Portland Book Fair 2008...a new beginning

The Maine Antiquarian Booksellers Association (MABA) and Maine Historical Society (MHS) held their annual antiquarian book and paper sale [disclaimer, due to circumstances beyond my control, I am the current president of MABA]. This year was a "new" fair year...which is to say that our old promoter had decided not to do the show any longer so we had a new promoter, new location and new date...so even though it was the 26th annual fair, it was effectively a "brand new" show.

We ended up with 30ish dealers. The feedback, from attendees and other dealers, was very positive. The promoter (Flamingo) said she have very few dealers voice complaints... pleasing as we are a kvetchy bunch. We are planning to do a Saturday set-up next year (to my PROFOUND relief)...there were at least 5 dealers I know of who did not do the show because they "need" the extra day to make the show work (this, largely, to be able to shop it effectively). We will be running power next year so that people in the big room can run lighting if they choose (we may run lights, ourselves...we shall see). We had one dealer drop out en route, as they passed a lot of rain induced accidents and decided life was too short . I hope they will come back next year...we'll do what we can to see that we have better weather.

The weather was a challenge. I don't fret too much about rain...I just decided to use my Pelican's to bring my books (have I mentioned they are waterproof ). I *do* fret about wet people dripping on my books. Luckily, it all but stopped by the time the show opened and there was not real problem. That said, I think the weather and did keep a reasonable number of people at home, which is unfortunate.

We have one more room we can us, so we could add about 15 more dealers or so...given the number who have indicated they will return and those who have said that, while they could not do the show this year, they will be here next year, we could actually fill the venue next year. It would be really nice to be able to say we have a waiting list. Hope springs eternal. Thank you to all the dealers who made the trip. Doubly so, thanks to all the customers who braved the rain and...er...overcast to come and look and buy.

We had a reasonably good show. We sold enough to make it a black event on its face. We bought some interesting things...notably the dedication copy of a French volume on the devil. We had a client bring in some neat new material. We saw good friends (hi Cheryl). It was a nice day.

Thank you also to those who were in town on Saturday and stopped by Rabelais Books for the wee party that was hosted by Don and Samantha (of Rabelais fame) and Suzanne and me. We had some good food and drink (which should be of no surprise to any who know Don and Sam) and the shop is always great fun to visit (there is currently a photo collection hung (exceptionally printed using a very old process) of the *36* Dunkin' Donuts within 3 miles of the photographer's home). It would appear that this will be an annual event and we hope to see it grow a bit next year with more folks in town for the earlier set-up.

Images at the side show a before and after of our booth space and a shot of the main hall. The last is of my assistant, who was given a choice of coat and tie or skelaton outfit and opted for the *clearly* cooler option. I wish it came big enough for dad.