We've been going
the rounds at the fall snowmobile shows, just finishing up the Intermountain
Snowmobile Show last weekend. As much work as one show is, I really feel for
the carnies who hit every major fall show from Hay Days to the World Snowmobile
Expo. That's dedication.
What most show
goers don't realize is what goes on before and after the regular show times.
Like two days before the event, trailer vendors deliver trailers and park them in
the exhibit hall. The day before the event, vendors show up early for setup and
stay all day. Setup doesn't conclude until the next day, about five minutes
before the show is scheduled to open. After that, the vendors stay throughout
the show and don't leave until about half an hour after the show ends for the
day. Then it's dinner time.
Most vendors are
back at the exhibit hall half an hour before the second day of the show opens.
For the next 8 to 10 hours, its talking, selling, listening and standing.
Knowing the whole time that when the show ends, the work begins. It takes
another one to three hours to tear down most booths and get them loaded in the
truck, depending on the facility. Maybe they come back the next morning to
finish up. And after all that is over, they get to drive home. It doesn't
matter which show we're talking about--somebody's got a 20-hour drive back
home.
But if you think
about it, you don't come across a grouchy face while you're at a show. These
guys and girls love what they do and love meeting the people who drive the
sport by buying their stuff.
There's a few
more shows yet this fall, including the Idaho Snowmobile Show in Boise, Idaho,
November 18-19. Don't miss out.