Interesting four page article about brick and mortar merchants and their attitude towards street festivals featuring arts and crafts. The article looks at the issue from the view point of whether street festivals help their business or are primarily a boon for the street vendors.
Obviously, merchants aren't gong to support street festivals unless they feel there is a profit motive for them as well as us.
Hi Maire. I believe street festivals are a win-win for both the vendors and the store fronts. I have been on both sides of the coin, vendor and attendee of the street festivals, and I love seeing the new creativity on the craft front plus I always go in and browse interesting stores and purchasing anything that pulls at my heart strings.
I agree. It can be a win-win. Like you, I regularly visit and purchase from the brick and mortar shops when attending street festivals.
Have a great week and thanks for the interesting comment!
I attended the Hamtramak festival in Michigan. Free parking. No entry fee. Free parking or meter parking. Proud to spend my money within the festival and outside at the stores and restaurants because of the space avaiable. Mitch Ryder was at one bandstand.
Always enjoyed festvals in Pontiac and outside merchants in walking distance. Changed venue to Royal Oak. Charged annoying fee for shuttle bus. 3.00 entrance.no reciept avaiable. Had to wait 30 minutes because of overcrowdiness. Food extremely high.
Thank you for the feedback on the Michigan shows. I agree reasonable and available parking is a big deal.