Since application deadlines are coming up, I thought I would give my 2 cents on this show, as it was my first major outdoor show. I am fairly local (about 40 minutes away) so it was easy enough for me to get in and out, so I did not have to include travel expenses. Set up was easy the night before, but breaking down was a bit of a drag.
Overall, it was a decent show for me. I was in the fine art side, and while I did not like that there was an $12 admission for the public, it did weed out a lot of the people who were looking for crafts. I sold a large painting on my first day that covered my booth fee, gas, day supplies, etc. and a bunch of prints over the course of the weekend.
I did have a nice spot (somehow I got a corner!) on the grass, but when it absolutely poured on Sunday, it turned into Mud Gretna. I felt AWFUL for the lady across from me, I was on a slight downward slope, and her booth was just one giant mud puddle. Note to all: an outdoor rug saved my booth. It totally covered the muddy area in my spot, at least until you walked on it and it squished mud. But it looked good and I know it soaked up the dirt.
I plan on applying again, and would recommend the show.
Replies
In general, I don't think that admission fees hamper sales. The more crowded it is and the more inconvenient an event is for attendees will usually impact the attendance, especially for those who do not like to be inconvenienced. This is a pretty environment, isn't it, Jennifer? I've never been to visit.
Mt Gretna is gorgeous! I thought - and so did my booth neighbors - that $12 was a bit high. Think about it, if you and a friend wanted to attend, no longer does $20 cover both of you.
Yes, but not all those people who are coming to the art fairs "have our pocketbooks." Would you expect that the person who bought your large piece was deterred by the admission fee?
No, they obviously weren't deterred. But for the customer who buys prints or who would by art on a whim or emotional reaction, they could be.
I see value in an admission charge, I just thought that $12 was a bit high. $10 would have been fine, but maybe the extra $2 per person is what is needed to cover all the extras that go into an art show - security, promotions, electricity, etc. etc.
Hi Jennifer,
I hope that you don't mind me chiming in.
I have done Mt. Gretna about 5-6 times.
You were in the Mt. Gretna Art Show. The "crafts" is a completely different show with no connection to the Mt. Gretna Show. The craft show in the large area close to the parking is: a piggy-back show, a tag-along-show. It has no affiliation with the original show.
The original true Mt. Gretna Show charges admission.
It sounds like you were in the grass area where most of the new people are set up.
If you plan to return I suggest asking for another spot, getting on the street is much better even though you may still be set up on grass. You should see more customer traffic there. Setting up and tear down goes better, too.
Judy
Thanks for the tips Judy!
And yes, the crafty side of Mt Gretna is just mass produced stuff.