What a weekend!
It was quite a few days at the Bernard Blues and BBQ Festival held on the St. Bernard campus in Cullman, Alabama. The festival is an annual fundraiser for the school, which in a past life was Southern Benedictine College where I spent my freshman year. When I heard about the event, I decided it would be a great place to cut my teeth on festival vending.
I began early on Friday, loading my tent, tables, and art after Richard left for work. It would be past noon before I made it to the destination. Several vendors had wisely already set up ahead of the afternoon heat. I was able to load, unload, and set up my entire booth alone. That that was possible is thanks to many years of yoga, many hours of physical therapy, and a little portable wireless fan.
After I got the booth up and all the art hung, I snapped a few photos to recall placement, took the art back down, and headed home.
I was up with the roosters the next morning, this time accompanied by my trusted roadie and husband, Richard Kirby. Hanging the show was much more fun with help and company. We got things up and set in less than an hour. Ok. Looks good. Ready.
And then the rains came. Not a sprinkle, not a lovely spring shower, a big, thunderous, and gusty downpour. We covered the giclée prints with an industrial garbage bag, threw the note cards and laser prints back into the plastic bins, and wished the hanging canvases my best.
As the rain began to spray inward, I hovered behind an umbrella with all electronics while Richard donned a raincoat and held onto the tent.
We would do this four times throughout the day. Happily, I sustained no damage to my art. Finally, around 2 pm, the storms moved on out for good. Although I made one sale, I did not have much foot traffic even after the storms had passed. Richard and I discussed it all on the way home. My new plan was to create a more open, inviting environment on Sunday.
Sunday morning came quickly. I was tired, but more seasoned. Happily, the temps had dropped dramatically over night, and the sun came out. It was the perfect day for an outdoor festival. Although I left later than I wanted to, I got everything up and running in just over 30 minutes.
I put the giclée prints out in front of the booth. For my note cards, I turned my smaller table 90 degrees to create more of an L configuration inside the booth instead of having what basically had been a barricade the day before. My modifications and fairer weather made a difference. I had lots of traffic, learned what folks responded to, and sold one piece of art.
I learned I need to have:
a quick solution to a sudden burst of rain.
a more spacious and inviting space.
easier access to my prints and note cards.
backup power for my devices.
backup price tags.
I also learned that I should not wear a floor length, water wicking cotton dress on a rainy day.
It was a great festival, despite the fact that Saturday was a mess. I appreciate the warm welcome from the staff at St. Bernard, as well as all those who encouraged me, from old friends to fellow vendors. Although I by no means made a killing, all that I learned was priceless.