Thread: Disappointed in the Lancaster AQS show

I decided not to go to the show this year but am going in May spending two nights just to go to the shops in the area. Love those shops!

The first several years that AQS held its show in Paducah, you couldn't keep me away. Then we moved from Memphis and that made it a little less easy to go, so I stopped. THEN they opened the one at Knoxville...I went the first year and, since it didn't really compare with the one in Paducah, I haven't tried to get to another. I guess it's been two-three years since I went...now, if they brought something like that here where I live now, I'd give it a try at least once. IMHO, if the vendors don't stay organized and ahead of the game, the quilters won't come...and that's kind of what I see beginning to happen, although I hope not! I love this career choice and don't want to see it not survive!

I chat with all the vendors while I'm at Paducah. If they aren't busy they all love to vent! LOL. Many are choosing to not vend in the show but in the town, not under AQS. I heard some eye opening stories about the quilt show vendor politics at AQS shows. If the town wasn't involved in the Paducah quilt show I wouldn't go just for the AQS show. This will be my first time in years not going to Paducah. I chose a quilt retreat during that time instead.

Originally Posted by Carie

Ladies, We went to the Mountainfest Quilt show in Pigeon Forge, Tenn this past wekend---beautiful, and more vendors than I've seen in a long time. Also lots of classes-couldn't be more pleased - and will indeed go again next year!

My DH and I went to this show in Pigeon Forge. We both liked it, and will probably try to get back next yr. Great quilts, good vendors, and to hear the history of the old quilts was good.

I think any show is in the eyes of the beholder. When I go to one of the large shows I am in awe of all the beautiful quilts that are hung.
The vendors are usually pretty good, but that is not the main reason I go to the shows. I want to see the quilts and can spend days just looking at the quilts. Always buy the DVD (when available) to go back and remember what the quilts look like.
As for vendors, I have a friend who vends at the big shows. All the work bringing things and setting up a booth, then being on ones feet for days with little or no chance to rest just amazes me. Unless a person has actually vended at a large show, we do not have a clue how exhausting it is. I've watched her booth for a bit while she gets something to eat or just takes a small break. I know I couldn't do it for days.
I don't think anyone can imagine the thrill of coming into the show and seeing that your quilt has moved to the "winners area". Its happened once for me and the feeling is just unbelievable. There is usually a designated area where the winners are hung, usually somewhere in the middle of the show area.