The Village of Shops organizers would like to acquaint you with the policies of the Village that have been drawn up to ensure that this event is carried out in the tradition of this exciting sporting event. This policy is not all-inclusive and the Board of Directors, at its discretion, reserves the right to make all final decisions related to the Village of Shops that are consistent with its overall goals.

Spaces in the Village are open to merchants who sell food, gifts, clothing, jewelry, antiques, artwork and equestrian-oriented items. Crafts, fund raising activities such as raffles, and trade displays are not permitted

First time vendors must submit a photograph or detailed description of their merchandise with their application. The Village of Shops organizers reserve the right to reject a vendor application if they deem the merchandise to be inappropriate for the Village. Vendors who misrepresent their merchandise may be asked to remove it and will not be allowed to participate in future Villages.

Vendors are not permitted to sell any merchandise that violates trademarks or copyrights. Vendors displaying such merchandise will be asked to leave immediately and will forfeit the vendor fee.
No vendor is permitted to sell merchandise with the Aiken Steeplechase logo or the words "Aiken Steeplechase" without the express prior written permission of the Aiken Steeplechase Board. A copy of this written document must accompany the vendor application.
 
Preference for spaces is given to vendors who participated in previous Villages. New vendors will be accommodated on a first come, first served basis. The the Village is filled and vendors still wish to apply, they will be placed on a waiting list and invited to join the Village as spaces become available.

Vendors who have previously participated in the Village have the opportunity to request the same tent location, but the organizers reserve the right to make the final tent assignments. Every effort will be made to put at least one tent between vendors who display similar merchandise.

We hope that this policy will answer any questions that you might have.