free environment. Those wishing to smoke may do so outside by leaving and re-entering the building by one of the three main entrances only. No e-cigarettes. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on the premises.

Thank you for your interest in the show!

Paisley, Ethan, Caroline & Josephine Yazel