SD State Fair, Huron SD

[traveler]

I did the 5 day show in Huron SD for the SD state Fair. It was quite successful for me! Given the fact that they didn't know I would be there, and that it was my first show there, this one was good for me. What I've found out is besides Sturgis, 200+ miles away, this is the ONLY thing that everyone looks forward to each year. The fairground has some 1256 RV spaces and all the S. Dakotans bring their campers, RVs, tents, you name it, and camp there as they have for generations. The weather cooperated beautifully for 4 out of the 5 days, but let us have it BAD on day #5, but those that wanted that certain item, braved the soaking rain to get it before the show ended. By 2 PM the fair was over. (closed at 5, but done by 2 for sure!) Show trucks and trailers clogged the roads so bad that the tractor shuttles couldn't get through to bring the customers by. They make you pay the taxes due before they let you out the gate, so that was an unwanted delay, but the office was open the next day too, so I just figured the total and paid it with no delays or problems. In fact, the next day there was no gate check audit like the day before!!!
I was in a really good space. High traffic and people literally had to pass me 3 times one way or another to get in or out of the building. Unless I get in at Minneapolis, I will be back!!!
There was a trouble maker in the building that tried to stir up some BS with the show manager about ME, telling her how I hated it there, and how mad I was, and how I was going to never return again..... but he picked on the wrong person because she knew that I would tell her if I had an actual problem. She asked me, and I was completely dumbfounded, and sure that she had the wrong person, because I never told anyone that I was not coming back.... In fact, this was the one show that I would have peeled out next years show fees NOW to secure the same space without batting an eye.
He left in a huff around day #3, was fined $100.00 and told "don't come back!" We were all really relieved.
So. Just my .02 on this un...

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[traveler]

Year #2. I am not too sure, but there is a possibility that the bad economy may have hit the area, or the state of the Nation may have concerned many fairgoers. We've done well at the other venues we've done in SD this year, but the first 2 days here have been a bit of a slow start. All the vendors are commenting on it, not just us. The weekend si upon us. Let's see what happens!

[walkersstics]

Sure hope this got better for you

[traveler]

Well, the end of the show, and we were still down. Some vendors were estimating they were down by a thousand dollars or more. According to the "newspaper", attendance was up by 10% or better, and all ~roses and sunshine~. One thing for sure. The fair was cheap entertainment, ($15.00 a family) and they wanted to go. (as in their "tradition".) Again, TONS of magnets and small items sold. We would have been down a whole lot more, but we had a couple large sales to people buying for a social group and that helped. This is the first show in SD that we have ever encountered THEFT in the booth. A few 100% certain, and others we're pretty sure it is gone and not just 'not written down". A couple other vendors had to watch their stock, as it was walking too. Also amazing number of sloppy customers ruined several vendor's stock by spilling milk and ice cream on their products. We had spills too, but was able to wipe it clean. We did well enough that we'll be back again next year. I just hope we don't see another decline!

[walkersstics]

Hopefully next year will be better for everyone.

I have had a few items walk away at a couple events, never realized it though until I got home, and re-inventoried everything.....

At one event, I had a child knock over a very expensive walking stick that was a real beauty, it was the most expensive item at the time in my booth.....hitting the street gave it quite a few nicks and abrasions that would had been a bear to fix.....I few passerbys stated I should take it up with the parents, I did not, crap happens and it was an accident....I did however cut the price down to one half of what I wanted, and it sold within a few minutes......so all was not lost, and I did not have to put even more time into something that I had already put a lot of time into too.

Good Luck and Best wishes on your next event.

[Caricature Artist]

I agree with Traveler. Even up here in northern and central California, the local newspapers are reporting "good things" about the various local street fests and fairs, when in actuality, all of my vendor friends who have had booths at these events are doing very poorly. They papers are always stating that attendances are up and record numbers are "out and about." If so, they are definitely not spending. At street fests, they walk straight past you, and at county fairs, they walk or run straight to the rides. Thats about it. I have done very few this year, and will do very few next year, too.

[walkersstics]

For sure times are tuff.....EVERYWHERE.....I have to believe in order to sell at any event, your products must draw the attention of the potential buyers......you must pick and choose the venues, and have the right items for the location you are at.

If I am on a limited budget, and I have $10 dollars to spend.......I am going to buy something to eat other then something to wear, unless it is something I cannot do without, which in these times people are doing without..... Venders should be presentable, Items should be displayed nicely, and not overly priced....don't expect to make a killing in sales, and just enjoy the event you are at......hopefully you will profit.

I do think, after this year, promoters will have to lower their pricing to get vendors to attend....I have seen a few venues with vacant spaces, again a sign of the times....but if it is cheap enough for vendors to attend, then these vacancies should fill