Monday, September 21, 2009

Day at the Fair

WOW! What a day I had on Sunday at the Franklin Harvest Festival! It was a gorgeous day, sunny, light breezes, temperature in the mid-70s, wonderful for an outdoor family day. There was a classic car show, 2 bands, farmers' market, kids' games, crafters, and lots of great food. I got up early to go over my checklist once again and we set off at 9:30 to set up, with the festival beginning at 11:00.Main Street was completely blocked off, and the street where my booth would be was down to 1 lane, with police directing all the traffic. The booths were set up in the street parking spots, so people could walk by on the sidewalk and go into shops as well as see the crafts.My nephews were with me all day doing the more physical things that I can't do. They also were smart enough to suggest a party canopy, which I didn't know my BIL had. It was a life saver!Did you know that jewelry out in the sun gets too hot for people to try on? See, I learned something at my first craft fair! I actually learned a lot, and was lucky to be next to a very experienced crafter who gave me lots of tips.The boys and I had a great day; they were very particular about how the boards should be set up for display, and how things should be hung. They would go off on adventures from time to time, checking out the bands or cars, and of course getting food as teenage boys do! They brought me back a milkshake from Rick's my favorite Franklin diner on one of their escapades.And when it got boring at the table, there was always my Rollator to play with! Altogether it was a successful day, I think. I learned a lot about working a craft fair, which was my main goal, and made a VERY tiny profit. At least I didn't lose any money. Now I have to get organized to list the leftover on etsy!

The video below was shot by Warren Reynolds who blogs at 02038.com

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10 comments:

  1. Ooh, I'm so glad you had a good time and learned a lot for the next time. How wonderful of your nephews to spend the day helping you. You're looking fabulous, Elizabeth! I can't believe you only made a tiny profit though. How could your stuff not sell out?

    Justine :o )

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  2. This looks like a great day. Glad all went well and had some profit. Here's hoping for many more craft fair good times and successes.

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  3. Hi! I was just visiting from SITS. Sounds like you had a great day at the street fair!

    I was just looking at some of your pieces. As soon as I get paid again, I'm going to have to visit your store!

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  4. oh that's a lovely festival. i'm happy that you had fun :)
    have a loveòy day,
    justyna

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  5. Looks like you really did a great time at the fair and learn a lot of things. Everybody look happy at the fair. thanks for sharing this happy pictures.

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  6. Looks like you had fun though. It's a lot of work for small sales, but as you say, you learn from each time. My brother in law sells dichroic glass jewelry. After awhile you learn which shows to go to and which ones to skip :)
    Hugs,
    Robin

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  7. Great day! thanks for sharing this happy pictures. I love your blog!

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  8. It looks like there was a good attendance. Isn't the best part meeting and talking and learning? I'm so glad you had a good day.

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  9. Great first fair!

    I did mine this year also, and I doubled my booth cost, so felt like a huge success! (Didn't cover all my supplies and etc. But I had WAAAAAY too much stock!) Get that stuff up on etsy RIGHT NOW! I got a ton of sales immediately afterward from people grabbing business cards, and for some reason, alot of them went through email instead of etsy, so give them that, too. I got alot from a sign up sheet I did also, once I contacted them. (about a week later)

    It was the "After" sales that really helped me! Congrats!

    Oh, I followed you over from MCC! Love it there!
    ~britt

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  10. We do learn as we go, don't we! Glad you had a great time.

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