50 Little Birds

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The theme of the day was HOT — dripping, stinking, mind numbing hot — and we were inside.  The AC was on and it was considerably cooler inside…but it was hot.  Outdoor vendors and bands are to be commended.

It was a great show!  Neal and Amanda continue to improve on an already proven formula.  You know things are done well when so many of the vendors and buyers come from out of town.

We had loads of family on hand.  My stepdaughter, Emily Vance (Brainchild Designs) sells with me, My daughter, Phoebe performed with Molly Grooms (Pholly), Hannah watched the door for the first two hours, my very patient wife, Julie, helped me and Phoebe’s friend, Evan Slusher, came along to entertain Phoebe and help out where he could.

The highlights are always the folks that we meet along the way.  We met a great lady that wants us to visit in Milwaukee (Hells ya!).  An adorable and creative young couple were so sweet and engaging that we slipped a bird into their bag (It was a little more complicated than that, but you get it, right?).  My favorite regulars came by and added to their collections.  We talked birds, children, music and art all day!

Heat and beer weren’t always a good combination.  A gentleman decided that the 1920s Roy Smeck Vita Uke, behind my booth, was for public playing.  When I raced over to save it he let me know that it sounded good EVEN for a uke.

Another highlight was the trip home.  The kids were in a second car.  We were in touch via cell phone.  The plan was to meet in Fountain Square for dinner.  They got turned around in the storm and ended up in a variety of different and interesting places.  By the time we pulled things together we ate at a big box steakhouse in Noblesville (very, very late).  At some point in the trip the kids had gassed up in Greenfield!

I was not the oldest vendor or the only male vendor at this show! Hurray for diversity!

Unsold merchandise will start showing up on Etsy tonight or tomorrow.  There may be as many as 30 new pieces.