Welcome to Galesburg Heritage Days 2026

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First, we have a great group of vendors!!  Our campers, merchants and public have often expressed how impressive Galesburg Heritage Days continues to be.  We appreciate the dedication to authenticity our campers and merchants embody.  The authenticity is a primary asset that sets us apart and promotes our continued success.

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There is however a bit of room for improvement.  This year my focus will be on two areas; appearance of the venue and elimination of flea market or inappropriate to the time period merchandise.

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I am very aware that we all need to have something to eat and drink.  The latter especially in the August heat.  Please dispose of used beverage and food containers so they are not in view of the public.  Merchandise packaging, the stuff your product came in, should be well hidden under a table or out of sight.  This is especially true of waste cardboard and paper.  We want the public to have a good experience and your store will be more attractive to customers.

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Merchandise: there are products that may have packaging that is not period correct.  I understand this.  Food and Drink for sure must comply with modern health regulations.  This is also true of certain other products.  I spoke with several folks last year and yes modern packaging may be necessary for certain products.  So modern glass jars and such are permissible when necessary.  

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Flea market items:

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I am by no means an authority on all things pre 1840 material culture.  But that does not mean I don't know farb when I see it.  I will be looking very hard at clothing and accessories.  Items such as hats, purses (there were no purses as we think of them today), cloaks, capes, wraps, scarves, gloves etc. must reflect the style, pattern and cut of the pre 1840 time period.

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There were no galvanized buckets or utensils.  Porcelain or enamel ware did not exist.  Old tools must be old!  I do not want to see a pile of rusty screw drivers, claw hammers, or crescent wrenches you found at a backyard sale.  Bluntly, if the success of your store relies upon the sale of flea market items Galesburg Heritage Days is not the venue for you.

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I will be available the week of the event on Thursday at 7pm in shelter #1 to answer any questions.

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Thank you!  Wishing you a successful event.  Larry Schatz, Trade Commissioner. If you have any questions, text me at 309-370-1174 or email me larryws@frontiernet.net