Originally Posted by
Garden Gnome
It's only a couple hours away from me and I've gone twice, but I don't do crowds well, so I was feeling pretty claustrophobic most of the time. Although, I must say the trip down there and back was nice, on a chartered tour bus. And there are several organizations that sell food in front of the big convention center (??) The main building. Handy, and we just found a curb in the sun to sit on.
A friend and I are planning to make a trip to Hancock's of Paducah, sometime other than show week. Melodyr, do you think it would be better to go before the show, or after? I'm thinking they will be so frazzled after the show. I wonder if they will have sales before, like early bird sales.
I just want to say that the city of Paducah really supports this show. The citizens support it and seem to be having such a good time being helpers, giving directions and picking up after us. The restrooms always had an attendant. That impressed me, lol!
You might try the Fall show. Last year was the first one and the crowds were much smaller. There were still quite a few vendors and they had the big pavilion open for them too.
Yes, there are local restaurants that set up just outside the show where you can grab a sandwich...Pattis always comes and they have a grilled chicken with asparagus rice that is wonderful...although, the main building was destroyed by fire earlier this year, so I do not know what their plans are. There's a gourmet grilled cheese vendor, local BBQ joints and the Boy Scouts sell fresh strawberry shortcake.
If you don't want to do the show scene, June is always nice. I don't think there will be any specific sales, but Hancocks always has their bolt-end tables with good bargains. Saturdays is the Farmer's Market with music and horse-drawn carriages.
July and August are hot and muggy.