The following is a smattering of photos from what was a tremendously exhausting and roasting hot day. Since so many of you do not get an opportunity to see what we vendors go through to setup for you I thought you might like to see. (Of course I am talking about the little guys… our small companies that have to haul and setup on our own without the help of the union).
Day begins with getting up at the crack of dawn and heading into the city… and just like every city in the early morning rush hour… this was our first sight. TRAFFIC!
After arriving at the Convention center we were asked to “circle the building” and “Hazard park” for more than an hour before we were allowed on the loading ramps. Our eventual parking space was blocked in all day (I am behind the camper) and this ramp was packed all day long.
What is the scale of this event? Here are a few real behind-the-scenes shots.
Keep in mind all these people… and their stuff… all came through the door above me. WOW! This was our booth after a couple of hours. Susan was gracious enough to sew bindings for me while I hauled boxes back and forth… so don't think she is sitting down on the job.
At the end of the day we made it to this point.
We still have some pinning, decorating and one quilt missing. Yikes! Easy stuff that can wait until tomorrow. We walked to one corner of the center to try to show the scale but even the picture doesn't do it justice. I also wanted Susan to see the scale of some of the booths and what they look like before they come together.
Many still have lots to do. Here is a view from the center aisle.
I spared you all the pics of us walking down appointed aisles and not being able to get past the crates. LOL It's every man for himself at this point. After we declared it too hot (no air conditioning in the hall and everyone dripping and dehydrating) we packed the trailer, dropped it off at convention parking and headed to the hotel.
Ours is right next to Pirates Stadium across the river. Just because we left the hall doesn't mean we weren't still working. Last minute sewing needed to be done. I took a photo of Susan putting the finishing touches on some pole socks. I was putting the binding on that last quilt.
A long awaited and much deserved dinner at Soho. Thank my lucky stars.
Wonder what everything will look like on Day 2. I'll let you know.
~Happy Quilting!
Penni