The Board Chronicles: Relay For Life Holiday Boutique

henrymowry

11 years ago

The Board Chronicles is an ongoing series of articles about the adventures of Mrs M’s Handmade as a vendor at community festivals & craft fairs. Mrs M’s subsidiary, Mr M’s Woodshop, has been approved to create this chronicle for the good of vendorkind.

This event was a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, held at the unfortunately named church, Santa Clarita United Methodist (AKA in some circles as SCUM). It was called “Relay For Life,” but there was no actual running or relay on this day. That was back in the summer … and, apparently, the excuse for this Boutique.

This event was hosted by the elder Mrs M, as I was doing Santa Clarita’s Fine Craft Show at the Old Orchard Park, which you’ll read about in a couple of days.

New Ideas

Mrs M had to set up, run the event, and load out without assistance. First time that has happened this year. Quoth m’lady, “Thank God for the wagon.”

Observations

Don’t walk in front of a wagon hauling cutting boards downhill.
No food at this event. Starvation is not a good option.
Being right inside the door may not be the best position. People go into the room, and then survey. They don’t look at a table inches from the door. Or so our experience has been at 2 events this fall.
Difficult to fit even our small display on 2x 6′ tables. The indoor season presents new challenges.
We’re beginning to find happy local people when they see us this holiday season. People are showing us Mrs M products in their purses from months ago, and they are happy to be able to restock. We’re happy to help!
The lady selling 12″ Christmas trees … with one that was decked out in USC colors, was far too prominent in Velda’s visual field. No UCLA tree was available, which was a strategic error on this vendor’s part.
The flyer said 10-4, but people left at 3p. That’s what the vendor confirmation letter said … so the paperwork was not in order.

The Food

Saturday Breakfast: Peanut butter toast and a glass of milk, and not enough coffee.

Saturday Lunch: Jersey Mike’s turkey with provolone, add bacon. Mike’s way. Delivered by Little Girl & the Intern when they were fetching cutting boards needed at the far busier Old Orchard Park event.

Saturday Snack (pre-lunch): The Christmas Tree Lady shared her Pringles with Mrs M because she knew she was starving.

Saturday Dinner: Marston’s was the perfect end to this busy day. Garlic Chicken & a Caesar salad.