Philadelphia Folk Festival- Day 1

I think that I have died and gone to crafter heaven. This show really not only treats crafters how they should be treated, but it treats everyone with respect and caring. First, I have to say how amazed I am with the size and dedication of the volunteer staff that this organization has in place. From those who are quite noticeably pregnant and still volunteering, to the 90 year old who hasn't missed a festival in 44 years, the scope of what they do, the length of time they do it (many start the week before the festival and camp the entire time at the site), and the fun they have (you should see the costumes!) doing it, just puts all other shows that I have done that have a volunteer labor force to shame. Volunteering at the Folk Festival isn't just something to do, it is a way of life, a way the parents hand down to their children, a way that marriages bring families together into the fold, a way the friends only being their most cherished friends into the family that they have made here before.

Then the way they take care if you! We started with breakfast in the morning, French toast with butter, syrup, fruit, and juice. It was as good as 90% of any of the family diners I've ever stopped at for breakfast. Then once we got back to the booth, volunteers consistently come though with coolers to refill your water bottles, water buckets, or whatever else you use to hold clean, cold water. Later they come by and fill your cooler with ice, keeping that food and water cold as can be (they do this several times a day). Twice roving volunteers swing by and surprise you with orange Popsicles, the cream sickle variety; a girl could get fat doing this show. Lunch was a Cesar salad, chicken, corn, potato salad, a drink, a fruit, and a few cookies. Late at night one volunteer comes by and will bring you change if you need it. A great way to save some time (especially if you are camping there) rather than running to the bank.

Now sales did not meet my projections. But it was easy to see why. So many camp and stay the weekend, its just better for them to make their purchases on Sunday right before they go home. I think if we can afford it, next year we will camp. Although I was a little shy of sales, the people I met more than made up for the difference, and if only ½ the people who said they'd return, actually return, I think the show will be successful overall.