Raley Field Rhythm and Ribs Festival 2008

Well...
I have had a week to reflect on how the Rhythm & Ribs show went. I try to always look at everything in a positive light, and above all, I am glad I decided to do the show.

This wasn't my first show, but it was my first big one. I set up my tables on Friday morning. I had to do some rearranging of my setup but it worked out well.

The gates opened at 5PM Friday and we were hoping to sell EVERYTHING in the booth this weekend. (Gotta dream big!) I figured Friday would be kind of slow since a lot of people were just getting off work and might be too tired to go out. The vendors I spoke with who had done this show in previous years told me that Saturday would be the busy day. Friday sales weren't too bad and I got the chance to get used to accepting credit cards. We also had fun getting all the broken pieces of candy and samples from the fudge man at Grandpa's Fudge!

Saturday... The weather was perfect! My booth is in the backest back part of the vendor section; the farthest possible place away from the ribs, beer, and stage. Still, people managed to find their way back to us. All of my jewelry is handmade, and most pieces are one of a kind. I have made a few items at a lower price point so there will be something for everyone, but most of my jewelry is priced reasonably for the high quality, one of a kind-ness that you get. It was hard being so close to a booth that was selling cord necklaces for $3. People tend to compare...there's no comparison! I heard many compliments and made some sales. I got my first credit card burn on a sizeable sale. (By the way, it's never too late to contact me to clear that up!) The energy really picked up after dinner time. We went home tired but I was still feeling good about the day.

The music on Sunday was great! We had at least made back our booth fees on Saturday. Some of the vendors had not. Some of the vendors hadn't even come back! I gave out lots of business cards and even got to meet a fellow seller from Etsy, doodlesbycarolyn. The energy on Sunday, however, had dwindled. Some of the vendors had to resort to a game of catch for entertainment. I was happy though. My family had come out to support me so we had fun just spending time together. I couldn't have done it without all of their help and support, especially my sister Monica who was there from minute one until the bittersweet end!

I had lots to say on my vendor survey. Like I said before, I tried to stay positive, but there were also things I thought could have been better. I might consider going back again next year. But in the meantime I think I need to find some shows that focus on vendors with handmade arts and crafts. Maybe a more upscale venue. One of the vendors at the show gave us some internet links for places to find such shows so I'll have to check those out. I have learned something at each show I have done. This was a tremendous learning experience and we will be able to do even better next time! (I just have to be careful not to wear out my volunteers!!)