Scandinavian Fest (2015)
Vasa Park
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. The Vasa Organization of America is an exceptionally active and proud group. This year was their 31st year for sponsoring the ScanFest.
This was our second year exhibiting at ScanFest. Last year, when researching the possibility of exhibiting 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 in between the spaces. Last year, 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 even after requesting (last year and this year), we did not receive them.
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 trying to get our cargo trailer in through the trees and other exhibitirs. Because we exhibited at the ScanFest last year, we knew where to go. Last year, it took us a while to figure it out because not one was available to direct us as we drove through the entrance. This year as we started to set up, someone greeted us. Because we were setting up the day before the ScanFest, we were able to take our time and felt relaxed. We were able to drop our cargo trailer in a very large grassy vendor parking area with no difficulties and leave it there Saturday night.
A special bonus for sellers was the option to attend a vendor/entertainer/artist reception on Saturday night after setting up. We took advantage of this last year and had the 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. This year, I neglected to RSVP on time and missed it.
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 starting at 5pm.
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 (many do), admission is free. Sales were steady - those 4,000 people come ready to buy. The weather was made to order and booths are set up under lush trees and protect exhibitors from the strong sunlight.
Typically, we prefer juried shows; however, the type of buy/sell merchandise at this show did not impact our sales. Our sales were good, show goer’s were enjoyable couples or families, the organizers were hospitable, and the venue was extremely pleasant. We have two shows we return to every year and ScanFest will be our third keeper.
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