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Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Darlington Apple Festival



The first Saturday each October, the quaint little sleepy town of Darlington, MD hosts it's annual Apple Festival. Held on the main downtown thoroughfare, Shuresville Road, the town comes alive with crafts, food vendors and civic organizations.



The show offers afternoon before set up to make it easier on it's exhibitors. Most crafts people that have been doing shows for years really appreciate that feature. This years set up had a few complications...Mother Nature decided to bestow upon Maryland 9-11 inches of rain that Thursday, which made it a little soggy for those setting up on the grassy areas and made parking out of the question in other areas.


My space this year was located on the school driveway so we didn't have to worry about the soggys. We got all of our display stuff and some of our product up on Friday evening. We planned on returning early in the morning to finish the rest.


Ian, Sean and I headed back to Darlington in the early morning hours. We were set up in no time flat and making sales. The weather turned out to be absolutely wonderful and sales were brisk. If you are within an hours drive time from Darlington and are looking for something to do, it's certainly worth the drive.

There are orchard fresh apples, apple dumpling, apple cider, an apple pie baking contest, apple fritters, along with plenty of entertainment. There are even pony rides to keep the kids entertained.

It was nice catching up with craft friends. Talking about the evolution of our industry and where we think shows are headed. Things certainly have changed since I started doing shows 20+ years ago.

14 comments:

  1. OH my it sounds like a fun time!!! Your booth looks just awesome:)

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  2. Your display looks awesome!
    Aren't those outside shows killers?
    I'm happy it was a sucessful show for you. I love your signs.

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  3. Carmen,

    People turn out in droves. My hubby was talking to someone at a local eatery and they said there was a steady stream of cars up to the show all day. Thanks for the compliment. We have our biggest show of the year this coming weekend.

    D

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  4. Pat,

    I've been doing outdoor shows almost the whole time I ever have done shows. We never went inside til November and that was when we were doing 30+ shows a year. I keep telling myself I am getting too old for this! LOL! I love the energy that is at a show though...call me a craftshow junkie! LOL! I just hate the early morning setting up and the same day taking down....that's a killer as I've gotten older, I have realized that.

    D

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  5. 30+ shows in a year?! Dee, I would've died!! Nice displays! Cancelled on our big one this year. Just going to go and enjoy myself. Nice to know that sales were steady.

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  6. O.M.G. Dee!
    30 shows a year!
    I did 16, and it was crazy getting ready for them.
    I would rather do the indoor shows.
    The tent, wind, and rain, make me crazy!

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  7. Vicky,

    Yep, we had one if not two in a weekend...we just rolled from one to the other...weeks became blurrs! LOL! But boy was it fun! We did them in the craftshow heyday, when you made lots of money. I think it was easier then...much younger and the boys really helped lots. They still do, but just not as much. They all will help out this weekend as this is our big show for the year.
    Thanks for the compliment on the display. I am always tweaking it. Just ordered a few more grid pieces so this weekend will unveil the whole new look.

    Sorry you canceled your show...but do enjoy just being a customer...sometimes that is really nice too.

    D

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  8. Pat,

    Yep, 30. We even did Dutch Neck a few times...and lots of others in NJ. Probably even have run into each other...Pitman, Wood Street, Rancocas Woods...hmmm..will have to think some more...

    D

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  9. Great pictures Dee WOW it looks like an awesome show. Your set up is wonderful thank you for sharing

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  10. The booth looks great...Are you ready to do it all over again this weekend? See you Thurmont!

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  11. Brenda,

    Thanks. It is a really nice show. Thanks for the compliment on the booth. I am tweaking it more for this coming weekend.

    D

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  12. Pat,

    Of course. I could use another week or two of painting before Thurmont but that's a luxury we both don't have. See you at Thurmont on Friday.

    D

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  13. your booth looks fantastic..glad you had a great time..I hope the sales were awesome!!!

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  14. Gina,

    Thanks! As much as I dread getting ready to go to a show, once I'm there and set up, I do enjoy myself.

    D

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