New England is infamous for its unpredictable weather, diverse climates and often strong, gusty, and unpredictable winds. And while Market vendors use canopies to shield themselves from the rain and sun, our region's winds can turn our canopies into deadly missiles with one unexpected gust. Fortunately, no one was hurt so far this season, and there was only one report of property damage. Nevertheless, there is no good excuse, short of freak equipment failure or an extraordinary act of nature, for a canopy to take flight. (It should be noted that the one incident was the result of no wieghts being used that day)

You should always have your canopy secured to the ground. It is not enough to have the tools necessary to secure your canopy on hand if you do not employ them. Or to rely on getting bricks from our property or securing your tent to your neighbor's weights. All vendors must have their own tent weights, again with a minimum of 40 lbs per tent leg. Gallon water jugs, and single bricks will not cut it. Gallons of water weigh only 9lbs and single bricks are worthless, weighing in at 3lbs. A fellow Market manager in Seattle told me of a girl who was holding down her tent in heavy wind, one strong gust actually lifted her and the tent up and over an aisle, the girl weighed about 120lbs.