Thank you to everyone for your suggestions and hopeful wishes in securing a 2009 Handmade Arcade location. We want you to know that we are still working on it and should have an idea of what is happening soon. We’ll keep you posted, we promise!

If you’re not on our mailing list, a post of the request sent out this morning —

Planning for the sixth annual Handmade Arcade is underway. Pittsburgh’s first and largest independent craft fair, Handmade Arcade has become a highly-anticipated fixture of the holiday shopping season. Last year, the event drew 9,000 attendees over two days.

We are having scheduling issues with our desired venue and are exploring options for a new space. IF WE CANNOT CONFIRM A SUITABLE SPACE BY AUGUST 21, WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HOLD AN EVENT IN 2009.

The venue must meet these specifications:
- At least 25,000 square feet of clean, open space – ideally up to 30-35,000 square feet (last year, our venue accomodated 9,000 people over two days in about 35,000 square feet of space)
- Heating
- Lighting
- Negotiable rental rate

Our preferred characteristics:
- On-site restrooms
- Parking or convenient access via public transportation
- Additional accessible outlets
- Availability to serve food

Possible Dates:
- Sat/Sun November 14-15
- Sat/Sun November 21-22
- Sat/Sun December 12-13

Notes:
- We are open to the idea of making this year’s event a one-day event.
- The venue should be in the city limits.

Please send suggestions for venues with any contact information to info [@] handmadearcade.com. Feel free to forward this email to your networks.

We are accepting suggestions until Monday, August 17.