I've been participating in Art/Craft Fairs on the Olympic Peninsula for the last five years. Over that time I've been so blessed to meet some amazing people. I've made friends with other vendors, and have always looked forward to seeing them at the shows that we all participate in.
After moving to Orting last year, I made the decision to cut back on the shows that I would do in the Port Angeles/Sequim area. Partly because of the cost of travelling, and partly because I really don't like being away from my new home any more than I have to. I love our little life here!
But, I do miss the face-to-face interactions with friends, customers, and other vendors. I decided that I would slowly get back into selling at shows if I could find some local ones. I participated in the Sumner Arts Festival over the summer, and was happy to meet a few people there. After living in Port Angeles all of my life, it's been difficult to put myself out there, and especially so since I work from home. So, going to shows is a great opportunity for me to not only show my products to new customers, but also to meet people and make some new (local) friends.
Which is what I did this past weekend. I met Cindy at the Sumner Arts Festival, and she invited me to participate in the Kent Senior Center Holiday Craft Market, which she manages. Here's Cindy in front of my booth space:
This show does an excellent job of keeping everything organized, taking care of their participating vendors, and making shopping easy for everyone. Here are a few of the things that I loved about doing this show:
>Each shopper is given a shopping bag to put their purchases in.
>There is no entry fee for shoppers.
>Each shopper is given a flyer with event information and a list of all the vendors.
>Live Christmas music throughout the weekend.
>Free beverages for customers (donation suggested but not required.)
>They had a nice lunch menu and tables and chairs to sit and eat at.
For vendors, they offered these perks:
>Tables and chairs are provided at no cost to vendors.
>Friendly, helpful volunteers.
>It was a large, modern facility with room for lots of vendors.
>Lots and lots of parking available for customers.
>Bus loads of shoppers arrived throughout each day. (I heard from one of the shoppers that they had Mimosas on the bus! I want to be on that one!)
>Fresh, warm scones and jam were delivered to each vendor each day! My favorite part!!
>Bottled water delivered to each vendor each day.
>A reminder on the entrance door to set our clocks back for Daylight Savings Time that night. (These people thought of everything!)
I love a show that treats people so well! Thank you Cindy and to all of your crew there at the Kent Senior Center! It was a fun weekend!
Well, my next event will be in Silverdale at the Kitsap Holiday Gift and Food Fair. (November 18,19, & 20.) This will be my third year at this show, and I am really looking forward to seeing new faces as well as familiar faces. It's a great weekend to really get in to the Christmas spirit and start your shopping if you haven't already! I hope you'll come and see me! If you mention that you read my blog, I'll give you a 20% discount on anything you purchase from my booth that weekend. How's that for incentive? I hope to see you there!
