Summer Heat Preparation for the Art Fair

OK, i realize its the end of May and the spring/summer transition is just starting.  While it is on my mind I wanted to take some time to discuss how to handle the heat of a summer Art Fair when the temperatures can climb into the 90s, with high humidity and blazing sunshine.  Spending an entire weekend in a tent when the weather is that warm is a challenge, but it can be managed if you plan carefully.

• Make sure to have a shady area for your seating area of your tent. It does not seem to matter what kind of shade, just having a break from the blazing sun.   Some artists use the wall of the back of their tent and either rope and tent stakes to form an angled awning, or they use poles to create a porch roof.  We tent to bring our 2 person sports umbrella canopy.  It has side flaps that stake down, and is wide enough to fit both of us comfortably.
• Sun block lotion
• Hats- always have a hat to shelter from the sun.
• Bug repellent lotion (we like to use our own “Don;t Bug Me Lotion Bar”
• A cooler full of ice cold beverages.  We stock at least a half of a case of water, and possibly a bottle or two of an electrolyte replacement like Gatorade or local electrolyte drink called NOOMA which we found at Marc’s.   With severe heat hydration is critical- and as we sweat our bodies loose lots of fluids, as well as electrolytes.
• Food / Snacks / Munchies  – We also pack cold snacks, like melons, pineapple, grapes, cheese, and meat sticks.  And some times sandwiches.  Usually we have some type of nuts (pistachios traveled with us to the last few shows), and something crunchy like pretzels, or pita chips.
• When i remember, I rinse out two hand towels, and throw them in the freezer.  When the heat begins to be overwhelming a frozen towel melts that heat for a few moments.
• When all else fails, and the heat is making you overcome find air conditioning and a cool drink.  This may be a comfort station, or turning on your vehicle and maxing out the air conditioning for a bit.

And it is really important to know the signs of heat issues:

1. Heatstroke symptoms include:

   • High body temperature. A body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher is the main sign of heatstroke.
   • Altered mental state or behavior. …
   • Alteration in sweating. …
   • Nausea and vomiting. …
   • Flushed skin. …
   • Rapid breathing. …
   • Racing heart rate. …
   • Headache.

   2. The most common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

   • Confusion.
   • Dark-colored urine (a sign of dehydration)
   • Dizziness.
   • Fainting.
   • Fatigue.
   • Headache.
   • Muscle or abdominal cramps.
   • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

   Watch for these, and if you show any signs, first get help.  Drink lots of fluids, and find a cool place to rest and cool your core temperature down.

   Be prepared… take care of yourselves.