I think that the only reason the vendors do not show up is the fact that a stall costs a lot of money and if they do not cover stall costs with their sales there is little point in going. The same goes for new gadgets etc. they outlay is not worth the risk if people are not buying. Hence, everything becomes ordinary.
I like to see the quilts and check out the vendors but after a number of years one does not need to buy new gear unless starting a completely new technique. I find it is an opportunity to get specialist stuff that saves my having to travel many kilometres to obtain. Perhaps the costs of having a stall need to be revised in order to keep people creatively active?