So business at the outside mall I have a lease with is still growing, but after several weeks I am still just under a hundred bucks gross sales on weekdays and 130-160 on weekends (Thu Fri and Sat).  We used to be 25-40 a day with the same amount on the weekends just 6 weeks ago.  Just not enough traffic, but still becoming a real destination for many folks…just not quick enough.

So we did our first event the other night, just a neighborhood free band in the park thing.  We did over $350 in just 4 hours.  About $100 of that was for fresh lemon shakeups…from scratch.  The mall is right next to the development, so it was good to showcase the goods and tell everyone I am across the highway.

I want to fit in 1-2 small events every week for the next few months, whether private or public if I can.  We have 2 city sponsored events coming at about 12K people each.  I want to make sure I’m going after the right events.  First on my list are unconcessioned sports in the fall.  2nd are small trade shows, like guns, stamps, boats etc… they are indoor events at the state fair grounds…they book throughout the year.  3rd are small town events that might be overlooked, like classic car drive ins.

I had a firm Sunday afternoon at the local park with an adult co-ed softball league playing 8-10 games a day, but the city said “no, we don’t allow vendors on city or park property”  and no one will tell me why.  They are just stonewalling, so I am working more politically to get through things if I can.  So now I have to scramble to keep the pocket book full while my town is being unnecessarily difficult.

Anyone have any ideas or opinions on the more tried and true events out of what I listed, or have ideas that have worked for them?