Monterey Columbus Day on the Bay

NOTICE:  Looks like this event will not be held 2009, 2145 or whatever.  It appears as though they are not allowing events that are not considered to be run by groups that are not 'non-profit.'  Even though sales were slow last year at this event, these shows will be dearly missed as the area is simply beautiful.  I looked for other events here, i.e. Seafood Festival, Red White and Blues Festival, but they are gone.  Only things around here are events at the Fairgrounds (overpriced) and one's run by the Arts Commission or whatever.  Maybe people that supposedly 'make these decisions' need to be voted out of office.  Depends upon what the people of Monterey want.  I see them losing valuable tax dollars.  Come on now people... anything that draws people AND tourists is good for the community.  Times are tough.  Loosen up.

October 11-12, 2008

This event was held at the Custom House Plaza in Monterey, adjacent to Fisherman's Wharf.  A very lovely place for a show.

Setup went smoothly, but a little congested down on the plaza around 9:00. We have done over a dozen events here through the years, but this has to be our worst so far.  Hope things will be better on Sunday, but I kind of doubt it.  Small crowd today and should be a late Sunday crowd.  Very few people buying, few carrying bags.  Not too many people eating food either, just sitting around on the Upper Plaza listening to the music.

Normally on Sunday, we would get there early to catch the tourists walking around, but not this year.  Looks like tourism is down all over the place.  Beautiful weather on Sunday and occasional breezes.  On Saturday night, one of the vendors that sold sunglasses had about 20 pairs stolen.  I don't think that it was any of the tourists and there is virtually no riff-raff walking around, so one must really wonder.

The show'a promoter did a decent job putting on the event, but people just weren't buying.  They stated 25,000 in Craftmaster News, but nowhere near that.  Maybe closer ro 3,317 for the two days.  No idea. 

Had some really delicious crepes there, but they were quite expensive.  One of the best desert-type items I have ever had at an event. 

There are many things to do in the Monterey Bay Area.  Visit Fisherman's Whaf... decent seafood restaurants.  Get some chowder in the bun.... several places selling it.  Boat tours are available - whale watching trips when in season.  Cannery Row has the Aquarium and many other stores, etc.