Haddonfield

This weekend is the Haddonfield Arts and Crafts show. It has always been a great show. I was disappointed, however, after reading the Philadelphia Inquirer, that there was no advertising and not even one of the FREE listings in the paper or the weekend section. Despite being a very well established show, customers need reminders of upcoming show dates and times. Most promoters at least take advantage of the Free listings at least. This is a serious oversight as this paper is a large part of our audience base.

The Roses of Rosesquared productions always post where they have advertised. I like this practice and wish more promoters did so. It assures the participants that everyone is working hard to bring buyers to the shows. I always send out our own promotions to our mailing lists but also rely on the organizers of the show to make the general public aware of the event.

Where there is no entrance fee as most summer shows are, the motivation of the promoters to up the attendance numbers is not as concrete as shows where their is a "gate" fee for them to count on.

And that is my rant for this Friday morning. I have to go prepare for the show now. Glad the weather looks good for the weekend. Weekend road warriors unite!

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  • Haddonfiled was hot, but not as bad as some years. The crowd came out despite the humidity. I just need to put it out there that after my comments, I got a wonderful phone call from Marcy, the promoter, who clarified her efforts for promoting the show and asked me for input on how to improve it, and thanked me for being constructive instead of negative. Can't complain about her response in the least. Barbara Boroff was ever-present at the show as always.
  • This was an interesting string of comments to read. I am unfamiliar with these promoters, this region of the country, or even what other choices artists have who live nearby. But as I read this, pros and cons, the level of discourse was terrific, a great sharing of opinions and constructive criticism and options! You make me proud, Dale, Carol, Jacquelyne, Kevan and Emily.
  • I agree promotors can do nothing about the heat, rain etc. And haddenfeild had always been a great show for us, but I have decided to take my booth fees some where else. After the piazza show I cannot justisty giving them my money any more. (understand I have been doing shows with Barbara for many years)
  • I did this show this weekend and yes, it was hot on the asphalt. Not much the promoter can do about that. We had an excellent show, and walking it I saw a lot of great art, diversified mediums and the layout was great, no more getting lost on the side streets. Marcy walked it constantly, so she was always available, and every artist has her cell. I can't fault her for advertising as there was a constant stream of people, buying not just looking. Even in the stifling heat, the people never stopped. Same thing when it poured last year; they were all there with umbrellas. This is a town that likes their art, and Marcy does a great job of giving it to them. I like working with Marcy: she's straight-up in her dealings and she brings a great show.
  • I just want to say that the Boroffs have been established good promoters for a long time.. My comments were to express my disappointment for not taking advantage of at least a free listing in the metropolitan major newspaper in that area (philly inquirer) not as a slam, but as constructive criticism. Just an oversight?? Or lack or effort after so many years of success? Hard to call.I still have many customers who do not rely only on social networking to get their information. I am one of them and love the newspaper for what's happening in and around the city. I love to walk to the end of the driveway, get the paper and have coffee....oldsters. I do not feel alone in that habit.

    I am sure the people will turn out for the show but those who rely on info from print media, as most (over 30) still do, will miss out on notification. It is, unfortunately, up to us who don't listen to 1060 am radio, as a habit to find out from the artists themselves....

  • We too have decided to drop the few shows we do with this promoter. It's a shame that the ones running these shows now have really dropped the ball and are making it difficult to participate in their shows.  But as you all know there are always other good shows to do.
  • This same promoter did a show in Phila, at the Piazza and not only did they not advertise it, but had extra vendors show up on Sat. morning.  At least 2, one drove up from Md and the other I believe from NJ.  They were both told there was a mistake and they had no booths for them.   There was no advertising, signs or the like any where around the show.  Post cards were placed on car windshields 2 blocks away.  No one made their expenses as no crowd appeared.  Many in the buildings just assumed it was the weekly Farmers Market.  Some packed up and left Sat afternoon.  My husband went back early Sunday Morning and packed up only to find a few new exhibitors setting up in the vacated spaces.  One was the exhibitor from Md that was turned away on Sat morning.  She was called Sat night and told they had space for her  at more then half the booth fee.  We made more money then most & we didn't even cover our booth.

    The exhibitors all had beautiful work and would have been very well received if people had known about the show.  All my husband heard all day was that people were scared not to do the show, or leave for fear of not getting into Haddonfield.  I have done Haddonfield for years, and it has always been very good for us.  Much better in the past when they advertised.  But we will be finding other shows that weekend, as there are many good shows besides that one.

    On the flip side, I want to praise Rose Squared, not only do they advertise well, they are always on site, visible and a phone call away. 

     

  • Hi, there. To their credit, the promotors of the Haddonfield show have advertised on KYW-News , which is 1060 on your AM dial). The ads began at least two weeks ago. It's the most widely listened to station in the Philadelphia area. We'll see you at the show! Good luck!
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