Wood Street Fair
Wood Street
Burlington, NJ 08016
First Saturday in September - 9:00am-4:00pm
$150 - 10’x18’ space
Wood Street Fair is not a “street fair” – it is held on Wood, High and West Union Streets as well as Riverbank Avenue in Burlington, NJ. This show is juried and requires four photographs to be sent along with the application. The Colonial Burlington Foundation, a non-profit organization for the historic preservation of the Revell House, sponsors this 44th Annual Wood Street Fair. This event features 150+ exhibitions of fine crafts, arts, antiques and collectibles.
Because of the weather, people started early in hopes of beating the heat and due to an impending thunderstorm, organizers were smart to give the word to exhibitors to start packing 20 minutes early. Judging begins early - it would be wise to be completely set up by at least 8:30am.
Exhibitors are able to pull up to their space to load/unload. There is a large grass field for parking and we had no difficulties parking “Woodie” - our cargo trailer. Parking and admission are free for buyers. Food vendors have all the usual type of fares. The scouts were going around with coolers on wheels selling drinks – great idea and wonderful opportunity for a fundraiser. I did witness what I thought was the Burlington County Board of Health inspector doing his rounds. Regular portable toilets were available in several areas; however, I did not see any hand washing facilities (they may have been there and I did not see them). It was so hot; I did not do much roaming around.
As mentioned, craft displays are judged in the following categories: ceramics, fine crafts, dolls and bears, hand painted, jewelry, fiber, floral, rood, mixed media and fine art. Starting early, the judges came around to ask the artists/crafters questions, to review their work and to make sure there was no buy sell. Judges awarded points in the areas of quality, uniqueness and display appearance. Extra points were awarded for costume and/or demonstration of a craft. Bruce took second place in the wood category!
The weather was the biggest obstacle to a successful and enjoyable day. According to our car thermometer, the outside temperature reached 100 degrees and that was accompanied by high humidity. Most of the spaces were located in areas offering some shade part of the day; however, spaces 145, 146, 147 and 148 were in full sun all day long – we were in one of those spots. By the end of the day, we were taking turns sitting in our car to cool down. People would stop at our booth beat red, fanning themselves and dripping wet. On numerous occasions we heard how intolerable the heat was and people prompting their companions to move on to get out of the direct sunlight. Not only did the heat keep people away but it also turned potential buyers into quick lookers. We made table and enough to pay for a tank of gas, but that is it. According to other artists/crafters, this was not in keeping with the past history of this show.
The organizers certainly cannot control the weather; however, when dangerously high temperatures are predicted, it might be a good idea to leave the mentioned spaces empty and have some sort of water activity (sprinklers, hoses, etc.) in those spots (and in other areas) for people to cool down a bit.
If accepted again, we will be back next year and hopefully the weather will be more cooperative.
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