It was with great shock and extreme disappointment that I learned 2 days ago of the cancellation of October's Uniquely Whidbey Business Expo in Coupeville!  While apparently this did not come as a surprise to some people in the community, the brief letter I received in the mail on Wednesday announcing the cancellation of this year's event was the first I had had a CLUE there was any trouble in the wind.

While the letter was a little vague as to the full reason for the cancellation, it suggested that perhaps a projected lack of participation among the community businesses was to blame.  Obviously I do not have all the facts, so I am trying to remain as objective as possible in my disappointment, but I do have my opinions that cancelling the event all-together will not do anything positive to ensure its continuation or reinstatement next year.  I have been in this business long enough to know that any change of scheduling or venue to a steady tradition results in a reduction of followers, so I am concerned about an even smaller business turnout next year, coupled with a likely drop-off in public attendance as well.  And given that I have held a paid reservation since April, I am not even certain how I will personally feel about turning over money again 6 months in advance next year to "reserve" something that may not actually happen yet again.  Guess I'll just have to wait and see how I feel about that angle when the time comes.

It seems particularly odd to me that local businesses would not be interested in participating this year - especially in an economic environment where getting out in front of the public is more important right now than ever!  This is the part that just makes no sense to me at all, and really piques my curiousity as to what really went down behind the scenes.  Other businesses know that advertising and public exposure is critical these days; that is blatently obvious with the increase in advertising we see on television, by companies who NEVER used to advertise to the public.  So it stands to reason that the businesses of Island County should have been TRIPPING over themselves to get into this show.  If indeed they were not, I simply cannot understand why.

I do know there was SOME interest, however, because ironically, while the Island County Economic Development Board was apparently in the process of cancelling this year's event, I was out recruiting participation interest (as usual) among my peer businesses in our building at the Fair last week!  Great timing, huh? 

So anyway, it looks like one of my fall traditions is sadly coming to an end.  I have had a booth at Uniquely Whidbey for (I think) 11 years running now.  And I had never given a moment's contemplation to ever NOT being there.  But then again, I never expected they would pull the plug on such an awesome show, either.  Again, from my standpoint in terms of supporting the Island businesses, I think pulling the plug altogether (vs. making some other arrangements for those of us looking forward to participating again) was a huge mistake….. but I guess what's done is done and no one asked for MY opinion. 

So thank you to the many, MANY of you who have supported my booth at Uniquely Whidbey over the past decade!  This venue was certainly my favorite of all the expo booths I have ever worked on the Island, and I always enjoyed and appreciated the wonderful, friendly people who stopped by year after year after year to "see what's new" and breathe in another dose of inspiration.  Actually, I met many of you for the very first time there – and you have become great customers, hostesses, demonstrators, and friends over the years. 

So if you're reading this message, please know that even though apparently I will not be in my usual place in Coupeville on the 2nd weekend of October this year, I'm still around and would love to see you this fall!  I hope you'll think about coming to another of my events this season – perhaps a class or workshop, or my Christmas Card Studio, or heck, just give me a call or shoot me an email (my contact info's at the top of this page) and let's just get together and stamp and chat!  (BTW, there are more new Stampin' Up!® product lines being introduced in the near future than I think we've EVER released in such a short timeframe!  You won't want to miss 'em!) 

So I'll certainly miss Uniquely Whidbey this year…… and I'll especially miss YOU!