We've had a similar post before and I find myself disagreeing yet again with some of the advice offered here.
This is how mis-information is spread, when people offer horror stories of their experiences and then go on to offer impractical advice off topic to the original question posed.
Buy the right Gazebo and it isn't a "Tent", it won't blow away in the wind and it doesn't take hours to put up or take down.
In choosing the right on you want to select one that light enough to transport but is heavy enough to be stable in a light wind. You can't have it both ways here.
The better ones offer several ways to increase the stability on higher winds, from simply pegging the feet into the ground or using metal/water weights, to a ratchet strap at each corner.
You won't need 20'' steaks to strap it to, you simply use between 1-4 corkscrew steaks which are around 15'' long. You can tether a hot air balloon from these without a worry.
Mine also has a total of 4 steal bars which I can connect from leg to leg to stiffen the whole structure or use them to attach Velcro boards, hook on tables etc.
The one shown on E-bay was purchased by my kid's gym club to use in summer shows. Last Halloween we used it to BBQ from and when it rained, the rain came through the roof as a fine mist. Not too good if you want to keep your powder dry!
After many months of looking myself, I came across the perfect solution when an European farmers market came to my town one summer.
I got speaking to one of the stall holders and he gave me a walk around his. As well as climbing it and hanging off the internal structure to prove it's strength, he offered to show me how easy it was to pack away when he finished that afternoon.
I was impressed but feared I might be looking at spending £2000+ for it, which would have been too much.
I ended up buying the 3x4.5mtr "Instaframe" from these people
http://www.nicoll-industries.co.uk/Instaframe%20Pop%20Up%20Canopies.htmIt takes two of us less than 10 mins to fully assemble including all the curtains and the same to take down.
It's as solid as a rock and the most I've ever needed on a very windy day were two ratchet straps positioned on the diagonally opposed legs.
In the summer you can raise the skirt off the floor to allow air through, but if you peg it down the thing is airtight.
I certainly don't regret my purchase and when I've done two day events I've camped overnight in it too. Saves accomodation expenses!
Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 9:33 pm 
