First 2011 Event - Rocked by Rain

[Smoky Bro]

So we've been doing the roadside stand for a little over a month now, doing well with it, getting a little busier every weekend, getting a good crew of regulars, etc. Friday was our best one day total so far, and yesterday we signed up to do a big event in our town called RiverFest.

Even though our town is small, its a big tourist destination in the summer & fall, and this is kind of the kickoff for it (23rd year). There's a big parade, trolley rides, educational stuff about the river, rafting & flycasting demos, crafts, food, animals, stuff like that. They promote it on radio and in all the papers. We got a good spot right by the waterfall and music tent, and there wasn't much other food (hot dog cart, chinese food trailer, and local restaurant doing tacos & brownies, thats it).

The event goes from 10am to 4pm, we go to set up around 9, and it is absolutely POURING rain. I'm talking cold, heavy, driving rain, with more on tap for the rest of the day. There's hardly anybody there, and our expectations rapidly go from "I hope we make a grand" to "I hope we can just cover costs and not catch a cold!"

Luckily the giant smoker attracts a lot of attention (especially when it's cold out), so the few people who did show up all came over to atleast check us out if not buy anything. We ended up doing OK, we did cover costs, and pretty much sold out of everything we brought (after taking some stuff home to freeze). Ribs & pulled pork went quick, as did the spicy beans. I didn't get anybody else's numbers but just from observation I'd say we did better or atleast as good as anybody else.

We just had to laugh about it and say "oh well!" No since in crying about the weather, plus we didn't have to drive an hour or pay some crazy fees to do it. Now we're on vacation for 10 days, then we're working every weekend til mid-November, with a few big catering jobs thrown in too.

I'm sure you seasoned vendor guys know all about this, just thought I'd share my story!

[Smoky Bro]

I forgot the best part! It finally stopped raining just as we were packing up to leave.

[daddywoofdawg]

Always does!LOL
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Good BBQ is all smoke and beers!
The Dawghouse Custom vertical Gasser
Custom Made offset smoker
Char grill smoker
Weber kettle