Rain, Redefining the Setup, and Real Connections: Reflecting on the Bel Air Arts Fest
There is something special about setting up for a show right in your own backyard. The Bel Air Arts Festival was the closest event to home we’ve done yet, and the short commute was a welcome break from the usual long early-morning drives. But as any vendor knows, local convenience doesn’t mean a show comes without its own set of surprises!
Here is a look back at how our weekend went, what we learned, and why show number three was such a success.
Beating the Weather: A Night-Before Lifesaver
We got lucky enough to set up our tent the evening before the festival opened. Looking at the dark clouds rolling in, we decided to play it safe and put all the sidewalls up before heading home for the night.
That turned out to be the best decision of the weekend!
It rained heavily overnight and straight into Sunday morning. Thanks to the sidewalls, all our inventory stayed completely dry. While Sunday started off a bit humid and steamy, the skies eventually cleared, the sun came out, and the crowds arrived early and ready to shop.
Learning Curves and Adaptations
If I'm being honest, I wasn't entirely thrilled with my booth setup this time around. When you're working on uneven grass, safety has to come first. I had to change up my favorite red display stand that I usually for our pottery because I was terrified it would tip over on the soft ground. My daughter helped me fill it with flower baskets instead.
Without that focal piece, the layout felt a little off to me. It's easy to get frustrated when things don't look exactly how you envisioned them in your head, but every event is a chance to troubleshoot. I'm already taking notes on how to adapt the display for grassy terrain next time!
Good Food, Great Talent, and Crafty Neighbors
The atmosphere at Bel Air was buzzing all day long, thanks to live bands playing music in the background and an incredible spread of local food vendors.
The vendor talent was inspiring. Browsing through the aisles, I saw everything from intricate wood carvings and custom 3D-printed toys to incredible sweet treats. As a fiber artist, I always love spotting fellow makers, and I saw two fantastic crochet vendors—one specializing in wearable clothing and another making adorable plushie animals.
Grateful for the Journey
A show is almost impossible to pull off alone, and I was so lucky to have my family there along with three amazing booth buddies to help run the display, keep me company, and manage the rush.
This was officially craft show number three for us. Each event brings new lessons, fresh inspiration, and wonderful opportunities to meet members of our community. I’m walking away from this weekend feeling so thankful for this creative journey and immensely grateful for all the support from friends, family, and everyone who stopped by our booth.
On to planning for the next one!