Post by traveler on Jun 7, 2010 11:42:50 GMT -5
This event is presented in the Fair grounds in Huron South Dakota. It has been going on for the last 7 years and each year it has been growing in attendance and popularity. They advertise pretty good over the radio, and promoters seem to really do their best to bring in people to this free entry event. Throughout the weekend they do things like.... Truck lights show, classic car show, several free band concerts playing 50's and older country music, motorcycle tire burn out competition, Jake brake competition, parade through town, BBQ taste testing ($5.00 fee to judge 15-20 competiting vendors, who give you lamb, pork, and turkey), quick change tire competition, fast draw cowboys, and a dirt track race (Not free) on the grounds on Saturday, to name a few. They gave out awards at the end of the show on Sunday to numerous trucks, and cars.
The cost to sell was $250.00 (2010 prices) and it was quite a large space. Though we weren't "in" the RV park, we were allowed to walk over and use the showers in there, if needed. They were old, and not too private, but the water was HOT and felt good to get the gnats off us! Management was very nice to us, and the event coordinator even stopped by our stand to see how we were doing and make sure that we were satisfied. There were 6 food vendors, and 38 total vendors for this event, 200 Semi trucks registered, 200 classic cars, and unknown motrcycles that came in.
The dates and times were somewhat misleading. We arrived Thursday afternoon, believing that the event started Frday morning. In actuality, the only thing that was happening Friday was a 3.00 admission band concert at 7PM. We could have set up and sold, had we known to bring lights, and the weather hadn't been so fractious! (lesson learned).
Saturday we finally got set up around 10, because it drizzled rain all night. Lots of lookers and a few $50-75 sales. This was our first year, so is usually the slowest.
By 6:00 PM the weather turned questionable, and the wind picked up. We started pulling in the items we couldn't let get ruined. In all estimation, the wind was a good 50 MPH. The sky turned black and we started moving faster. By 6:30 it was sprinkling. A few last minute sales and we looked to the north west to a WALL of water headed at us at 50 mph! We got the space somewhat wrapped up, but not before getting absolutely drenched. It was as if a fire hose was turned on us. It lasted a good 20-30 minutes, and was over, but by that time, the damage was done, and the customers had pretty well left.
Sunday was slower, and we were supposed to be there until 5. The awards were given out at 4, and by that time, everyone was ready to leave. It was over by 3.
I would have to say that I broke even. Maybe a little in the hole, but the weather played a huge role in it. I am optimistic enough to try again next year, a little better prepared for what to expect.
The cost to sell was $250.00 (2010 prices) and it was quite a large space. Though we weren't "in" the RV park, we were allowed to walk over and use the showers in there, if needed. They were old, and not too private, but the water was HOT and felt good to get the gnats off us! Management was very nice to us, and the event coordinator even stopped by our stand to see how we were doing and make sure that we were satisfied. There were 6 food vendors, and 38 total vendors for this event, 200 Semi trucks registered, 200 classic cars, and unknown motrcycles that came in.
The dates and times were somewhat misleading. We arrived Thursday afternoon, believing that the event started Frday morning. In actuality, the only thing that was happening Friday was a 3.00 admission band concert at 7PM. We could have set up and sold, had we known to bring lights, and the weather hadn't been so fractious! (lesson learned).
Saturday we finally got set up around 10, because it drizzled rain all night. Lots of lookers and a few $50-75 sales. This was our first year, so is usually the slowest.
By 6:00 PM the weather turned questionable, and the wind picked up. We started pulling in the items we couldn't let get ruined. In all estimation, the wind was a good 50 MPH. The sky turned black and we started moving faster. By 6:30 it was sprinkling. A few last minute sales and we looked to the north west to a WALL of water headed at us at 50 mph! We got the space somewhat wrapped up, but not before getting absolutely drenched. It was as if a fire hose was turned on us. It lasted a good 20-30 minutes, and was over, but by that time, the damage was done, and the customers had pretty well left.
Sunday was slower, and we were supposed to be there until 5. The awards were given out at 4, and by that time, everyone was ready to leave. It was over by 3.
I would have to say that I broke even. Maybe a little in the hole, but the weather played a huge role in it. I am optimistic enough to try again next year, a little better prepared for what to expect.
Attachments:
