(This was written in response to a post in a local Facebook group lamenting the poor turnout at a school-sponsored craft fair.)
I've done craft fairs for more than 40 years, so have a little bit of experience with these things.
High booth fees should not be taken as an implication that there will be great advertising, a large number of shoppers, better sales, or anything. Only that they are high booth fees.
If you're a serious artist, you shouldn't be doing school, church, or retirement home/senior center shows. The shoppers at these shows tend to be the parishoners, parents & teachers, and residents & their families; very rarely are there many outside shoppers. Do what it takes to get into the truly juried shows in your area (or as far away as you're willing to travel. I live in Sacramento and did a small antique show in Los Altos for many years. The drive was (at least) 2.5 hours each way, sometimes 3 hours or more coming home due to the traffic on 880.
Some of the better art fairs in the Sacramento area include the Kiwanis Arts Fiesta (June), Harvest Festival (November), Sacramento Arts Festival (November), Crocker Holiday Artisan Market (November), and the Davis Art Center Holiday Sale (December). These are all VERY juried shows. You will need to have awesome photos of your products & booth. Don't even think about applying if you sell trademark-infringing goods or if you're a rep for a direct sales company! You want to see high booth fees? These shows have that too! But they've been around for years and their promoters know the importance of advertising. See you there!
