Off To The Fair

I am often asked what sort of work my son might do when he is older. I never really know how to answer this because he has so many interests.

I am a fiber artist and I will sometimes go to fairs to sell my work. My kids always want to go help and sell their own work but I never allow them to come. It is a business not a lemonade stand.

Well last weekend was the Recycled Arts Fair and again my kids begged to come. Again I said no. My son decided to plan a foolproof attack against my decision. He came up with a concept for a booth that he and his sister could run called "Green Kids". They pitched it to the directer of the fair and got the OK to go ahead. They made toys from recycled items and planned demonstrations. They taught people to needle felt and make rockets from film canisters. Long story short they were awesome. The picture is of them setting up their tent before the fair opened.

My son was in charge of the rockets and product table. He would tell the kids how to make paper, treasure stones, felted soap and juggle balls. My daughter taught needle felting and invited people into their tent. They were a great team. I had my tent next to them and would help interpret when needed.

They day started off a bit rough. I had to drag my son from his bed. I cut my finger when we arrived and wrapped it with napkins to stop the bleeding well meanwhile the kids were whining about being too tired to help. They argued about price points and who would do what. When the fair opened they settled down and got focused.

What is so interesting is a lot of people who came to the booth sign. Several deaf people stopped by. The kids sold out their product and by the end of the day they were exhausted. I taught them sales etiquette and they became polished at their pitch. I think now it was a great learning experience for them. Of course I am wiped out and want to sleep for a week but it was worth it. I don't know what kind of work my son will find when he is an adult but he showed me yesterday that I don't need to worry about it.