Blog

This was my 2nd year at Mayfaire. It is in Lakeland, Florida, around Lake Morton. It is a home show from me, within an hour’s drive. It is usually hot and a fair to good show for most.

Set up is grueling due to the heat, since check in is from 11-4. It would be better if they had latter check in, so that one does not have to set up in the midday heat of early summer. Summer comes early here. That being said, at least you can easily drive up to your booth, since they are on grass along the lake in a single line. When I arrived I discovered that my spot was on top of a man hole! Joy! When they came to deliver juice, water, and bagels in the morning, my husband asked if they had a rug that we could cover the man hole with to contain the sweet acrid smell and cover the holes in it. We did not want to have someone trip when they got a heel caught. Surprisingly, they brought a rug within an hour for us to use during the weekend. I guess if you never ask you never know if a solution can be found.

The weather was hot, but breezy, so it was not as unbearable as last year. Last year my knuclebuster literally melted with the heat and sun. It now is always covered when it is hot. Sunday was somewhat cooler after the front passed by overnight, which reduced the humidity.

My sales were of by half. I was really worried after Saturday's zero sales. People were looking and very interested, but did not buy from me. I was at the beginning of one end, so I frequently heard I just got here, I will stop back on my way to the car. In the heat, they probably forgot about us and left for some ac. On Sunday, people actually bought, but enough to make up for no sales on Saturday. The crowds seemed lighter that last year. I do know of several that had good sales, but most were off from previous years.

The judging seemed fair. He actually asked questions and looked at the work. I did not hear any negative comments about him just passing by and not at least looking. The main negative comments I heard were about the usual suspects receiving the top awards.

Other than the midday check in time, the only other main thing that needs addressing is the lack of boothsitters. They go out of their way in so many respects, bring water frequently, etc, but provide no booth sitters. The award winners had to wait a half hour after when the award ceremony was supposed to take place. They may have lost sales waiting for their checks. Luckily, my husband was there to man my booth, as most of sales for the day came right then.

I would do it again. You must be prepared for the heat. The crowd does buy.

Sorry no pics.