Monday, April 16, 2012

Big Bummer

Hi everybody!! I just got back from an amazing road trip to Boston, MA, Wallingford,CT and good ol' NYC (blog post to come) I gotta say it was really nice sleeping in my own bed after 10 days of sleeping on a couch (and in my car!!) 
I also came home to a TON of mail. Sorting through, I noticed a letter from The Park Avenue Festival. Was this an acceptance or a rejection letter I wondered. So, hoping for the best, with shaky hands I held my breath while I tore open the envelope to read:     


definitely NOT an acceptance letter :( 

Needless to say I was very disappointed. And what a way to get a denial, a 'report card' of how awful they think you are WITHOUT any suggestions on how to improve.  Definitely did not do much for my self esteem. 

Last year I applied for the festival and also did not get in, (I got a 'score' of 27 out of 50 in 2011) but after a  string of coincidences, I ended up vending on Park Ave during the festival in front of Maxim Salon and Spa because I sell my wares there. (all business owners on Park Ave have the opportunity to vend in front of their shop) Last year I ROCKED that festival!! I can't tell you how many people raved that "it is so nice to see something different this year. I get sick of seeing the same booths year after year" 

Rocking the 'Ave' in 2011


Unfortunately, Maxim Salon is not participating in the Park Ave this year. 

Because this is what I do for a living, and Park Ave was 10% of my total income for the year, this is a pretty tough blow. 

The Eden Corn Fest is the same weekend as Park Ave, and it's far enough away that it wont be a conflict for festival goers. Maybe I will try that one. It is 2 days longer, so there is a good chance I'll do as well (or better!) in the 4 days in Eden as the 2 days here in Rochester.  Guess we will see...


10 comments:

  1. What a bummer! I never go to Park Ave Fest anyway ;)

    ~Valerie

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    1. Total bummer, but hey, who knows, corn fest might be a way better venue. (hopefully THEY will accept me!!)

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  2. Pffft! They grade vendor applications and share it with them? I generally dislike going to Park Ave and bigger fests because I get so annoyed by giant sofa size paintings of dolphins (and there are always a few). You have a really good product that is different and people love. Try Eden. My friend won Corn Queen there, so it has to be good.

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    1. I am definitely going to try Eden. Do you know if it brings in big crowds? Have you ever been?

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    2. I'm not sure how big the crowds are, since Eden is a small town, but my friends from Buffalo definitely have talked about going in the past.

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    3. The wikipedia said it gets over 100,000 visitors over the week!! Might have to check it out!

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  3. total bummer for sure, but hopefully another, BETTER, opportunity will turn up, and you will ROCK that instead! I am surprised, as your jewelry is so very special and unique in the giant world of handmade jewelry. keep us posted on that weekend! I would travel to see another show and avoid park ave. fest for sure, especially if you were there! :)

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    1. Awe!!That's so sweet Tiff, thanks! I will definitely keep everyone posted....:)

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  4. I didn't get in either! I couldn't believe it. They are loosing some big time promoters ;)

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  5. That totally sucks!! Doesn't it just break your heart when you get the rejection letter. Hope it's the only one this year. Try Eden corn fest with meeee!!!!!

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