Scandinavian Fest
One Wolfe Road (right off Route 46)
Budd Lake, NJ 07828
Labor Day Sunday
10:00am-06:00pm
Scan Fest celebrates and promotes the traditional cultures, contributions, and current life of the Nordic regions. The Fest seeks relevant food and gifts/craft vendors, performers, presenters, re-enactors, demonstrating artisans, children’s activities and organizations with a Nordic theme or relevance. There is plenty of wonderful music, games, dancing, and adults and children walking around in Nordic dress.
ScanFest is not juried and there is plenty (mostly) buy sell. The registration fee is $100 with a $25 discount for registration before April 15th. If you do not have your own tables, they will rent you an eight-foot table for $15. Electric is also available on a limited basis for a fee.
The setting is outdoors in Vasa Park, which is owned and operated by NJ Vasa Home. Vasa Park is a lovely tree lined property (100+ acres) with a large hall and kitchen with seating for 100-350 people. There is a full bar, picnic grove, outdoor public address system, covered pavilion, swimming pool, sports fields, playground, and ample parking. The Vasa Order of America is a fraternal organization originally established for the benefit of Swedish immigrants a century ago. As with many similar type fraternal organizations, most of the volunteers are seniors attempting to keep traditions alive. They are an exceptionally active and proud group. This year was their 30th year for sponsoring the Scan Fest.
When researching the possibility of exhibiting at ScanFest we were told that the booth space was 10x10 with no space in between. We were pleasantly surprised and happy to find that there was space in between in all three directions due to trees and adjoining spaces not being rented.
When we requested a map of the booth area, we were told none was available; however, we found a rather nice one in the ScanFest program booklet. They do have rack cards available but we received only three after requesting 50.
We were glad we took advantage of the Saturday (between 9am-5pm) set up because it would have been much more difficult on Sunday morning with cargo trailer. When we arrived, there was no one available to answer questions or direct us to our spot. After asking several people, we were directed to someone who was able to help us. Because we were setting up the day before the ScanFest, we were able to take our time and feel more relaxed. We were able to drop our cargo trailer in the very large grassy vendor parking area with no difficulties and leave it there Saturday night. A special bonus was an invitation to a vendor/entertainer/artist reception on Saturday night. We had an opportunity to meet the ScanFest organizers and fellow vendors/ entertainers/artists and were served a wonderful buffet style dinner with all sorts of Nordic foods.
On the day of ScanFest, there is no leaving early – no matter what…and they are serious. They block the driveway to prevent vendors/entertainers/artists from bringing their vehicles into the selling area before 6pm. With that said, we did witness several vendors carry out their merchandise by hand and walk to the parking area after a burst of heavy rain.
For 2013, they estimated about 4,000 people attended the ScanFest. The admission fee is $14 per adult; however, if you come in Nordic clothing, admission is free. Sales were steady - those 4,000 people came ready to buy. The weather was good most of the day. The morning clouds kept the blazing sun from cooking us, as did the trees. For an hour or so in the afternoon, the sun was brutal. At 3pm, there was a clap of thunder and the sky instantly opened up with very heavy rain for about 10-15 minutes – not a pleasant experience. Having no warning was what made the situation so difficult. The rain did not deter too many people – most stayed under the pavilion or inside until the rain stopped and then came out ready to party again. Our sales did slow down after the rain but we were also busy trying to dry our items and take care of the rain damage.
We were happy with our day at ScanFest and will probably return next year.
Replies
WOW...we are impressed! It's great that the Chester show works for you and many others. Unfortunately, wood art is not the best seller, even at the greatest shows; however, it is what Bruce likes to do and therefore, what we sell. Good luck next weekend!
We'll be just down the road in Chester this weekend. That show is worth the 5 hour drive from Vermont. You should check it out.
We've already tried the Fall Chester show; however, we were on the street - not in the field. Did not have any luck there at all - in fact, when you consider our time, it was a zero show. The promoters run a nice - but expensive - show and we are concerned we would not sell enough to justify the field registration cost.
Next Saturday, we are exhibiting at the Wood Street Fair in Burlington, NJ (not a street fair, but held on Wood Street). This show draws large crowds and the registration fee is more realistic for our budget. I will report on that show next week.
One day we may try the Fall Chester show again, but in the field; however, there are so many shows to chose from in September that are lower in cost, we are trying them first. The ScanFest is one we will stick with since the booth fee does not eat into our profits the way the Chester show does.
Thanks for your suggestion!
I first did Chester in 1984. Back then the entire show was in town, and we were concerned when it was moved to the field. And frankly today, that's where 90% of the paying customers are.
Now I'm small potatoes at Chester, but I average $2500 to $3000 per show in the fall, and $2000 to $2500 in the spring. And that's since the economy crashed.