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Benches on Parade, Itasca, IL?

Posted by Wanaree Tanner on July 2, 2010 at 12:16am in Art Show Information and Discussions

Hey all, does anyone have any feedback on the Benches on Parade show in Itasca, IL?

Would it be worth a 5 hour drive and the $200 booth fee? I've done a couple of disappointing shows

in the Chicago burbs and that drive gets longer and longer... of course killer attendence and generous sales would really make that go by a whole lot faster.... I'm a jewelry artist with work typically ranging from $30-$500. Thanks!

 

-Wanaree

 

 

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Tags: IL, Itasca
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Replies

  • Wanaree Tanner July 12, 2010 at 5:33pm
    Thanks so much for the info Linda! I'm still a little wishy washy about going, but your review definately helps. It sounds inticing from your accessment of the community support and volunteers.
    • Amy Furgiuele > Wanaree Tanner September 19, 2011 at 5:44pm

      Hi, Wanaree!

       

      I noticed you decided to take the drive up from Quincy last year... how did it go for you?  Are you returning this year?

  • Linda Anderson July 11, 2010 at 1:16pm
    Sorry for the delay Wanaree - I've been all over the midwest in the last few weeks. Some shows and huge photo shoots. Not much computer time :) I attended the first Itasca show last year and enjoyed it greatly. As a first, the organizers (and the residents) bent over backwards to make it a success. Wonderful people/wonderful town. It was not a huge money maker for me, but I way more covered my expenses. I live 2 hours away and drove each way those three days as I left my dog at home. I had not been impressed with any of the other Chicago burbs last year either, but this one had something special. I did sign up for it right away this year, but may pull out as another show that suits my focus (nautical & nature) a bit better is just developing in MI. Please check out my review of last year. One of the jewelers next to me however did not do so well. However, I saw other jewelers there doing fantastic. This was definately a crowd that appreciated the high end jewelry methinks. 2009 Itasca Review You should note that this was taken Friday before all tents were up. Some folks came prior to the show opening

    Have a great show season!
  • Wanaree Tanner July 4, 2010 at 11:04pm
    Thanks for all the input everybody! This site has been a wonderful resource and I really appreciate the responses. I'll follow-up with Linda and post any additional info.
  • Connie Mettler July 2, 2010 at 9:41pm
    I believe Linda Anderson, who is pretty active on this site, did it last year. You might search on the search box or contact her here at her page.
  • Oscar Matos Linares July 2, 2010 at 3:28pm
    I doing the show but I am local. This was my third choice for that weekend. The is starting second year. I will skipped if was you since we are not getting any reports from last year. I have not paid the booth fee yet so I am hoping for some news by Tuesday.
  • geri a. wegner July 2, 2010 at 12:44pm
    I checked out their website and it does mention art before wine and music but you never know.

    I agree with Linnea that Chicago is saturated with festivals and this is pretty late in the season so people may have already bought all they were going to at previous festivals.
  • Linnea Lahlum July 2, 2010 at 11:41am
    I have not done this one myself, but I doubt it justifies the drive. Chicago is oversaturated with shows, many marginal. Some might be OK to do, if you are local, and your expenses are minimal. For me, a "so-so" show becomes a "no-no" show once you factor in that drive, which in essence equals 2 lost days. A 2 day show has become a 4 day show.

    Maybe someone who has done it personally will chime in.
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