Musikfest Day 1

One day down, 9 to go!

I got there about 2 in the afternoon to finish setting up. Same problems as yesterday but this time they didn't involve me so I just got to sit back and watch like it was reality TV. It's a small area and just about everyone wants to drive in, drop off inventory, and go park. Except for a few newbies, who want to drive in, leave the car unattended and empty, and then set up their display before moving their car and parking.

And was our handy on site Musikfest crafter liaison helping to move things along? Nope. Not. One. Bit. She was handing out information packets to crafters, she was window shopping, she was chatting with a colleague. Was she doing what I interpret to be her job? Nope. Maybe I am wrong, maybe it is not her job and I am asking too much. I have been known to be wrong in the past. But when the show officially starts at 5 pm and there is still a car parked in the field (when the paperwork packet says no cars after 11 am!), then I think I have a valid point.

I also think there is a bunch of crap at this years show. We in the industry call it buy/sell. Because the vendor just buys it and sells it and does virtually nothing to the product themselves (but sometimes claims they do). Then there is a gray area of items that are mildly manipulated by the artisan (items bought and framed, or bought and spray painted for example) that the jury is out on weather or not this falls into handcrafted. Then there is the cottage industries with small armies of home workers turning out variations of an item and someone goes out and acts as a sales rep at shows for this co-op or company. All I can say is ask questions and buy what you feel right buying.

But enough of my rants.. time for a few raves...

Sales were strong. I never keep track by day so I am not sure how I compare to other years but I don't think the north/south split of the show ill ultimately effect my sales.

Customers are AWESOME! Time after time I heard "I buy from you every year" or "I buy from your dad at the farm market" or "I am so glad you are here, we were looking forward to seeing you again". Fills my heart with joy!!

C rocks. He landed in the afternoon from a business trip, grabbed some lunch, changed clothes, battled traffic, and came and sat with me for the night. He hooked up my electric, brought round up for the poison ivy, and generally kept me company and made me happy.

Dad did another local car show/craft show and had a pleasant time with commendable sales. I think he will have no problems reaching the sales goals we set for the show.

OK, that's it.. all my time for today. I have to go pack inventory and food. C-Ya!