It’s been eight months since I last took my wares on the road, so you can imagine how nervous excited I am to be heading to Madelia, MN for my first show of the season. I would have never even known about the event were it not for social media and Bridget, the chamber assistant in Madelia, who invited me to join the town in celebrating Park Days as a vendor. Thanks, Bridget!
The first show of the season is always filled with questions. Will Husby and I be able to hoist the canopy in a timely manner? Did I remember to pack table coverings? How hot will it be and what should I wear? Do I have enough product? Is everything priced correctly? I’ve spent this week making lists and checking them twice to make sure everything runs smoothly. And you know what? It always runs smoothly, even when it doesn’t, because when we’re on the road Husby and I are a craft show team extraordinaire.
There is one thing about this show that bothers me – it will take us two and a half hours to get to Madelia. The road trip doesn’t bother me, it’s the fact that I’ll have to get out of bed by 4:00 a.m. I don’t know if I can do that anymore. I don’t think I ever could, even when I had a day job. But then, when I feel doubtful about getting on the road in time, I remember that I’m waking up early for something fun. There will be a beautiful drive in the countryside with a sunrise to boot, followed by a day filled with art, music, food, and happy people. What better reason to wake up before dawn?
Auntie B's Wax 
Stay up all night and then you don’t have to drag yourself out of bed — only into bed at the end of the day! Good luck! Hope it’s a fun and successful show!
Ugh! I’ve been known to pull all-nighters, but I’m barely functional the next day. I’d hate for my customers at the show to think I’ve got some neurological malfunction while I stumble around and look at them cross-eyed. That’s not even considering my ability to make correct change!
Thanks for your good wishes!
Sara sounds like fun, your stall looks awesome. I only have to be up by 5.45am for my monthly stall but its not fun in winter and I freeze whilst setting up. Hope it was a good day.
I’d love to see a picture of your stall! Setting up for the day is usually really hot work or really cold work. Stiff fingers or sweat running into your eyes. Ah, the prices we pay to share our work with others. I hope you have fun during your monthly showings.