Mayfest
Village Green at Smithville
615 East Moss Mill Road
Smithville (Absecon), NJ 08205
Weekend following Mothers’ Day
10:00am-05:00pm
This was our first time exhibiting at Historic Smithville. There was a backup at the entrance driveway because a food vendor with a cargo trailer was trying to unload. After a few minutes, we were able to get in. We did not receive a welcome packet or directions to our booth.
Our 10x10 spot was located on a black top parking lot area across from the food vendors with our backs to the road. We were very happy with our spot and our neighbors were delightful.
We had to search for the parking area assigned to cargo trailers, as there was no signage or verbal instructions. The area wasn’t too hard to find as it was located in the only way out. There were not enough spaces for the number of cargo trailers and we had to unhook the trailer and move it by hand to an area we could never have accessed with our van attached.
We didn’t see a place for crafters to get free coffee or bagels; however, we were given a coupon for a 10% discount at one of the specified village eateries.
The weather couldn’t have been better on both days – no rain and not too chilly or hot. Experienced Mayfest artists and crafters indicated it usually rains on one of the days.
Saturday sales were low but we did manage to make table and pay for half of our gas costs. One of the promoters came around to introduce herself. Two other pleasant workers came around to say hello and hand us applications for the fall show.
There was overnight security and we did not have to breakdown and reset up on Sunday. Overnight accommodations are extremely limited, costly and some very questionable.
Sunday sales were terrible. Before registering, we were told by the promoters that over the two days there would be about 18,000 people at the Mayfest. If there were that many people there this year, they were certainly not buyers; rather, they were very complementary window shoppers. My husband (the wood artist) always receives very nice complements, but this time around, it was over-whelming. Two people actually shook my husband’s hand and kept singing the praises of his work! All very nice, but…
By the end of the weekend, the two of us put in a tremendous amount of resources – financial resources totaled $280 between the show registration and gasoline for the two four-hour round trip drives and human resources total about 55 hours. We did not recover our costs. We spoke to several surrounding crafters (children’s clothing maker, doll clothes maker, jewelry maker, leather artist, and woodcrafter) who indicated they too experienced poor sales and either did not make or barely made table. It appeared that one man who made wrought iron plant holders did well.
For the most part, Pete & Gladys do a good job at keeping out buy sell; however, I picked up a cloth “Peace” purse that looked handmade but found a “Made in Indonesia” tag on the inside.
Experienced Mayfest crafters indicated that Mayfest sales are usually not as good as the fall show; however, this year sales were exceptionally poor. We were also warned that at the conclusion of the show it was total chaos trying to get out. While waiting for the opportunity for an opening to bring our vehicle near our booth we witnessed a food vendor loading his left over food and equipment into a house painters less than food worthy van. Hmmmm….glad we packed our own food!
We will not exhibit at the Mayfest again unless it was cut down to a one-day show at half the cost. Based on the overwhelming endorsement for the fall show, we will consider it.
Replies