I cannot wait to see a negative review on this event! I will blast them. This is by far the best value in a show that I have found. The buyers abound. The promoter does an incredible job - from sponsoring year round "Keep the Highways Clean" signs, to ads everywhere, billboards, and more, to handing out flyers to every patron advertising NEXT YEARS SHOW! They book great entertainment that draws crowds. 2013 - Oak Ridge Boys. 2014 - Three Dog Night. Next year - RONNIE MILSAP!! and on his farewell tour? Incredible! People will come for the concert on Friday night and stay overnight for the festival. The Promoters (Chuck and Lori) even bring gifts to the vendors (this year Stainless Water bottles and Zippered money bags) and they are printing with NEXT YEAR'S show dates!
Do I have anything negative to say? Of course. Vendors should read the rules. They are very clear on the application. Don't want to hear your complaints when the rules are enforced. It is a very limited vehicle access venue, and move out is less than easy. Take a chill pill, don't expect to load up and scoot in 30 minutes, be considerate of others and find a sense of humor. Sales? The buyers are there. If you don't have signs, you don't have a banner, you dress like a bum, and you sit on your a$$ in the back of your canopy, well...... These customers (like all shows) want to be engaged, hear about your art/craft, and get involved. They are there to enjoy themselves. Have some fun with them. For God's sake don't tell them how slow it is - they can look around and see the crowd. Get them to spend time with you. The busier you look, the more you will sell. If you must sit and demo your craft, hire a booth worker to sell and help your customers. If you think the sheer amazing beauty of your work is going to sell itself, you are sadly mistaken.
We have already paid and booked this event for next year, and I am certain this show will book out very early. No BS jury nonsense here - Chuck and Lori are the Jury, and they are very, very good at it. Buy sell is commercial, separate area, and much much more costly. Oh - the booth has gone up for next year - a Whopping $135.00 if you apply before January 1st. Best deal in the country, IMHO.
Comments
I would never actually carry in Maryland, Mark. They don't reciprocate with Florida and the law is way to fuzzy on proprietors carrying within their premises. The only way these dudes are going to be a problem if 2 factions that are currently feuding go off on each other. Carrying is not going to help in that scenario.
I've seen both Hell's Angels, Mongols and other bikers wearing colors at shows in Colorado (thankfully not all at the same one LOL). It is almost a given that all of them are concealed carrying fire power. To me, they are just folks out enjoying the mountains on a weekend. They are good holster clients too and appreciate my work. It is always a good idea to check reciprocity and local CC restrictions in new areas.
I'd be hesitant to carry in the park; even with a permit. I don't think it's quite legal to carry in the park unless you are a law enforcement official.
I am very familiar with the 1%ers. I guess I better carry this weekend.... LOL
The bikers with the colors were the Titans (Baltimore), and they were accompanied by Titans Nomads and a few Titans Ole Ladies. Google Titans MC and MC Nomads for further education...
The Pagans were there last year. Had a man and his partner identify themselves as 1%-ers, which in this case does not mean uber-rich conservatives... Google that term too... Some Pagans can be seriously bad hombres and distinctly make me nervous... The folks I spoke with told a few personal anecdotes which were disturbing... But we had a pleasant respectful conversation.... The spouse even bought some soy candles.
But the appearance of the Titans and Titans Nomads made me wonder if this was a show the colors on foreign turf run... But the event was publicized in the Baltimore Sun.. The Ttians were there for at least an hour, maybe more... The more you know, the more scary the world can become because you start becoming more street smart...
You are welcome, Christina!
Thanks, Alan...so nice to hear a positive review once in a while, glad you enjoyed it and did well.
Sorry to hear of your crappy neighbor, Mark. We were only a dozen spaces apart and I never caught the outlaw biker thing. I did see a number of bikers, but the only "Colors" I caught was the Buffalo Soldier MC, and I have never seen those guys cause trouble. They are a pretty proud group of Black bikers, but I guess being a biker myself...... LOL. See you next weekend at the Art Festival!
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