Me and my display

I’ve only done one craft fair. It was back in April, a small church fair. Last spring I applied to display at 2 more of them, but one ended up being cancelled and the other one was full, I had applied right before the deadline.

Before I started trying to be in the fairs, I thought it was a simple process, you filled out the papers and made a bunch of product then showed up to sell it. What I didn’t realize was how quickly they fill up, especially the good ones. Vendors from the previous year get mailed the applications early so they have the first option for it, and if they did well they will usually want to do it again. I also have to worry about people with a similar product line. Depending on the size of the fair and the estimated attendance, only a certain amount of vendors selling a particular type of product are needed.

I didn’t apply for any summer festivals. I meant to, I just didn’t have the time or the money to pay booth fees and then it was too late. I’ve already started applying for fall and winter fairs. I can’t believe it’s July and I’m already planning for December! I’ve been accepted to the Lake Katherine Monarch Butterfly Fest on September 19th, I’m waiting to her back about 4 more fairs and have been wait-listed on another one. Very soon I need to submit an application and photos for two juried fairs I’m interested in. Juried fairs means there is group that must approve your craft before you are invited to display at their events. My packaging is awesome and I have beautiful photos, but I’m still a bit nervous that it won’t be the style they are looking for. I never know until I try though.

This has definitely been a learning experience. Following the fair/festival circuit for close to a year has given me a better idea of how to get in and what to expect. At the farmers’ markets I’ve met new friends that have been doing this for years and I get the benefit of their advice. I’m making a master spreadsheet for myself listing all the pertinent information for each event that I may consider doing so that next year I can be ready. Wish me luck!