Well. This morning I woke up from a bad dream that it was the night before VMD and I wasn’t ready and I hadn’t priced all my pieces. Ya’ll. I have SO MUCH to do still. I started feeling quite panicky at about 6am and couldn’t go back to sleep. Anxiety is something that has gotten worse, the older I’ve gotten. Even though quickly approaching deadlines are often what motivates me to do my best, most creative work, I haaaate anxiety and that can’t-rest-can’t-relax feeling I get that only abades a bit when I start working.
STL VMD IS EXACTLY 7 WEEKS AWAY!
So this weekend we are buckling down and getting several in-the-middle-of-it projects finished (hopefully). I’m hesitant to go too crazy because we only have 1 more week of summer vacation before kids are back in school and I don’t want them to spend their last week entertaining themselves while I paint and repair. I’m basically not going to be able to step into our garage (full of furniture) because I get all twitchy.
Last month, we had a Meet and Greet with Chanda, St Louis VMD owner, so we, as vendors, could see our booth spaces and the venue in general. So far, each VMD has had a new location, and this one has, by far, the best parking and layout situation. Parking has been an issue in the past, but it won’t be at this one. I’m not crazy about the fact that it is an hour drive from me, but I know lots of other vendors that were driving that far or further for the previous ones, so I guess turnabout’s fair game.
Also, look how pretty this spot is! This is the Madison County Fair Grounds in Highland, IL.
This is the first barn as you come in, and is where my booth is situated.
Specifically, where that big pile of leaves sits… I’m the 3rd booth in on the right side. The beams overhead are awesome and I’m excited to plan my space! I’ve already planned out my color schemes for painting furniture, since I decided soon after this Meet and Greet that I’m not going to have all types of colors, finishes, and styles. Last VMD I really show-cased my versatility. This time, I’m show casing my actual style– everything that will be for sale would be easily incorporated into my home and my clean farmhouse style.
As you walk further into the venue (after looking all through my booth space of course ;)), there is this large paved area, where will house all the food trucks and such. Barns on either side will have more booths.
Keep walking, looking back…
Follow that arrow!
There is a slight decline and a huuuuuuuuuuge barn where there will be… amazingly, more booth spaces!
Come on a walk with me, will ya?
This will be packed full of awesome and amazing vendors full of all kinds of vintage and repurposed items!
If you turn your head right from that barn, you see this little grassy hill area that I’m not sure if there will be any vendors, but I’m kinda hoping not, because it looks like a great place to picnic and eat some of the amazing Pizza on the Hill.
Chanda and her family had such a cute set-up for the vendors, and I showed up towards the tail end of things, so most of the cupcakes were gone.
Hope if you are local or within driving distance, hope you plan on coming!
Right now, for a limited time, you can get BUY ONE GET ONE FREE Early Buying tickets on the
St Louis Vintage Market Days website! Basically for $10, two people can get in for all three days. Or if you want to skip the crazy awesomeness of Friday, you can just pay $5 for a ticket valid for Saturday and Sunday.
Venue Address for STL VMD (September 19-21):
Madison County Fair Grounds
2025 Park Hill Dr
Highland, IL 62249
Here is a little about what to expect if you haven’t been before…
Friday the crazy will begin at 1pm. If you are serious about buying, I would get there early! At the last two, we had a lines of over a hundred people an hour before opening. That is because all the vendors bring their ‘cream of the crop’ on Friday. The best of the best. Plus there is a live band, giveaways, door prizes, food trucks, and in general, lots and lots of fun picking through this upscale vintage style market. Things slow down a bit in the evening but are still hopping until gates close at 8pm on Friday.
That night or early Saturday morning ALL THE VENDORS are encouraged to RESTOCK! So just because you went on Friday, doesn’t mean you won’t see something new on Saturday morning. The gates will open at 9am on Saturday and there will be a rush till the afternoon, slowing down a little after 1 or 2. There will be something unique and fun happening on Saturday and Sunday afternoon that Shades of Blue will be involved in. I haven’t been given an official thumbs up to announce it, but trust me, you will want to keep your eyes peeled for that upcoming announcement!
Saturday afternoon and early evening (everything closes for the night at 6pm) is really the best time to come if you want to chat and peruse without feeling crowded and rushed.
VENDORS WILL BE RESTOCKING ON SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY MORNING AGAIN!
So that means, Sunday will still be a great day to come, but this time, deals will be made! I will take discounts on most everything! Sunday the gates open at 10am and close at 4pm. Also, no one will be closing up early, since we aren’t allowed to start packing things up until AFTER 4, so don’t worry about hanging around till closing!
I would LOVE to see anyone who reads my blog or follows me on Facebook or any social media, so if you identify yourself in that manner, expect a hug from me! I’m a hugger and I feel any and all of my supporters out there deserve a hug from me! I couldn’t do any of this without all of you, encouraging me! I know I’ve said it before, but you really have no idea how much a simple “like” makes a difference in what I create or post. I appreciate you! You deserve a hug! 🙂
it’s going to be amazing! no more nightmares. 😉
Wow, I REALLY wish I lived closer. Would love to attend vmd, check out your booth and meet you. What a great setting!
It’s going to be so amazing – wish I lived close enough to swing by!
Oh, gosh, I wish I was closer, Rachel! Would love to come and cheer you on. Looks amazing! x
So I’m kinda jealous that your kids are almost back in school . . .We still have two more full weeks after this one! The VMD spot looks great, can’t wait to see what you do with it! I was hoping to be a vendor at my local VMD this November, but I think my calendar is booked too full already. Maybe try again in spring!