What an amazing event! Tons of Buyers! Incredible Seafood, and so many shoppers! Great organization and setup. Super Venue. And the best? In the fine art category, a Jeweler won Best of Show! A jury that is not afraid to buck the trend and looked at the ART, not the category. There were plenty of deserving 2d, mixed media, 3D and everything. Tremendous works, but the Jury found that a Jeweler was worthy, and that is not a bad thing. We will do this show whenever we are accepted, for sure!
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Excellent points! One note that is not published - if you have an RV you can "Dry Camp" on site. We spent $200+ to camp at the state park next door. Next year we will Dry Camp! Might be a bit noisy but sure will be nice to be able to take a break. Another note for those that have not done this one - the days are long, until at least 6, but you should stay til 9 making those 12 hour days 3 in a row a real bear if you don't have help. Additionally, surprisingly, Thursday was the 2nd best of the 4 days, it is "Locals" day, apparently. Also helped that a couple of Colleges had fall break that weekend. We travelled 400 miles for this show, BUT did 4 shows while there. That said, if I don't get accepted at the other 3, I will still make the trip!
This is a home show for us and many of our local artist friends. What is said about the organization and judging of the show is spot on. We have been doing this one for 13 years in the fine arts section and have seen many fellow artists come and go during this time. Sales here have been steadily declining for the past 3 years and too have the crowds. There used to be long lines at the restrooms but seldom is there a wait of more than 3 or 4 which is a good indicator or crowd size. 2008 hit our real estate market hard here as most of the gulf are summer/second/ or investment rentals type homes. And too the BP blowout gave tourism a huge blow along along the coast in 2010. The crowds are still good but more subdued and family oriented as that is the push with the tourism council now. It used to be pretty racuous and rowdy with lots of money. If we had to drive more than 100 miles, would not still do it as expenses are high for out of towners. A fun show for sure, but don't expect wild profits across the board.
Suzanne, as this was our first time, I can't address the past, and certainly the weather was picture-perfect. The crowd had money to spend, and they are truly rabid Alabama Crimson Tide fans. Night time draws a less affluent crowd, and we did close up by 9 each evening. One thing for sure - if you don't follow the rules, they get sort of unpleasant, but we did not experience that because we can read! The few vendors that seemed to have an aversion for the rules were addressed by staff, and corrected the behavior. Let us know if you decide to go back, and how it works out!
Connie - it' more like what did I NOT eat? #1 on my list was the Crab Cake from the Laughing Crab. 100% real blue crab and perfectly seasoned. They are from the Chesapeake Bay and know what they are doing. I sampled Grilled Shrimp, Bang Bang Shrimp, Fried Shrimp, Coconut shrimp, Grouper, Scallops and more Everything was outstanding at worst.. I get the impression that this promoter does not let food vendors return if they get complaints! I will add that both Pensacola and Destin seafood fests along with Gulf Shores are on our "Get In Again" list, permanently. And that, in spite of losing out on Destin this year when it was cancelled due to impending TS Karen. I think it has to do with Disposable Income. All 3 shows are also very, very well run.
Alan - I agree about the Gulf Shores show. This was the first show I'd done there, after being told time and time again by other vendors that I needed to do it. Never have I seen a better organized show, and the quality of work was amazing! It was definitely a FUN show to do....and the endless amounts of shrimp were to DIE for!!! : ) Already on my calendar for next year....keeping my fingers crossed that I'll be accepted again!
So true, Leo. Never to be depended on, your best bet is going for the sales, not the awards. I have seen people "hang" their shows, or set up their display specifically for the jurors coming through and then switch it out for the "sales" after they have passed by. Everyone has their schemes to maximize their opportunities.
Okay, Alan, what did you have to eat?