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Showing posts with label craft shows. Show all posts
Showing posts with label craft shows. Show all posts

Monday, October 11, 2010

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!

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.