Going Bigger - A Community Arts & Crafts Fair

Just because my first Arts & Crafts Fair was a bust, I wasn't loosing hope. I got on the computer and looked for a bigger event, something that looked like it was established, and didn't cost and arm and leg to apply/participate. Some of the shows listed on the Arts & Crafts participation sites are in the multiple hundreds of dollars. I don't have an inexhaustible set of funds, so I need to be smart with the money I am spending.

I found the '23rd Annual Christmas Under the Palms' was taking place on the next weekend, and a quick email to the organizers let me know I could still apply and participate if my products were indeed a handmade craft item, not a flea market product. The price to participate - $65, plus you must bring your own awning, tables, set-up, business cards and placard with your business name. I got on Amazon and purchased an awning, filled out the application, and was on my way!

My sister and I left the house very early, to get to the location with time to set up, and were very optimistic that this was going to be the beginning of a great business adventure. Along the way, we were surprised that we didn't see one sign advertising the event, until we got to the parking lot for the event (and that only advised where Guests should park), but assumed they would go up once the Arts & Crafts fair was actually open.

We were wrong. Once again, the retiree's from the Church (whose lot this event was held in), came out in number, for a day out and a hamburger or hot dog from the food vendor. Unfortunately, they also had a 'flea market' area in the church, and many of the older folks who did purchase something, did it in the flea market area buying used goods with their dimes and quarters.

While it's true we did better than almost all of the other 100 or so participants, we didn't make as much as the cost to take part. An organizer came around with a survey late in the day, and I asked her 'where were the signs guiding folks to this event?' She advised they didn't put any up. In the past, folks just 'knew' to come to the Arts & Crafts Fair after the local Christmas parade. My next question was, 'where did they advertise?' Well, the answer was they didn't, that would have cost money, and they weren't spending any for the  Arts & Crafts Fair. She acknowledged that she knew most of the 'vendors' had had a very disappointing day.

Chalk another one up to a lesson learned. Even if it looks like it's the real deal, it may not be at all.

Walking Dead Weekender / Carry-on Bag