20 August 2008 No Comment

On September 21st, the Rose Park Neighborhood Association hosted its first ever Restoration Trade Fair at Luther Burbank Elementary. The day got off to a dramatic start with 50 vendors/exhibitors all quietly and proficiently unloading their stuff and setting up. All the while, UPS (at 7th & Redondo) served coffee from Starbucks. Vendors met other vendors and the energy began to build.

Just before 9am, there was a steady crawl of cars onto the grounds paying their modest admission. Many, who had seen the signs around town or heard about it from friends, said they were only going to stay a short time. Yet on average, folks stayed at least two hours, enjoying the speakers, the free hot dogs from our Firemen’s Union, popcorn, ice tea (courtesy of Portfolio Coffeehouse) and the experience of being outside the beautiful 1920’s art deco school building under the trees. Rounding out the entire scene was colorful tents and banners, the Cal Heights truck (which is always an attention getter), and the last Cyclone Racer car from the Heritage Museum.

The vendors were selected based on their local LB identity and knowledge of historic restoration, were quite pleased at the attendance and reception to their services and merchandise. Most left with scheduled appointments, possible new clients, and contacts to follow-up with. Many of the guests returned to the RPNA membership table to share their appreciation for our efforts. How did they know to come? The dedicated website for all-things-restoration in Long Beach, www.rpna-tradefair.org, received over 2100 hits the week prior to the event, and the Trade Fair was well publicized in both local and national venues thanks t the experienced hand of Diane Gershuny, DG•PR.

Keep comin’ back to www.rpna-tradefair.org for more news, information, events, and articles to keep the restoration vibe alive in Long Beach!