I didn’t hear any complaints from the just over 200 artists about setup, not a peep. The farmers market crew resembled longshoreman versus the artists setting up our dainty ornaments, and they surely set the economic tone early with people bustling about with bags full of produce and baked goods. The beginning of Saturday was like any other first day, cold at first with allot of walk-aholics, but within my first hour I had a hard bite on a big piece--who returned early Sunday with the family and left with a modest purchase. The security at the show was tight, and a welcomed sight during last weekend--the upgrade in security, thanks to the township and Howard Allen Events. Alexandria seemed politely detached from the media-blown depression of our saddest 10 year anniversary--not disrespectful, simply unapologetic for enjoying their day. Sunday may have seen fewer numbers than in the past, but the people who were there were all (mostly all) walking with one or more different vendor’s bags--which is AMAZING. It’s one thing to report a great day for yourself, but when you see multiple patrons walking around with three different colored bags, with three different mediums, it makes you feel like you’re in the right place.
Set up is always my least favorite thing, but the farmers market crew helped me through with their show of country strength and hearty laughter. Howard, Debbie, H.A. crew, and the local authorities were a delight, neighbors of D.C. and surrounding boroughs came out to meet and peruse, and in closing, I suggest you splurge on the Hotel Monaco or the Westin (where my husband and I stayed) because they’re within walking distance, and a 5min drive respectively. I heard people got $60-$70 rooms very close as well, for the economically inclined. Also, with a standard sized van, you can park in a garage between King and Pitt streets for $2 a day! Sweet :)
Good luck for the final days of the Summer Season.
LU
