Show ended up good. Started out not so good.
I arrived early. Was told that a beer tender co-worker was late.
There were still several tables, chairs and stools in the show area. I helped the person in charge of the show move those. He ended up bar tending and had limited time to direct show participants to their spaces.
He told me where to set up and to refer others to the bar where he had a hand written copy of the layout.
I had a corner space, so 6’ of frontage on one side and 4’ on the other. Plus, was located next to the stage, so I could set empty boxes, my cash box, bags, etc., there.
The late beer tender ended up being a no show and finally texted around 7:30 PM.
I set up. Then saw another try to set up an 8’ by 10’ space that infringed with the spaces to the right of me. Let my co-worker know. He told that seller she could only have an 8’ space and to move to allow room for others.
Someone came to set up to the right of me. They had a large, elaborate display. I had to leave my space briefly. When I came back, part of their display was 6” from one of my tables.
I asked them if they were going to move it, as it was preventing people from seeing part of my display. They initially said uh, no. That they were given this space due to their unusual set up. I let them know I was told that no one would be next to me on that side. They ended up moving their display a couple of feet.
Another person decided to set up a table 2’ in front of my space. I asked them to move it to allow for traffic flow. They were upset, but did.
Things were complicated, due to no one really being able to direct sellers, other than show them a map. In the end I liked the scattered layout.
It wasn’t really a craft show, but a catch all show. There were several MLM people there.
Only one casualty, that I know of. An experienced Pampered Chef Representative had her table fall down.
Some of her display items broke.
I ended up not displaying many rocks/slabs/cabs, but told people who were looking at some items that I could show them others.
I was unable to get a full photo of my display, as there was only about 4’ of aisle between my space and the one in front of me.
In the end, I sold more than most did.
Purchased a new, paracord dog leash from the person who is providing hops to me. She brought a large bag of dried hops and a small bag of hop pellets. She also purchased some hops earrings, hops lotion bar and a lip balm.
One end of table.
This was the side table that very few looked at.
Middle of table. I somehow forgot the nice display cards in holder I had printed.
Note that the primary ingredient of the lotion bars and lip balms are beeswax with propolis. I get this from
knave ’s father.
Jewelry display unit. It rotates. I am going to line it with a dark colored posterboard. Also need to get some more hooks.
I brought some jewelry I had purchased for re-sale.
Display of my jewelry.
Display rocks are Graveyard Point, AZ Pet Wood and Baraboo Quartzite from the Blue Hills, Barron County, WI.
On Saturday, there will be an all-day event at work to raise money for the adult son of some regular customers and helpers. They volunteered to make an amazing patio area for us. He is an accomplished carpenter and made benches, a firepit, and planter boxes. She is a master gardener.
The patio is beautiful. In addition to the above, it contains a bar area and lighting.
Their son has long term Lyme’s Disease and is very ill. Confined to a wheelchair.
I made up a small basket for a raffle prize. They have already received raffle items from over 20 local businesses, totaling over $10,000.00 in value.
Some highlights.
Had someone purchase a couple lotion bars and lip balms for a charity basket they are putting together.
My neighbors on one side were a couple of girls. They were selling Scentsy products.
Ages 17 and 15. They were very nervous. Said this was their first time at a show. They usually sold to friends and family. Asked me for advice. I complimented them on their set-up. Asked them why they were selling Scentsy. They said because they loved it and it was a way to make a little extra $. I told them to share their enthusiasm for the products.
I overheard them talking with someone. The customer asked if this was their full time job. One said she attends school full time and babysits. The other said she works at a local big box store.
My employer had the kitchen open, which does not happen on Wednesday. I purchased a pizza. Other vendor’s saw this and then ordered one. We sold out of pizza’s for the night.
I hope to be at the next show there in the same space.