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This was my first time at Ludington's Art Fair, so I didn't really know what to expect.  155 artists which is about double the size I'm used to doing.  It was a Saturday/Sunday show, July 2nd and 3rd.  We arrived on Friday to set up.  Our hotel was literally 30 or so yards from my booth and we were able to leave our trailer in their parking lot for easy access throughout the day.  Load in and out was very simple from one of several streets surrounding the park.  Sidewalks angled through the park for easy wheeling of dollies and wagons.  Help was available for those who needed it. 

We lucked out with weather, no setting up in rain, but just a little wind.  Stakes are not allowed, but the park is 2 or 3 blocks off the lake and it wasn't too windy.  Registration was easy and the promoter and her helpers were all ready to answer questions and direct us to our spot.  They said to expect 80,000 people and I lost count at about 40,000... At any rate, the show was busy from about an hour before opening each day until 1/2 hour after it closed.  Each morning they had wonderful breakfast foods: granola, cereal, bagels, fruits, juice/coffee, donuts, and plenty of it for all of us.  They came around with water once or twice during the day as well. 

I was able to walk the show a couple of times and I suspect there were several booths of bs jewelry, but I'm no expert and wouldn't want to say for sure.  There was also a booth or two with 2d art that was from kits I think.  They kept the food booths all in one area by the information booth which I thought was a great idea.  There were not a lot of other 2d artists, maybe 1/2 dozen or so.  A few really nice pottery booths and several high-end jewelry booths. Lots of photography, jewelry, fiber art, and furniture filled in the rest. 

I rent 2 spaces for my shows and this show decided to display my paintings in groupings according to subject rather than color.  My palatte is similar for most of my works, (colors of nature) so it all flowed and looked really nice.  I ended up almost doubling my sales, not sure if it was the groupings, the large crowds or both, but I was very happy with the results.  My second place prize money recouped my booth fees.  My prices are somewhere in the middle compared to other 2d artists there, and one of the higher end artists said he'd had a good show.