Sunday was my birthday; it was also my first time vending at Albuquerque’s Rail Yards Market. Since I managed to sell a piece, it was a very happy birthday for me. Sure, it wasn’t a huge mat – it was a mug rug and matching mug – but it paid my table fees and gave me a nice boost of confidence in a new place.
For those who have never been before, the Rail Yards Market runs from 10:00 in the morning till 2:00 p.m. Thank goodness, because during the summer, it’s getting pretty darn warm here in Albuquerque. I think we hit 94 or 95 that day. The market’s incredibly well run. It fills with locals and visitors both. I managed to meet a guy who came from Newtown, Connecticut. That’s one town over from where I grew up!
While most folks weren’t all that familiar with rug hooking, the response was definitely favorable. That I was hooking while I sat there was, as usual, a great conversation starter. (Even for the once-upon-a-time latch hookers. 🙂 )
The place has a great vibe what with the entertainment venue being about 30 feet from where I sat.This past Sunday brought us belly dancers and singer-songwriters. Aromas from Jamaican, New Mexican, and other foods waft through the place from nearby food trucks and stands. Besides different arts and crafts, you can pick up whatever produce and flowers are in season.
I have a week off and then, come Fathers’ Day, I’m back. I”m looking forward to it. (Even Tom didn’t complain about sitting there people-watching.) I’ve got a few things to tweak and some signs to make based on would-be customer comments and such. Folks asked when I’d be returning, something I’m taking as an excellent omen. Till then there’s more hooking to be done!
That looks like a really fun event! I like when a fair is mixed – Greenville’s Farmer’s Market has lots of other things besides food. Recently there was an interesting market here (actually in Taylors) called Made in the South, I think, that I was unable to get to. again, a good mix of crafts, food, drink (spirits are BIG around here as well as beer) and music. I’m envious, though I’m not sure what I would sell. I remember when I used to do craft fairs, I always found something I wanted to buy that negated my sales….. ;-D
I have to admit, Deb, that if Tom wasn’t there, I’d probably have bought some earrings. But, hey, the summer isn’t over, and I know what gallery she’s in in Old Town. 🙂 LOts of beer and spirits and wine here!