Maine chickenstock - Skowhegan

[burntumber]

A monthly/regular event may end up competing with Clark's Livestock Auction, which is weekly and also in located Skowhegan. That's the "go to" event for most folks in that area when looking for poultry. Just thought I'd mention it.

My opinion on a monthly event- I wouldn't be interested. Yearly or twice yearly sounds much more interesting to me.

 

[spook]

With the ladies that I invited to the Litchfeild chickenstock, they were independent, sponser means they pay us and why plan that much into it. Vendors receive public acknowledgement and boosts in their business. Exposure.
That is how I see it. I don't believe that MM nor I wanted to play around in that money deal, then someone is book keeper, banker and all that jazz. If we make a buck, then pass it on to the local 4-H, food pantry or charity.

On Litchfeilds raffle table I spent $60 on items out of my own pocket, the raffle tickets brought in $42. I sold the cook books for $1 each, $20 is what was made there. So, $62 buck a roos was pulled in off the Chinese auction.
Because I was afraid of being labeled as a bad character, I donated the $62 to the Equine rescue (check sent out today).
I will not go to that much time or work for such a small outcome as I don't have the money to sink into such investments to receive a complete loss.

IF I do another raffle or auction, I would only do with donated items, 1 object would be from me. Its a shame, but these Chickenstocks need to be kept down to it being about the chickens (etc). If a vender wants to join in, fine, I recommend a no charge (When you charge it brings it down to a liability, insurance if someone gets harmed) . This event is to become aware of birds, BYC and enjoyment and comradely.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the time I had at the raffle table, but just wanted to share with you all what the out come of it was. Food is another thing I would suggest to stay away from, this last group, Equine Rescue apparently didn't make any on the gathering either, which is a shame as that was what we was aiming for, to help. For the 4 hours that we gather, food is not topic. Seeing all the birds, buying, talking and seeing what people are going to do next. The food was wonderful, but most everyone cuts down on buying when gas is so expensive.

Please do not take this as a busting anyone's bubble, if vender's and food items are there, don't put so much time and effort into it yet. Go small, let each year build what it is we are doing.

I plan on joining in on the skowhegan event, just to go. I don't sell or trade, but it doesn't mean we wont have fun! Good luck on the next group!

 

[wildernessdweller]

I tend to think monthly would be too much too.....unless 'maybe' you only do it for the summer months in a location where there's a ton of natural foot traffic. i.e. somewhere on the coast. I don't think this would compete with Clark's Livestock Auctions though, it's a completely different type of event.

The food vendors- well- first off in a 4 hour event how many people really want to buy food unless you're at a bake sale??? Had it gone all day....maybe......but Spook is right about food being the last thing you buy when costs are high and you came to buy chickens.

I liked the 'flea market' flair to the event in Litchfield. I'd like to see that expanded on, and have it be a whole day. At the same time something else is happening so you get more foot traffic.

Am not sure that Mark is planning to use BYC theme after the last talk I had with him. But if some of us from BYC were to plan another event- I'd like to see more posters or balloons with BYC on it so folks know they're attending something special. A banner with a link to this site maybe??

 

[verthandi]

Quote:
You did an amazing job and a lot of work. It was appreciated by many. But I totally agree with your summary of the day. I think it went well considering it was the first time. And the points that you raised are valid. There are things that can be improved on for next time, and please let me help you more when that event takes place.

 

[chickn]

we did nh w/ tractor supply, it was great, tsc had alot of supplies available which helps for new chicken people, we are having it again in sept.
no we didnt have any vendors

monthly swaps. if you have them are easy, there is no food etc, it is a tailgate thing. parking lots are perfect for them.

we go to one in mass once a month all yr long, snow etc, it never gets boring and there is alot of people there, you would be surprised. especially in january. lol


i also like the idea of going from one tractor supply to the next ,that way people who cant get to one may be closer to the other.

i am willing to put into some advertising and foot work for the ones closer to me.

and food etc, we said this after the nh one that it isnt a good idea to go crazy with it, there isnt a big call for it, of course in jan its nice to have coffee or ht choc. lol

one last thing, byc'ers were not the only chicken web site people who attended.and you want to include the public also

 

[Grindlefamily]

I would think an early spring and a late summer/fall event would be good. People look for different types of birds at different times. I think monthly would be too much and who has that much time. As for the vendors - I think it would be better to invite whomever, but don't charge for the spot - instead ask for a donation for the raffle table then they can give what meets their pocketbook - I was glad to give a few items, and maybe if each person could bring a little something, that would help the raffle table too. If you want lots of vendors - you could contact direct sellers (AVON, Tupperware, Pampered Chef, ....), and I would love to see more crafters. Also, trying to keep the vendors in a "high" traffic area would be helpful too.

??? LOL but what do I know???

Louella

 

[Melilem]

Hmm if we could combine Chickenstock with a Fleamarket....oooo, that would be heaven. I think I could go for one of those every month. The Chickenstock Fleamarket could be bigger than the MOFGA fair.

 

[spook]

You speak about MOFGA, I invited them to come and join in and share why they choose organic, how we could change small things to invite a greener earth and it never got mentioned. Bummer, but it was fine.
I just came from the NNEBFC Poultry Show at the Farmington Fair Grounds and it was a fun day. Basic stuff, less then what we had a Litchfeild. They had a 50/50, hamburgers hotdogs, sodas and small bags of chips. First thing in the morning, they offered a breakfast sandwhich and coffee. It was on a small scale, nothing big, one grill, a choice of no bake cookies and muffins. Not like we plan on food, lol, first come first serve and when they run out, that is it.
I did see other folks that came from BYC (glad they recognised me....I'm a bit dumb

) Thank you for speaking up!!!!
They had a Auction at the end of the day that was donated items, making fun- for example I bit $5 (I think) on a flood light that plugs into your lighter and they called it the redneck hunting kit...needless to say, I honestly didn't think I had to take the whole thing, lol, I ended up with the Light, gun rack, and the law books!!!!! Oh boy, like I said, DH don't let me have a gun, claims I'm to agressive!!! hahahah.
Oh well, the I turned around and bought the metal coffee cup and thermos!
See, these money makers are to support the club, news letters and also to pay for judges. It was really neat. I hope to have some photos at some point.
Either way, I may not have birds to trade, swap or sell and strictly told NO to more birds, it was all fun. I also advertised for the TSC Chickenstock, passed on the word of BYC and just had a plain fun chicken day.
I came home and mentioned that I felt alone, no birds nothing and my reply was "you have a new vehicle, what more do you want" (to get it free...LOL AND then beg for a bigger chicken house!

)

 

[chickn]

i am hysterical laughing at the thought of you spook with your gun rack. lol
that is fun nny !!!
glad you had a good day, and cant wait for your pics. and you are stronger than i . i didnt go to any chicken show swap but i managed thanks to craigs list to get some nice 3 month old buff orps, nh reds, and barred rocks and a pair of white crested black polish. oh and 12 eggs. but i dont have a problem!!

 

[Melilem]

So if your driving in Maine and see a lady pulled over in a new vehicle with a gun, a spotlight and a cup of coffee, you know it's Spook.

I met Spook today.