May 31, 2016

The Polka Dot Flea Is Less Than 2 Weeks Away!

Where have I been?

With the Polka Dot Flea less than 2 weeks away, I've been a busy girl!

Saturday and Sunday
June 11-12, 2016
Central Florida Fairgrounds 
 indoors/air conditioned
Orlando, Florida

 Right now it's all about the vendors! 

We have been busy getting the vendors registered, answering emails, doing the booth layout, keeping them in the loop with Polka Dot Flea newsletters, assigning load in doors, making booth signs etc.

When I start the Polka Dot Flea 3 years ago, I knew I wanted the "Best of the Best" vendors and I wanted them to be treated like royalty.   We don't have a show without our amazing vendors.

We have one staff member with a walkie talkie for each 5-6 vendors. 

Our staff is the most amazing, fun, and hardworking folks and getting them all scheduled is like a major jigsaw puzzle!  We added 3 dedicated porters this year that will move and load large items for our customers at no charge. 

 
 When the vendors arrive on Friday our staff directs them to one of 6 unloading doors closest to their booths in the 21,000 sq ft air conditioned venue.  Then a hostess that takes them to their booths.

And they enjoy snacks and beverages to keep them energized while they set up




 While simultaneously getting the vendors squared away we have been busy getting on every available event site and distributing posters and 15,000 postcards everywhere in Orlando and the surrounding areas

 When the vendors arrive at the air conditioned venue on Friday they start their magic...Constructing amazing, eye catching booths

Here is some vendors from past shows





We are also excited that once again "Sisters On The Fly" will be joining us.

“Sisters on The Fly” is the Largest outdoor women's group in the United States. When they heard that there was camping at the Polka Dot Flea, they decided to pack up their amazing vintage trailers and head to the Flea for the weekend. If you come to the Polka Dot Flea don’t be surprised to see some great vintage trailers right outside the venue, including Little Miss Pitstop!

 So, back to the question on the beginning of this post
 "Where have I been?"  
I've been busy as a bee getting ready for the...

 

And in a few short days the amazing, enthusiastic, Polka Dot Flea shoppers will be lining up with their friends...

  
 ...For 2 day's of party like fun, shopping in blissful air conditioning! All the while, Oohing and Ahhing over the amazing products and booth displays by vendors from all over Florida and beyond.  

The best part:

I am the very lucky,beyond blessed girl,that gets to organize, promote and host this amazing party!



So.....Who's coming to the Polka Dot Flea party?????


Happy Creating!
Carol


 

12 comments:

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

I wish I could come, Carol. You do such an amazing job organizing this flea market. Your vendors and shoppers must be very happy to attend such a wonderful event. I'm sure it will be a great success again.

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Next year I am coming!!! Your show will be amazing and it's already 3 years! WOW, Carol!!!
Can't wait to see all the photos.
warmly,
deb

Connie said...

Hi Carol, I wish that I didn't live so very far away; it would be so much fun to attend and to meet you in person. I'm saving a big hug for you, if we ever do get a chance to meet. I know that it will be a bigger success than last year and it was amazing! I remember seeing all those huge lines to get in. Do not wear yourself out . . . if you can please try to get a day or two to relax before June 11, I know that will be hard. This is one of those projects that started as a dream and look what happened . . . I am so proud of you :)
Love ya, girlfriend.
Connie :)

DOLLY WORLD said...

Without going door to door, how does one find shops that do rent booth space?

Our Hopeful Home said...

I've been out of the blog reading loop for so long but I'm so glad I caught this! Congrats and best of luck, I know it will be so awesome! Once again, wish I could be there! xoKathleen Charm Bracelet Diva {At Home}

handmade by amalia said...

I'm so excited for you! It all looks lovely. Good luck.
Amalia
xo

Kathy said...

Oh Carol, your vendors are so lucky to have you taking such amazing care of them. Your attention to every little detail so they can focus on the creating is remarkable. SOOOO wish I could be there.

Jasper's Cottage said...

Oh I'm so excited! I'm a new Orlando resident and I love vintage markets like this. I just heard about the Polka Dot Flea and I'll be one of the lucky ones lining up tomorrow morning to see all the treasures. Thank you for all the hard work to make this show a reality. xo Jonni

Createology said...

Carol Dear I am Praying that your amazing Polka Dot Flea was not stricken in any way by the horrific nightclub shootings in Orlando very early this morning. May you and your family of vendors and support staff be safe. Blessings...

Jasper's Cottage said...

Hi Carol! It was an awesome show!! It was beautiful, with wonderful and VERY friendly vendors and I walked away with a full bag of stuff that I can't wait to share pictures of on my blog. It reminded me of all my very favorite shows in California. Can't wait for next year! xo Jonni

Annesphamily said...

You share such beautiful treasures. I am happy you had a great day and I am sorry that the second day did not repeat the first! I am praying for your city and thinking of you. Take care friend. xo

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