It was a wonderful show filled with creative and interesting artists. I feel like I just went on a weekend conference with friends, peers and people who are genuinely interested in handmade objects. Haliburton reminded me a little of Nelson, BC. The hills seemed like mountains with clouds hanging over them. So beautiful! I stayed at a very comfortable B&B with other guests, Chris and Barb. We ended up making a great trade as well as fostering a new friendship. I’m happy to have such beautiful mementoes of our time spent lingering over breakfast.
We had a bit of rain on Friday. Set up was easy with the help of Lesley and Tara. Take down went quickly with the help of their friends. It’s so nice to have someone grab the other end of awkward and heavy stuff. I definitely appreciated the help and it only added to the success of my first 3-day outdoor show. All the venders were great about offering tips. As a result I feel my set up will be much easier next time. I will also be more confident about my pricing in the future. Why is it so much easier to price other people’s work?
Saturday night the gallery, and basically the town, set up dinner for all of us. It was fantastic to be under a big canopy enjoying meeting new people. There was the opportunity for prizes, announcements and socializing with each other. We exchanged information about shows, and shared many humorous stories. I eventually left the fun at the site in search of indoor plumbing and was glad to go home to a bed. You know the party was good when a memo inferring to it comes out the next morning!
I really appreciate the people who came to see me. Your visits continue to motivate and validate the time and energy I spend making glass. Sales were great! Lots of hearts and energy vessels found wonderful new homes. I hope the kids and Em will come with me next year!
Carrot Fest, what can I say, it’s Bradford’s big street festival.
Did you know the Holland Marsh has the perfect soil for vegetables that grow straight down in the ground? And there are two factions fighting to decide our mascot.
This all takes place in a WWF style ring at the 4 corners of town. No names will be mentioned, but hockey interests are involved.
Who will come out on top? Traditional carrot guy or bugs bunny on steroids.
Are you wondering if I’m avoiding talking about my own experience or admire my enthusiasm for town lore?
I know you’re shocked to find out I didn’t sell out of carrots, or peas But not shocked to see my kitsch side coming out at this time of farming festivities. Lots of other pieces found happy homes. Two boys think their carrot necklaces gave them good luck during their soccer games.
On that note, it was great to have the farmers market available to festival goers, you know in case they wanted to buy carrots. I did. They are really yummy and the potatoes and strawberries and brownies and bacon, all the best I’ve ever had.
There were exciting times during the big storm, but we all weathered it well, unless you count the people who lost their tent, but don’t worry they got it back.
It was great to see so many friends and neighbours and find out their connections with each other. I met lots of new people, some local, some who came for our Mexican restaurant.
The picture is of Gwilly and Caroline our “buy local” advocate who runs the market this year.