Octagon Art Festival 08
Post #175
Happy Dance
My last outdoor event, the Octagon Art Festival in Ames, Iowa, is over for the year. This year has been a gauntlet of bad weather, but at least it ended well. The day started off rather misty and foggy (as you can tell by these photos taken before noon.) But by mid-afternoon the sun came out and it was just lovely.
The crowds were phenomenal (especially after 1pm, again photos were taken early so shows a light crowd) but the buyers were cautious. We made more than I expected but far less than I would usually demand from an event even a couple of years ago. I have been doing the Octagon for around 10 years now. (They actually recognize me by sight and I didn’t even have to say who I was when I checked in yesterday. Thats how long I’ve been doing it.) I keep coming back because it is cheap to do ($85 booth fee) one day, and close to home.
Perks
I like this show. It is well run and organized and yet kinda laid back and easy going. (Sorta like me, really.)
Ames is located within 20 minutes of Des Moines and does pull a shopping crowd from surrounding areas.
- Coffee, water, muffins and donuts for breakfast.
- Good Sized Event with over 115 artists.
As a side note artfairs can be too small (to few artists means the event doesn’t draw enough of a crowd) or too big. (too many artists mean too much competition and the sales can get spread thin.) I like my events to run between 75-150 vendors.
- Usually brings out huge crowds which can be a buying crowd.
- Drive up loading and unloading
- Spacious booth size of 12×12 with plenty of storage in the back of each space.
- Free admission
- Friendly volunteers for check in and booth sitting.
Downside
I have no complaints about this event. While they don’t pamper you like some shows, you pay a tiny booth fee and frankly that holds more appeal. They do request a donation (of artwork) for a silent auction but again I would rather hand over a print than more money.
- One day event. While I like that it’s one day, it can mean that if the weather is bad you have no show at all, while 2 day events you get a second chance to still sell.
- Late in the year. Early and late shows run a considerably higher risk of bad weather. I’ve done this event wearing a winter coat (and wrapped in a blanket) on more than one occasion.
