This past weekend we were in Bloomington, IL ... actually Normal IL. The combination of the two cities can be a little confusing. Its a wonder show near the Campus. Last year, this was one of our top shows, so we were looking forward to a successful weekend. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans. Like many other parts of the country, she turned up the heat on Saturday and kept the attendance down, way down. My phone told me it was 100 degrees. Yikes! It was a marked difference from the prior year on foot traffic on Saturday. But there is nothing you can do, but tough it out.
The show organizers and volunteers did their best to help out. They came through the show at LEAST 7-times with water on Saturday. The first round was even before the show opened. They are top notch! On Sunday, the temperature was better ... only around 85 degrees. There was a bit of wind, but no one was complaining. Traffic and sales were better on Sunday. We were about half the total sales from 2010, which still makes it an average show for us.
The group from the McLean County Arts Center were great. They are to be commended for all their hard work in putting the show together and running it, under adverse conditions. We would love to return next year, if they will have us. Hopefully Mother Nature will be a little kinder.
Comments
I can not tell you if was a down year or not but I end up with about the same amount of money that I do in this show. I only made 5 sales for the weekend but one was a big sale. It seems that most people end doing okay considering how bad Saturday was. I talk to Doug (person the runs the show). I told that I will happy paid for electric if they will allow us to do it. The section that I was already has the outlet they just need to go through the politics.
It is true you can not ask any more from them because they do a great job year after year.
Thanks for the reviews Colin and Nancy :)
What a tough time for artists and really also for the show organizers who work all year to present a fine event with such high hopes. Jeanne Seahaver who works for ArtFest Fort Myers told me she likens it to a pregnancy, complete with the depression afterwards.
Good for them for being on the ball with the water and good for you for keeping a solid attitude for coming back next year. AND good for the community for coming out on Sunday and supporting the event.
Thanks for the report, Colin. It is helpful to everyone to hear about these low on the radar events as well as the bigger ones.