Catoctin Colorfest

This weekend we participated in Catoctin Colorfest. We've been doing this show for the last 18 years...WOW! I didn't realize that until I thought back to how old Joshua was. The first year we did it, he was in his pack-n-play.



The show isn't quite what it use to be but it still is a darn good show. The police estimate that 150,000 people attend the show, but I think this year the crowd was a little off.


It use to be that shoppers would show up way before dawn and shop by flashlight! LOL! Ladies would bring anything that was on wheels to put all their purchases in, they still do, just not as many.


You can find everything at Colorfest...mums, pumpkins, apples, crafts, sheets and socks...Yep, you read that right..even sheets and socks! It always amazes me that customers would come to a craftshow to buy that kind of stuff, but they do, so as long as they do, the vendors will continue to set up.


On Sunday I went to track down just where Pat from CountryWorkshop booth was at this year. Last year Pat had an awful location due to changes that have occurred with exhibitors attendance at the show. So glad that she and Louie were able to secure a much better spot. Anyway, I stole Pat from Louie to go for a walk with me so we could look at the show. This picture is of Louie, protesting! I told him I was gonna caption it "Louie Whining"! LOL!




As always Pat's booth looks exceptional. Louie does all the heavy toting and lifting to and from the show. He does the cutting and spraying. Pat does the artwork on the signs. You can find her on etsy...just click on the link above.


One of the exhibitors that is located in my area is Steph from puppywear... Steph is such a fun gal to be set up near....she can tell you stories and make ya laugh...always a good thing.








I snapped a few pictures of my booth set up. It amazes me that I don't set up the same way at any two shows.




For this show I tweaked my display further. I ordered some more wire grids and additional corner shelving along with more pegs. I didn't check the boxes when they were delivered and got a big surprise when we got to the show..the wire grid shelves were missing...instead I got a set of legs for the grids...hmmm...not what I needed. Had I checked the box when it arrived, the company that I purchased from would have made things right...they are shipping out the right things today.


I was able to get a few things painted while at the show. My boys help run the booth, so that frees up some of my time. It's nice to be able to sometimes sit and enjoy yourself painting away. See you at Thurmont, next year!

Catoctin Colorfest

Last weekend we had the privilege of participating in Catoctin Colorfest held in the scenic little town of Thurmont Maryland. It's a quaint little town with many gifts shoppes, antiques shoppes and a few nice eateries. On the second weekend in October this sleepy little town of 6000 is flooded with more than 150,000 visitors.

During Colorfest weekend you will find yard sales, flea market items and lots of arts & crafts located in any nook or cranny that someone can pop up a tent and set up in. Vendors even set up in the local car washes bays! It's an amazing sight to newcomers to the show. Parking is at a premium but there is regular shuttle bus service from many outlying locations into the town during the show.



This is one of the biggest shows that we do each year, and we spend many hours gearing up making product to sell. My family helps with set up, manning the cash registers, restocking and packing up, so you could say it's a family affair for me.







We see many friends each year there and make some new ones along the way. Here's Bill Anderson, who we have been friends with he and his wife Rhonda for years. Bill and Rhonda travel from the lower Eastern Shore of MD to set up and sell. We use to see Roni and Bill at many shows, but due to circumstances they have cut back on their shows and we see them 2 times a year. This year Rhonda wasn't able to come to the show due to the flu...missed seeing her.


I took this picture of Steph from Puppywear...she is quite the character as you can see from her pose. We had a good time chatting and getting to know each other this past weekend. She sells all kinds of clothing for dogs...from the little bitty ones to the oversize 2x ones.



Here is Bella one of Steph's customers modeling her new Puppywear coat. Isn't she the cutest little thing?



The weekend turned out to be beautiful and a big success. If you are ever in the vicinity of Maryland on the second weekend in October, be sure to stop and take in all the Catoctin Colorfest has to offer. You'll even have a spectacular view along the way from Mother Nature and the fall foliage.