Inman Park Festival Review......This is our 3rd year doing this show in Atlanta. It took Brenda and I several years to get up the courage to do an early morning setup show. I must say that our fears were unfounded. The promoters are extremely organized and the load-in goes very quickly (load-out is a different story , more about that later).
This show has over 300 vendors and draws close to 200,000 people. There is an Artist Market and a Street Market but I really don't think that the people coming to the show know the difference and I don't think that there is a bad booth spot in the whole show. The Artist Market is juried and hard to get into if you have not done the show before but the Street Market is first come first serve. One thing I want to point out that in the SM you will see anything from fine art to garage sale items and there is no rime or reason on who they place you next to. Although if you have been there before you can ask for and gte your same space.
We arrived at 5:30am and were about the 20th vendor in line . Made a note that we do not need to get there that early next year. Reached the check-in point at 6:35am and were at our booth space in 5 min. We were able to drive right up to it and unload the trailer by 7:am. Parking is at a premium at this show so it is best to unload quickly and get to a parking area as soon as possible to get a spot. It is a pretty good hike back to our space but for some reason you don't seem to mind. Depending on where your booth is located ,it may be a hike to the restrooms so pack a lunch.
We were all setup by 9:30 and by 9:31 had our first sale (show does not actually open til 11:00am). tThe day was beautiful with a light breeze and the crowds were huge by noon. The Parade starts at 2pm on Saturday so the crowd dies down for about an hour and after the Parade the crowds picks right up again. Sales were steady all day and the people seemed to be buying the larger items rather than the small. Everyone around us seemed to be selling also. Had several clients who had purchased from us at previous shows come by and say hi and a couple bought again. One of the promoters even bought from us. Sales continued throughout the day right up until closing at 7pm .
Sunday started off as another beautiful day with the highs in the low 80's. Had our first sale at 9am from one of the local residents (show opens at 11am but people are there buying early, so open up as soon as you can) . After that it was a slow start to the day but by 1pm the crowd was building and sales were starting but a little slower than on Saturday but were still very good. The day was going as planned til 5pm when the most horrific thunderstorm rolled in . People were still buying in the rain and we sold our last piece at 5:30 in downpour that would have made Noah stand up and take notice.
Now for the load-out.....It is basically every man/woman/child themselves. Driving back into the festival is like running a Gauntlet of tents , artwork,stools , chairs ,people ,cars/vans/trucks/trailers (not for the faint of heart) but if you relax take deep breaths and have a ton of patients you can make it . When you actually get to your booth you may or may not be able to park to load-out. Being able to pull into a residents driveway is diffidently a plus. My suggestion here would be to take your time knocking down (unless it is raining) and let the hysteria die down .
Overall a fantastic show with lots of energy. Great crowds and huge sales . Even with some of the negatives this show is a must do that has not disappointed "Branching Out" in 3 years. Already looking forward to next year!
Tom Chambers
View my website: www.branchingoutart.weebly.com
Comments
Great review Tom, glad you had a great experience and excellent sales!