kevin bailey wrote:

A couple of years ago I requested ideas from the list to improve the
attendance at our Clubs annual show.

snip

A new event, called Woodfest Wales, started
by a local company specialising in Oak framed buildings became very
successful last year. They had 15,000 visitors over two days. They
achieved this by appealing to anyone with an interest in wood crafts.
Displays included chain saw carving, speed tree climbing, pole lathe
demonstrations and all sorts of related timber arts and crafts. This
year the event is on over school half-term for three days. They are
anticipating 20,000 visitors. I asked if we could display and they were
delighted, offering us a reasonable display space in a marquee for free.
Even better is that this event is in my home town.

We've already sorted out two bonsai traders to accompany our display, so
we really hope to generate some interest. We are gong to have a display
of our very best trees and information about the club in the form of
posters and fliers.

If anyone has suggestions that might further enhance our efforts, I'd be
glad to hear them.

Cheers

Kev Bailey
North Wales UK


Kevin:
I am glad to hear you are doing something like this. I feel it is important to
expose people to bonsai in a way they hadn't expected. Having a display and some
demos at a tree-related fair is an excellent way to do this. It puts bonsai in a
context.

Later this year I'm going to be helping our local arts society organize an "art in
nature" fair in a local park. Hopefully it will include works by artists such as
nature photographers, landscape painters, etc. A centerpiece will be a bonsai
exhibit, perhaps suiseki also. I hope we'll have some demos and talks.

Best wishes on your efforts.

Craig Cowing
NY
Zone 5b/6a Sunset 37

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