Marketing our Product at a Special Event - A Bust Maybe?

One fall weekend, we participated in the Lincoln Showcase, described as "full of delectable food, tantalizing spirits and hip shakin' music." Sponsored by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, the event allowed local businesses to "showcase" their product lines and to provide product samples. We planned for approximately 400 attendees, who paid a ticket price of $40 per person. It was a "no sale" event -- only a demonstration and tasting affair. We put together a beautiful early fall cornucopia-themed setup that highlighted the produce available at our farmers' markets. I had flyers and coupons promoting our Farmers' Market to distribute. I had little plates of assorted sliced fruit and tomatoes to pass out along with the coupons.

Unfortunately, with the daytime temperature hitting 103 degrees and with the economy being depressed, the attendance was guestimated to be half. By 10 o'clock that night we were very hot and exhausted. Very disappointing and a lot of hard work. Whether it is a success or not, is to early to tell. I guess we will wait and see how many coupons are redeemed at the market.