Let’s just say it’s never a fun day at the art fair when the organizers are spreading
the news of bad weather and actually telling you about “evacuation plans.”
Seriously… I’m not kidding… even before the art fair even begins!!!

The day started out okay. We knew that the weather wasn’t going to be perfect.
As I was driving to Hinsdale this morning, it was a little drizzly. But it stopped
before I got there. So I finished setting up and there was a buzz about the place!
Artists discussing the weather and the impending storm headed our way. Great…
All set up, just in time for a storm. Now it’s not the rain that scares me, it’s the wind.
Rain just makes things wet & miserable. But strong winds can actually cause a LOT
of damage to tents and breakable art… like pottery!

At first it was just some grumblings and a lot of hearsay. But then the organizers,
and a fleet of Hinsdale police officers, were sent around to tell us “officially” about
the radar weather report… including a huge storm with extremely strong winds.
And then they followed it up with the “evacuation plan.” Literally… they said
we would hear announcements over the PA system and be escorted to the Town Hall
building across the street, or the Police Department adjacent.
Seriously… I couldn’t make this up if I tried.

Luckily, the storm decided to dissipate a bit, and go past a little south of us. So we did
get some rain, a drop in temperature and a few breezes. Nothing too alarming…
especially after the hype and build-up. Once the rain stopped, a few customers braved
the elements to see some art… but another wave of rain was on its way. Luckily, no
mention of an “evacuation plan” the second time around.

After the second wave of rain, it actually cleared up pretty nicely. We even had some
nice sunshine for a few hours this afternoon. And some more customers coming out to
play in the park and do a little shopping. It was “almost” a nice day at the fair!

But after all the excitement early on this morning, the day wouldn’t be complete without
another blip on the radar – and more excitement. The organizers were once again alarmed
and spreading the news… and telling us that another storm, worse than the first with
even stronger winds was once again on its way. They advised us all to close shop early,
zip the tents, batton down the hatches and prepare for a beating! So we did…
Everyone closed up their tents and tried to secure everything as much as possible.

My parents and I had dinner in Hinsdale after we finished closing up. It rained during dinner.
But nothing too extreme. Just some rain. Hopefully that was it. Another storm that had
alarmed the group but never really materialized. Better safe than sorry. A couple years ago
we got hit by a huge storm at the same art fair. So the organizers of the Hinsdale Art Fair
were a lot more cautious, informative & supportive than usual. Last time there were tents
flying, ruined artwork and a LOT of unhappy artists… I’m sure they don’t want that again!

So, even though it wasn’t my best day at the art fair, it was in fact a WHOLE LOT better
than anticipated. With radars, alarms and “evacuation plans”… I had expected the worst.
It actually turned out to be an “okay” day. Hoping that there’s no huge storm tonight…
that everyone’s tents & art are safe overnight… and tomorrow is a much better day!
At this point, the forecast looks okay during the day, clouds by 3:00pm and rain by 6:00pm!
The show ends at 5:00pm… let’s hope we can get packed up before the rain sets in!!!