Before I even get in to the festival I just have to say the Bluffton Seafood House has the most amazing best tasting She Crab Soup and Seafood Gumbo I have EVER in my life had. We also had their Po'Boy Shrimp Salad with real whole shrimp and Grilled Shrimp Po'Boy. After eating at BSH the first night we could not resist. We went back there the second night. I had Tina's Seafood Pasta - to die for. And then had lunch there on Sunday. I'm missing their good food already.
So now to the festival. I've heard this is a great festival with nationally acclaimed artists from all over the country. And I saw and met some of the best this past weekend. I was honored to be included. Layout is simple. Both sides of the main street with most spaces having some good space behind the booth for back-up supplies. Drive up to booth for set up and take down. Parking on the other hand was a little tricky but with some good will and ingenuity everything seems to have worked out just fine. Saturday was a bit warm but no too bad. Sunday the temperatures were perfect as far as I was concerned. The rain held off except a little sprinkle Friday night but we were already set up by then.
For me sales were a little slow on Saturday but I was not too concerned since my sales are usually after folks go home and measure their walls and talk it out with their other half. But actually by the end of the day, thanks to a couple large framed canvas (photography) sales I came out fairly good. At least i knew I would go home in the black. Sunday I had a good sale as soon as I opened the doors. Sales were steady but did not sell another large canvas until time to shut the doors. As it turned out I came home quite satisfied.
Rumor had it someone up the road sold $10K on Saturday. Hurray for them. At least three of the artists I talked to (one a photographer, another a painter and the third stained glass) said they did not sell a thing all weekend. A couple others seemed go have a pretty good show.
Saturday night there is food, beverages and music in a nearby park. We went for a little bit but Bluffton Seafood House Restaurant kept calling my name so we did not stay long.
If accepted I would love to do this show again - just for the She Crab Soup at BSH!
Now we are slated for 7 shows in 7 weeks with Carolina Shows Inc, Christmas Made in the South. Love those indoor shows.
Focus not so great but it was one of those extend your arm in the air and click the shutter button and keep on walking kind of shots.
After show picnic and music by the river.
Comments
I know, the food alone would get me there! It all sounds pretty great and like a worthwhile venture for most. Thanks for an informative review and getting us all thinking about seafood!
Great quote, Paul -- no one certainly wants to go broke doing the shows, but you've got to admit that one of the perks of the business is the fun! Okay, I'm hungry now after reading that review.
It's no secret that I love this show. It's local for me so I get to sleep in my own bed plus it's just a very easy, relaxed show to do. With the exception of 3 commissions from repeat customers, my sales were all in the under $100 range this year with Sunday being a stronger day with a switch from decorative to functional. I had several be backs on Sunday who just didn't want to continue shopping on Saturday due to the stultifying humidity. And like last year, not a single piece of glass went to a local who lives here year 'round. Everything went up north. The previous two years, I only sold the sculptural pieces and no functional. Overall, my best gross sales in the 3 years I've done this show and 2nd best for 2013.