I thought that it was worthwhile summarising the event from last week on the blog.! Some of it is a blur so best get it down now.!
Lets start at the beginning.
We’ve done a few events now at Transition and some elsewhere. The Drop In nights were purposefully aimed at appealing to those who haven’t been before or maybe it had been a while. The last 2 we did were mixed results - first one was well attended but the 2nd one didn’t hit the mark. I know what went wrong so it was time to fix it. !
Mike and the team at TX have been very welcoming from day one with Doric Skateboards. Months ago we identified 23rd November as another Doric Drop In. They are always keen to offer up the opportunity of a pop up shop for the night whilst i’ll get posters and marketing done - hopefully ensuring its a bumper day for them!
At the outset i had an idea to invite a few other sellers and or organisations to set up shop. Some were available and some weren’t (its pretty much full on Christmas Market season now!). Each week i’d add someone else or i’d get an email from someone asking if they could set up too. Before too long we had around 14.
Initial plan was to set up in the lobby area but that was never going to be practical once i measured up. So the empty unit beckoned and i set about measuring up and making sure we could all fit.
I’ve never organised something like this but i’ve been to plenty.!
On the day i was there setting up waaaaaaaaay too early! But it was good to be there to welcome all the others and slowly but surely life was breathed into the space.!
Once we got the doors open it was fantastic to see the engagement - lots of interested people and of course all the other sellers and organisations meetings and chatting. 100% community spirit.
We had Peacocks (Joe, James and there volunteer) screen printing the poster, badge making and offering up prints for sale and information on everything they do. Peterhead and Banchory Skate organisations telling their stories and offering up some merch. Mark from Singularity Sauce Co. selling his hot sauce - he’ll be too big for wee events like this soon! Aberdeen Skaters Anders and Chris - Shed of Shred and Jetpack Dinosaur - offering up rad stuff made from recycled skateboards and art work. Mystic Caravan from Fife - an absolute cracking clothing brand going places! Granite City Roller Derby showing that the park can be used on 8 wheels.! Westburn House highlighting the heritage of a park thats important to skaters in Aberdeen. Two Birds Cold Blend keeping everyone energised.! And of course Grays School of Art with their exhibition of 2nd Year Design Students - a real gem - go see it until the 29th Nov!
Skaters came from far and wide. We had our team rider Pete and his (and our) pal Ben from Lincolshire, Dan from Cumbrai, Mike from ESP and his new team rider Campbell, loads of locals and from other parts of Scotland.! Totally humbled that people travelled for this.
I’ve been burning the candle at both ends recently - working on this and Doric stuff plus the full time job has left me pretty burned out.! But its Christmas and i’ve got 3 pop ups totalling about 12 days to do. So i’ll need to get some rest and be ready.!
Lots to plan for next year.
Massive thanks again to all who attended and or helped/supported. Lets do it bigger and better next year……
