Invest in a Tent & Weights

Tent Safety Requirements & Vendor Guide

Tent safety protects shoppers, fellow vendors, and the integrity of the market. The requirements below are mandatory for every vendor.

✅ Quick List of Requirements

  • 10′ x 10′ Commercial-Grade White Tent required
  • Minimum 160 lbs of weights (40–50 lbs per leg)
  • Weights must be strapped to each leg and tethered to canopy corners
  • Canopy must be secured to the frame with Velcro straps
  • Do not set up tables or merchandise until tent is fully weighted & secured
  • 4 solid tent walls strongly recommended (for rain, shade, and overnight)
  • No staking allowed at Oakbrook Center, many Naperville spaces, and Wilmette — proper weights are always required

Reminder: Vendors without proper weights will not be permitted to set up.

🌟 Helpful Hints for New Vendors

Choosing a Tent

  • Select a commercial-grade tent (backyard tents break easily and are not allowed).
  • Ensure it includes 4 solid zipper walls for rain, shade, and overnight security.
  • Look for a tent with a roller bag with wheels — Oak Brook is a “dolly-in” market.
  • Choose a vented canopy top to let wind escape and keep the booth cooler.
  • Avoid canopies that sag or pool water. Over time, fabric stretches; pooled water can bend or break frames. Many vendors place inexpensive pool noodles in corners to keep fabric taut and prevent pooling.

Weight Options

Every tent leg must be anchored with at least 40–50 lbs. Options include:

  • DIY Concrete Buckets — Fill 2.5–5 gallon buckets with cement (~45–55 lbs each) and strap securely to legs. Tip: Choose neutral-colored buckets (gray/black/white) or paint/wrap them so weights look neat and professional.
  • DIY PVC Weights — Capped PVC filled with cement or sand; vertical, tidy, and easy to strap to legs.
  • Gym Weights (45–50 lb plates) — Compact; secure with ratchet straps or bungees.
  • Commercial 50-lb Stackable Plates — Purpose-built, compact, and professional.
  • Sandbags/Weight Bags (20–37 lbs each) — Must be doubled up to meet requirements. Fill with sand, pea gravel, or water (pea gravel doesn’t absorb water and is easier after rain).
  • Cinderblocks (last resort) — Heavy but unattractive and can be unsafe. If used, secure tightly and keep the setup neat; your booth is part of your brand.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Two 25-lb weights per leg are easier to move than one 50-lb block.
  • Do not rely on stakes — soil/weather are unreliable, and staking is restricted at several locations.
  • Secure weights both low (legs) and high (canopy corners) for maximum stability.
  • Attach the canopy itself to weights when possible. Velcro wears out; if it fails, your canopy can detach and blow away.
  • Prevent water pooling. Add corner supports (e.g., pool noodles/rods) to keep fabric taut and avoid sagging.
  • Keep weights neat and professional to avoid trip hazards and maintain presentation quality.

🚫 Top 5 Mistakes That Break Tents

  1. Not enough weight — less than 40 lbs per leg.
  2. Pooling water on canopy — causes sagging and frame collapse.
  3. Worn Velcro or unsecured canopy tops — canopy detaches in wind.
  4. Unsafe or messy weights — trip hazards and unprofessional appearance.
  5. Setting up before securing — never put out tables/merchandise until the tent is anchored.

🛒 Popular Tent Options

🏋️ Recommended Weight Products

Bottom Line: You must have 40–50 lbs per leg in neat, professional-looking weights. Vendors without compliant setups will not be allowed to vend.