For years there has been a mostly silent struggle between local merchants and the art fairs that pop up in their midst periodically. But I know of some very unhappy merchants over the years in Ann Arbor and Scottsdale and other smaller towns. 

In Montauk recently the merchants are speaking up about the events on the village green, their customers buy at the art fair and then don't have money to spend in the stores. 

The art show, whose vendors are primarily from out of town, has become competition because far more than paintings and photographs are on sale, said Ms. Allen. “When it was an art fair I thought it was great. Now it’s a craft fair,” she said, explaining that people were selling hats, trinkets such as glass animals, and jewelry, all of which are items that retail shops in town offer. “How can East Hampton take revenue from local families and give it to some businesses from elsewhere during our holiday weekends?” she asked.

Have you been part of a struggle like this ... what do you think ... do you ever think about your impact on the businesses around you?

Here's more info: https://easthamptonstar.com/201966/montauk-and-east-hampton-businesses-bemoan-street-fairs

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