KB the Car-free Crafter presents: Getting to your next craft show- without owning a car!
In the coming weeks, in honor of Earth Day and every day green living, KB the Car-free Crafter will be sharing her secrets to living car-free as a crafter with a busy agenda.
Flat tire? No wheels to speak of?… Here are some tips to getting to your next craft event if you don’t have your own car to get you there:
Setting up at a craft event is like going camping for the day. First, you’ve got your 10’x10’ tent which is a feat in itself to move. Then you have tables, bins of merchandise, chairs, table coverings, racks, mannequins, sales equipment…it’s tiring just writing about it! 
So how, pray tell, do I get myself and my gear to all of the shows without owning a car? It’s tough, but in the end it is so much easier than dealing with the hassles of owning a car. And you might get a little extra workout to boot! Here are some tips for those of you who either don’t own a car, or are ready to ditch yours:
Shared cars
Most cities have a shared car system. In the DC Metropolitan Area, shared cars are run by Zipcar, and will run you about $9-$12/hour. They’re located throughout the city, particularly near subway stops and busy intersections. A membership to Zipcar costs $50/year, and all you pay after that is an hourly fee (no gas, insurance, etc). It’s not cost effective to rent these for the entire day of your craft show, but here’s the trick: Locate a shared car near the event you’re going to and rent it for 1-2 hours at the beginning and end of the event. Before you reserve, figure out how you’ll get to the car. I usually ride my bike or take a bus or Metro. Then reserve your car accordingly, making sure to leave enough time to return the car and set up for the show. The night before the event, pack up everything you need for the show and store it near the doorway of your workspace or apartment to streamline things while on the clock! This method alleviates any parking issues, and in some cases, you may end up with a VIP spot right in front of the venue!
Carpool
It can be daunting to ask for a ride to a craft show with all your gear. But if you have a friend doing the same show as you who has a big-ass car, ask for a ride!
This can be beneficial for both of you because you can help navigate to a strange location, you can give each other a hand with loading in and out, AND you can help each other get over pre-show jitters by singing along to Carpenters tunes at the top of your lungs, Tommy-Boy style!! (Don’t you remember you told me you loved me, baby!)
Taxi
Hail a cab! Most taxis have huge trunks that fit more than you’d think, and for $10-$15 you can get dropped off right in front of your venue. The best bet is to call ahead and ask for a van or larger cab to come pick you up. There is even a new fleet of ‘zero impact’ taxis out of Arlington called Enviro-Cab, which has rates similar to regular cabs. Bonus!
In some cases, show organizers supply the tent, table and chairs for you. I love these shows because I can lighten my load and go with one of these options:
Bike
I have mastered the art of balancing gi-normous bags from the handlebars of my bike, and you can too! This works only for shows that are a short enough distance that you don’t have to go on any major thoroughfares. The best bags for this method are those giant plaid rice-bags that you can get at import stores (there are lots on Columbia Rd. NW). If you see a store with a bunch of luggage outside and gold watches in the window, you’re in the right place. They cost only $1-$3 and they’re SUPER durbable and actually made from recycled rice sacks. (ding-ding! more points on the green-o-meter!!)
Walking
Lastly, take to the streets ON FOOT! In fact, I walked to the first Crafty Bastards now that I think of it.
If you happen to find a craft event that’s within blocks of your home or studio, consider walking! I’ve managed to load everything onto and hanging from my wheeled clothing rack to get to some shows that are near my studio. Sure I look like a crazy person, and it takes a lot of man power, but it’s worth it! It feels great to get to a show up on foot. You can also haul your stuff using shopping carts, radio flyer wagons, or stack up your gear on a handcart. (This method sometimes requires more than one trip.)
So, the next time you’re getting ready to do a craft show, think about carpooling, using a shared car, or going car-free!
And for the soon-to-be car-free in the DC area, here are some places you can donate your car to for a tax write-off:
Melwood
Teddy Bear Cops
Cars For Kids
Kristina Bilonick organizes the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market and the Ballston Farmers Market in Arlington,VA and gets there by riding her bike to the Potomac River, swimming across and taking the bus from the VA border.
April 2nd, 2008 at 10:50 pm
dude! i totally walked to two of the crafty bastards events. one was just two blocks from my apartment, so it just made sense!
i also went searching for those big bags for my last show. my dad calls them my “bum bags”. you can usually get them at dollar stores. get more then you think you will need. they come in handy. also good are the big blue ikea bags! They are awesome.
i have a car, but haven’t driven in 10 years, so i am all about bumming a ride usually. hurry for driving anxiety! it will save the planet.
April 10th, 2008 at 11:05 am
flat tire? ouch.
; )
May 15th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Hi kristina lack of a ride is the main reason for my no show this year. Anywhere that I can get a cab for $50 or under will apply, bumming a ride works.
Living in Baltimore we have a few farmer’s market that allows us to sell our craft.
During the week the Marc rocks
May 15th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Hey Stephney! We miss this year, but I totally understand the ride sitch
The farmers market you’re doing sounds fab. And the MARC is a resource I haven’t tapped into yet. I’ll have to use it to get to some b’more shows this summer! take care 