Just completed the 9th annual Winter Garden Fl art fest. Because it was downtown, there was no Fri set up. But set up went relatively well Sat am. Able to drop off your stuff, then park only a block away. Tear down was similarly easy. Weather was pretty good although it was overcast Sunday and we had a couple short, very light, sprinkles. Crowds were a little light both days although Sat was busier by far. This was a small show, only 20 - 30 artists (if that), but good ones. The rest of the booths, located on the next block down, were vendors, food, and re-sellers. It was good that the artists were segregated in the same area.
Nice setting all in all. very pleasant old down town area. Lots of good retaurants, cafe's etc. Public bathrooms easily available in the Edgewater Hotel, near the booths.
The show was run by the downtown merchants guild. Sherry DeWeese, deserves special mention. She seemed to be the main organizer/manager, and she was all over it. Came by the booth several times. Very attentive, friendly and helpful. Sherry mentioned that although this was the 9th annual, that this is only the 2nd year that they've been running the show in house. Reading between the lines, my guess is that prior years were run by a commercial organizer and they were not happy with the end result. I got the impression that the merchant's guild were in a building process, not only for the art show but for the entire down town venue. So, although the crowds were a bit light and the show small, I think the show will only get better next year.
We hit our financial goal, thanks, in part, to a $250 award check (pleasant surprise & blessing), but would still have been happy even wiithout it. It wasn't our best show, but even with the light crowds, we did well enough. I'm planning to go next year.
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