Ocean Grove NJ Art & Music Festival

It's been said this show is very good, with lots of people spending money. Was happy to be set up close to my sister, who has made great money there in years past. We were also blessed in the fact that there was no rain or thunderstorms like there were in PA (where I live). Show was from 10-4:30. By 1:00 the wind just started getting tricky, but where the heck where all the people who supposedly come to this show? Turns out the promoter did NO, absolutely NO advertising of any sort this year, not even a sign. Most of my customers said they had no idea there was a show. They were going somewhere else in town and happened to notice the tents and came on over. Sales were very low compared to what was expected.

By 2:00, the wind gusts left many artists/crafters with destroyed tents and damage to merchandise, so everyone packed up and left.

I have to make a comment about the shoppers though. As artists were scrambling to get their stuff packed and get out of dodge, people were actually asking WHY we were all packing up?? They were obnoxiously still trying to paw at your merchandise while you were frantically trying to put it away, AND asking questions about the product, oblivious to the mayhem going on around them. All vendors I talked to said the same thing. Where were these "interested" people when the weather was half decent in the morning??

Had one customer at the very end, that dug in my bin already being packed, who insisted she must have this item. Told her the price and she was trying to make me a deal. Told her NO deal and as a matter of fact there would be another 7% added for sales tax. She was upset but I told her she had 30 seconds to decide because I was leaving and officially closed for business.

Another problem at the show was NO FOOD OR DRINKS! Not one concession there to buy anything from. This should have been made clear on the application.

Had a higher dollar show booked for today, but opted not to even bother going due to the high winds.

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  • It's a 2 and 1/2 hour ride for us, but we do it in one day. I usually don't stay in a hotel unless it is a 2 day show. Will you be doing Colorfest in MD in October? Email me if you want to exchange some show information. PoetryByHardy@aol.com
  • Hi, Theresa - Thanks for your comment! Im a bit disorganized right now and can't put my hands on my booth spot but when I do I'll let you know. I live too far away to drive to and from the show in one day, and the hotels in Ocean Grove require a 3 night minimum on that weekend - BUT, I discovered that it's possible to stay in a nice chain motel 10 miles inland, for a great price if you have AAA.
  • This is the Art/Music Festival. I know they have other shows, one ART show in July, and then the Giant Craft Show on September 4th, that you are signed up for. I am too. The Giant Craft Show is organized by someone different than the Music and Art shows.This show does pull a good amount of people, and Martha is doing a great job of filtering out buy/sell. Stood over one couple from NY who were hawking obvious buy/sell as their own, demanded they leave, (as was stated on the application that it would be done) and Martha didn't leave their space until they were gone! The jewelry category is overloaded but most seem to do well anyway. Parking to unload is a zoo, and be prepared for a long walk from your parking space unless you get there before the sun comes up or are staying at a local bed and breakfast. Attendance is very good, and space size is adequate. What is your booth number? I'll be in B30. Stop by and see me if you get a chance.
  • Please tell me WHICH Ocean Grove festival this was. I've signed up for an Ocean Grove show which is over Labor Day Weekend which I've been told has a terrific turnout - though there are several shows there.
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