Good morning everyone!
At last weekend's IBC, I spoke with Wreck about the possibility of getting an Appleseed booth at one or more county fairs this year as an attempt to promote the program and upcoming events. I've looked at a few counties in the area, but the most obvious one to do would be the Wilson County Fair/Tennessee State Fair because it is the biggest. There are literally millions of people that walk through the gate every year, and having a booth there would give us the opportunity to potentially reach thousands of people. Since these booths cost $$, before we commit to one, I wanted to get the word out and see if any TN instructors could commit to working a booth at the fair.
The 2022 Wilson County Fair is scheduled to be August 18-27. That's a Thursday to the following Sunday. Before you freak out about the fact that it's a whole week, the way I figure it, even if you can commit to an afternoon or two during the week, we could maybe organize a schedule or something to that effect so that one person won't have to stand there every day, all week. On weekdays, the gates open at 5 pm. On Saturday, the gates open at 10 am, and on Sunday, they open at 1 pm. The fair itself shuts down at midnight, but if you've ever been through the vendor booths, you know that it's rare for vendors to be there that late.
If anyone can commit to some time to work a booth at the fair, please respond here or message me directly ASAP. I'd like to get an idea of the probability of this as soon as we can so that we can apply for a booth. There is no posted deadline for applications, but they fill up fast, so please, please get back to me. Thanks! O0
I'd be happy to help staff a booth. August is in my busy time of year, so I won't be able to commit until closer to the date.
Also, you could try asking about free or discounted booth space based on Appleseed's teaching of firearms safety and history. I believe Bluegrass Colonel has some experience with negotiating for table space at various events, many of which wound up being donated to us after the organizers learned that they really liked what Appleseed was about.
Thanks for the tip! As for negotiating, I'll file that tidbit away for later. If we can't get the booth staffed, then what's the point of applying, right?
Count me in for a few shifts. That's basically "around the corner" for me. There is a shoot scheduled for AUG 27-28 in McMinnville, so I will not be available for the 27th or the Friday before (preparation).
I could assist for a couple of weekday evenings.
Thanks, y'all! I'd like to have as many people step up here as possible, but realistically, I think we could make do with 5 to 7 instructors if we can get a rotation schedule done. Everyone reach out to other instructors and see if anyone else would be interested. You know not everyone reads the forum!
Count me in for a couple days.
I would like to help if possible.
The best dates for me would be later Friday afternoon 5:30 or 6:00 (8/19), after I am done babysitting the world's greatest grandson.
Also, most any time Saturday-Sunday. Perhaps John Opinski ("OP78") and I could carpool on Saturday and/or Sunday. I'll have to ask him.
Greg
"Bluegrass Colonel"
If I were to create a visual "schedule" of what the week would look like and send it to everyone here, could ya'll put your names down for the days/times you can commit to. That way I can see if this will be possible. I'd like to get an application in this week if possible.
Sure. I would be happy to put it my available times.
Greg
You bet!
I want to thank everyone's response and willingness to help. There have been some wrinkles that arose with our promotions opportunity at the Wilson County Fair. We will spend this year ironing out those wrinkles, and we will be ready to try again next year. Please keep this in the back of your mind!
Just making sure I understand... we are not doing anything at the fair this year?
That is correct. Next year for sure, though!