Well, folks, weatherwise, Melrose was HOT HOT HOT! 97 degrees both days with +100 heat index. Foot traffic was surprisingly good (more Saturday than Sunday); sales were ok-we met expenses and made a small profit. Vendor accomodations were fair; why do promoters assume that if you're a vendor you can't possibly be physically handicapped. too? They definitely need more portajons, they need to put them in the shade, and they need to spread them out throughout the grounds. They also need better provisions for vendor parking (some more of the "yes, you can park here; no you can't, move" mentality).Way too much resale for a juried arts & crafts festival, but David took Honorable Mention in the woodwork category with one of his walking sticks! Entertainment was provided by the squirrel in the pear tree overhanging our tent that expressed his dislike(?) for David by eating half a green pear and throwing the other half at him. Halfway through Saturday his aim got pretty good, too-he beaned him a couple of times! On the plus side, the grounds are beautiful and about half shaded, the promoters and other vendors are nice, and if you can nail a spot in the back you'll probably have more space & shade. Show up on setup day as early as possible! We've firmly and finally decided we are way too old & fat to do any more outdoor festivals, so we won't be doing this one again. 10'X10' lot rent is $150, $35 for electricity, byoc (at least 100 ft, 12v).
Addendum: We've had to cancel the Peach Festival in Ruston 6/27-28/09. I'm going to be in the hospital having a hernia repaired. Did we pick a year to start a business, or what?!?!
