Sunday, April 13, 2014

Craft Show: Insurrection

Before
Let me explain.

Yesterday's craft show at Lloyd Hall on Philadelphia's Boathouse Row was not exactly as planned - either by the organizers or the vendors.

There was never any clear information as to whether we'd be inside or out, but when yesterday dawned warm and sunny, outside was obviously the place to be.

Which is why, just as obviously, the organizers decided to keep the crafters indoors, in a big room used for basketball.  It's a great room, huge, with glass block windows facing the river that let in tons of light.  But all the people were outside.  There were hundreds of people outside.

About an hour in, during that uncomfortable period when the only customers are the vendors cruising each other's tables, we started talking about where we wanted to be.  One by one, we kept looking out the door at the crowds of runners, joggers, bikers, dog-walkers, couples, singles, families . . . and wanting to be out there, with them.

Suddenly, I'd had enough.  I started laying my display pieces flat on the table for easier movement, and when I looked up, there was a woman stepping briskly past, dragging her table behind her.

It was on.

After
Within fifteen minutes, we were all outside, ranged around the building, spaced between the trees on the sidewalk, in between the restroom doors (can't ignore us there!)

A little while later, the organizer came out and looked completely mystified at seeing us there.  He made a few noises about making us move back in, but when people said they'd go home before they'd go back inside, he went away.  Lucky man knew when he was beaten - earlier there'd been mutterings about glue guns.

It ended up being a gorgeous day, pretty profitable considering many of the people who were out there weren't dressed for shopping (hard to carry a wallet in a sports bra or a pair of bike shorts), but there were enough buyers to keep everyone happy and willing to come back.

If they ask us.

5 comments:

Cennetta said...

Congratulations on a successful selling day. It was a great idea to move the show outside.

It's been a while since my last visit, but I hope everything is working out for you with your decision to pursue other employment options. Good luck with your product development and new business.

Elaray said...

I've done some bike riding in the area and I've been inside Lloyd Hall. An insurrection was definitely the way to go. I'm happy to hear you had a successful day.

I've been thinking about going over to that fabric store in NJ (I forgot the name). Interested?

Jane M said...

Bravo! It just takes one brave person to start a movement. It was a glorious day and I am glad to hear that it was a successful one also.

Virginia at A Sewing Life said...

Karen, your booth looks absolutely beautiful. I can only imagine what an enormous amount of labor it represents. Good for you and the other exhibitors for standing up for yourselves and for making the day a success!

edj3 said...

This story cracked me up -- good for you and the other vendors. Why be inside when it's gorgeous and there's room outside?