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I do a lot of these types of shows - 6 in fact between now and the end of August. They can be very profitable IF you get in the right ones. It is a hit and miss game and you have to do a show to really evaluate it properly. I go for the higher end shows that seem to have an "art" emphasis rather than the "craft" emphasis. It has to do with people's expecations - they come to a "craft" oriented show to buy country ducks and soap doilies and just don't know what to do when they run into "fine art".
I also try to do shows where the attendance is very large and where people pay to get in - if they pay $10 to get in, they are there to buy stuff. I do one show in November that draws 120,000 people over 5 days. They pay $10 to get in and it is a good show for both getting commissions and selling smaller originals and limited edition prints.
I have a canopy from Caravan. It is their top of the line with all four sides. I think I paid about $650 for it. It is very heavy duty with marine zips and completely water proof. I have used it during a 4 day show in the mountains where it rained and blew for 3 of the 4 days - not a drop got in and it was very sturdy in the wind. If you plan on doing outdoor shows, get a good sturdy canopy - it is worth the extra cost.
If the show is outdoors, I will leave my canopy and display frames up, but will take my originals with me at night. Even the best security is not guaranteed and most of these shows have no insurance in the event of theft or loss due to weather, etc. If I am not there, then my originals are not either. I have never had anything taken from my booth overnight, but I know others who have.
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