The Broome County Fair, Whitney Point NY

Well, I think I am finally recovered from the week-long Broome County Fair.  It was exhausting, yet exhilarating.  I have never done more than a 1-day show in the past, and I thought I would die once at a show that went until 8pm.   Well this one was from 10 am through 10 pm, so I prepared myself mentally as best I could, and it's wasn't as bad as I thought.  In fact, the days went by and when the week was over, I wondered where the time went. 

The fair started on July 27 at 5 pm, so we had all day to get set up.  I arrived about 10 am to drop off the first carload, went home, showered, packed more stuff and returned around 3pm to finish my set-up.  I didn't get my new banner until Tuesday, but I had it for the rest of the week.  I am so proud of the work my daughter Nina did designing my banner! 

The show ran for 12 hours every day and ended Sunday around 8pm.  During the weekdays, it was slow in the afternoons, but picked up during the dinner hour and througout the evenings.  I was lucky to meet some terrific vendors which made the time pass pleasantly.   In addition, I made significant inroads locally, educating the general public about the benefits of soy candles.  

My good friends!

Night-time set-up

After 6 long grueling days, it was finally time to pack up and say goodbye to all my new friends.  I don't know where the time went, because the week was over in a flash.  When I told customers I was new to the area, I received many leads for area shows and am planning to finally buy a show tent with walls so I can vend at many upcoming shows in the area.  I plan to return to the Broome County Fair next year and hope to see many of you there.  I also got a ton of names for my fledgling newsletter through the raffle and sign-up sheet.  

All packed and ready to go home

I can't believe I got it all in the car in 1 trip!

I ended the fair with some deep fried pickles and Oreos.  Yum! 

sickeningly good

See you at the next show!

I am finally finished making tins for the Broome Co Fair

Honestly, I have been working 12 hour days since supplies started rolling in on Wednesday.  I ordered 32 dozens 6 oz travel tins, my best sellers, and have about 6 dozen left for sell-outs.  Not that I'll have time to make anything during the week, but I'll try.  Maybe. 

I'm not eating well, but tonight I had a healthy meal, compliments of Shelly who has been helping label everything and take up all the slack.

I'm not sure how I'm going to survive a week-long show, but coffee and fattening food, along with interaction with the public will get me through.

I made a total of 307 travel tins since Wednesday, plus countless soy breakaway melts and sachets.  I plan to display my wedding candles for future orders and have a good time connecting with new local customers.  OK, so off to make more labels and continue with my to-do list. 

I'm doing the Broome County Fair!

I just found out last Sunday that I was accepted as a vendor at the Broome County Fair!  It was a last-minute decision to apply, so I'm killing myself this week getting ready and making oodles of inventory.  The fair kicks off Tuesday 6pm-10pm and the rest of the week from 10am - 10pm and ends Sunday afternoon.   Needless to say, I'm going to be tired and cranky by the end, but as long as I wear comfy shoes, I'll be fine. 

I must say that this is the biggest show by far I've ever done.  I've got enough inventory for 1 or 2 day shows, but it's difficult to predict what will sell over 6 days.  I'm going heavy on the Fresh, Citrus and Floral fragrances, but I am putting aside enough supplies in case I get a run on certain products so I can make them when I get home in the evening.  I really don't plan to sleep much.

While I'm waiting for wax to set, I make most of my own wicks.  I make my own since I haven't always found the right commercial wick that works withevery type of candle. 

I'm sorting everything into big boxes so I can replenish during the week:  Fresh, Citrus, Floral, Exotic, Herbal/Garden and Misc categories.  I've found from experience that customers generally have a favorite type of fragrance, so by categorizing, it makes the shopping experience easier. 

My daughter Nina designed a new business card for me and they arrived yesterday, all 7 lbs of them.  It took about 2 days from design, to ordering to receiving from GotPrint.  I also ordered a banner for my table which should arrive early next week.  It looks very similar to the business card she designed:

I've been obsessed with how I can add height to my display table and a visit to the local grocery store has solved my problem - corn crates!  They are just the right size, rustic and best of all, free. 

  

So I'm making progress and am right on schedule.  I need to make all the Misc, Herbal/Garden and a few Essential Oil candles tomorrow, then Monday I'll be attending to last-minute details, like printing up coupons, making up a wedding candle display (for future orders) and making sure I check off everything on my to-do list.   

Already, town is abuzz with activity as people are already descending on the community (mind you, less than 1000 residents!), parking their travel trailors and setting up show tents at the fairgrounds.  I can feel the excitement in the air.  I work from home mostly, and look forward to shows like this so I can meet my customers and neighbors in my new town.  It's going to be a blast!