Setup..For the most it was a Saturday morning setup. The food vendors came in on Friday night but they did let the artists setup after 9:00pm when the food guys are done. That was a big help. We knew that the weather was going to be in the 90's the next day.
Organization. Flawless! They had "block captains" with radios. So, if you needed anything, you didn't have to wait it was taken care of immediately. They had an army of volunteers to help with information, parking, keeping the area clean, booth sitters and everything you could imagine.
Weather..Hot and Hotter!
Artist parking.. Very close and plenty of it.
Layout.. It is held in a huge parking lot with entertainment at one end and food vendors and a sitting area. We were at the other end so we didn't have to deal with any of that to which I'm very glad. At times the music was loud even for us.
Attendance.. Very light. With the comments from artists who have been there before, they said it was way off from last year. But, there was a Duke home football game and some other events in town that they had to deal with.
Sales..Some did ok, a lot didn't. We zeroed on Saturday but pulled it out with 4 big sales within an hour on Sunday afternoon. We did not see many packages; but, again I'm sure a few did well. The crowd was mixed - young families with children to a lot of college age. There were the visitors for the the ball game. It was an educated group but not a real buying crowd.
Overall, it was our best show this year in sales but I think it was our turn to have a little luck. I will have to think hard about returning next year.
Let me repeat one thing... the staff for the show was the best! They knew what they were doing.
Comments
Hey Gordon, Just read your report on Centerfest...I see that you went a while ago, have you been in the last two years and is it even worth it? I don't want to pay for a booth and regret it. Also, is there any shade where the show is held? I am an encaustic artist and just wondering. Thanks for any help.