Well the shows are done for now, so I'm taking a 2 week break to regroup and start building my schedule for more shows starting in September through the end of the year. I finished up the 3-day Kirkwood Town Fair late last night and spent today relaxing, napping and unloading the car.
Last week I finally ordered a new commercial grade EZUP pop-up tent with walls (a must for me to shade the candles) with the money I made at the Broome Co Fair. It didn't arrive until Friday morning, so I used a borrowed tent on Thursday. We got the top canopy installed when it arrived, then folded it back up and packed it into the car to use Friday and Saturday.
I arrived early to allow enough time to set it up at Kirkwood, but it was up in a flash. I had some help stretching it out, but the rest was easy so I had plenty of time to spare. I took my time attached the walls (love the Velcro!) and made sure the corner zippers were lined up ready to zip up for the night. Then I spent the rest of the time setting up my tables and displays just so. I'm still working on uncluttering my displays, but it's getting there.
I proudly hung up the banner my daughter Nina designed. I received a couple very nice comments on it and told customers it was designed by my talented daughter who's a graphic designer. It feels so professional to have an identity with matching banner, business cards and website.
So this is the entire display, tent and all. I kept the side walls up for most of the show except during a sunny time and kept the back wall down because due tos a lot of foot traffic for the rides behind me.
I was able to leave everything packed inside the tent on Friday night, so I didn't have to haul everything home and back like I did Thursday night.
So the weekend ended with some amazing fireworks that I watched while breaking down.
And I'm packed up and ready to load the car.
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| Packed up |
I now feel like a professional vendor! I can pick up and go to any show, rain or shine, indoors or out because I'm ready for anything now. I made lots of new friends and met old ones from Broome County Fair.
Lots of suggestions were given for fairs and craft shows in the area, and it looks like home parties are on the horizon because they're very popular around here. Not to mention fundraisers! So watch out in the next couple months as I expand into these areas.
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It was a good show and now it's time to regroup, rethink, schedule more shows for the holiday season and expand the candle business! I not only had good sales, but a couple potential wedding orders. It's always a pleasure educating customers about the benefits of soy candles, encouraging them to try them with samples I often give out and adding coupons with their purchase. When I tell folks I'm local, I know they'll be back for more.
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| The entire set-up |
