Sales, spirits soar at Buggy Days 2011

Sales, spirits soar at Buggy Days 2011

Posted by

Walter Geiger

in Top Stories

Sunday, September 18. 2011

Comments (58)

The 38th annual Buggy Days has been dubbed as the "best ever" by one official as spirits and sales soared.

Please login or register to read the rest of this story.

Trackbacks

Trackback specific URI for this entry

No Trackbacks

Comments

Display comments as (Linear | Threaded)

#1 Anonymous on 09/18/11 at 03:29 PM

They say that every year.

#2 cats on 09/18/11 at 05:56 PM

The weather was terrific.
We enjoyed the fireworks last night as well.

#3 Anonymous on 09/18/11 at 08:49 PM

Why can't we have a "no dogs" rule for Buggy Days? I love my dog, too, but I saw a big dog get a little rowdy with some people on Market Street today. There are too many kids around to have 100 pound dogs on the street!

#4 was not like any other. . on 09/18/11 at 10:53 PM

The paper stated that there would be horse rides at the Tuesday "Kids Night" event.. I saw new ideas this year and my children enjoyed it, but they were disappointed when there were no horses present. I am not sure what the conditions were with the new location or what may have happened with those arrangements. Also. . . The fireworks were fun and lovely, as always, but whheeew it took nearly 50minutes to get out of the recreation facility. That is if you were parked by the tennis courts or the first set of ball fields. It was a nice and pleasant time for the kids, for me it just didn't feel the same as the way we have celebrated it for many, many years. A major change....

#5 cats on 09/19/11 at 09:09 AM

I got my bloomin' onion and Pepsi, so found what I was after.
I wish I had seen a basket weaver there, that's the one thing I missed. Perhaps a weaver will see this and come join us at Buggy Days next year.

#6 tin cup on 09/19/11 at 09:54 AM

i'm not usually one to get on here and spread negative comments, but the fireworks show was pitiful. we used to have backyard fireworks back in the day on the july 4th that was better than that 5 minute show....terrible!

#7 Anonymous on 09/19/11 at 10:09 AM

I agree...NO DOGS.

#8 Anonymous on 09/19/11 at 11:24 AM

I also agree!!!! I was afraid of stepping on something

#9 Visitor on 09/19/11 at 01:38 PM

I really enjoyed Buggy Days this year. There were tons of people ... and a few large dogs. There was lots to see and lots to do and even more things to spend money on! Overall, it was a great celebration for a great town!

#10 Anonymous on 09/19/11 at 02:08 PM

Cant wait to see the funny pages on Buggy days...I mean the sheriffs report.

#11 Anonymous on 09/19/11 at 02:21 PM

The best thing, I was not there, time to move on.

#12 Anonymous on 09/19/11 at 03:08 PM

One word.. SUCKS!

#13 Anonymous on 09/19/11 at 07:42 PM

Sales weren't up, I didn't talk to a vendor or a merchant that was selling anywhere near what they normally do. Many barely broke even or covered expenses, why distort the facts? I can only assume the "sales soar" comment was from the chamber...

The weather was beautiful and the attendance was good. I agree there were way too many dogs and unattended tweens.

#14 Anonymous on 09/19/11 at 09:03 PM

If you need free advertisement just use the parade..That's about all it was anyway

#15 spaminator on 09/19/11 at 09:03 PM

Why would anyone think that it would be ok to bring their dog to an event like this? I have 2 great dogs but they could snap at anyone without notice. If this keeps up then everyone will be bringing their pitbulls and rottweilers. Its just not necessary.

#16 a local on 09/19/11 at 09:11 PM

The horses at kids night were not the only things missing. Buggy Days was fun, and I am thankful for all the people and organizations that put in a lot of work... but there were a lot fewer exhibitors, craftspeople, etc. The kids section by United Bank was about 1/2 what it was the last few years. And kids night had very little to offer. Was it the poor economy? Should the Chamber do more to fill things this year?

#17 Anonymous on 09/19/11 at 10:20 PM

The chamber's beer sales were up at the street dance. That's what they meant.

#18 Anonymous on 09/20/11 at 08:00 AM

Seriously? Let's complain some more. We took our dog and the compliments we received because of him were in great supply. He rode in the parade with us and caused no trouble. Owners should know which animals they may and may not bring. But come on, it's small town Barnesville. If my friend couldn't bring his snake out, some of these adults around here shouldn't be able to bring there children out. Also, there were probably less vendors due to the weather from previous years. Last year, it was like walking through fire while the year before, it rained...

#19 Anonymous on 09/20/11 at 10:07 AM

Ohhhhhh, now the Sales & Spirits soar makes sense! Thank you!

#20 Anonymous on 09/20/11 at 10:56 AM

I think their vendors are down because the show is getting the reputation amongst the real handmade crafters that the show is letting in too many folks who are simply going to the Atlanta mart and reselling. Handmade items can't compete on prices with vendors doing that and it just brings the entire show down to nothing more than a flea market. I and many of my coworkers have offered to help them go thru the photos the vendor submit and tell them which items aren't being hand made but the chamber has no interest in that.

Other hand made shows in Georgia are actually growing and have waiting lists for years to come. Do a search on Southeast Tourism Top 20 events... you will see festivals growing and thriving.. also note you don't see Buggy Days on that list, nor will you until the chamber starts listening to folks who actually know how to do this successfully.

#21 Anonymous on 09/20/11 at 11:34 AM

The idiot with the snake was a bit much....

#22 Anonymous on 09/20/11 at 11:57 AM

Yes, seriously. I know it's hard to believe, but not everyone loves your dog as much as you do. Buggy Days is designed for people. Save the dogs for events that aren't crowded with people on tight streets where children are all over the place. You can't always control how a dog will react in situations like that.

#23 Anonymous on 09/20/11 at 12:07 PM

Dogs, tweens and babies should not be allowed!

#24 Anonymous on 09/20/11 at 01:12 PM

Why do people bring babies and try to navigate a stroller through such crowds? Doesnt make sense on any level.

Why do people turn their kids loose and expect them to stay out of trouble? Same way at football games. Parents just drop them off and expect others to babysit them. Parnets need to take responsibility.

Why do 30,40, and 50 year old rednecks think it is fun to hang out on the streets at Buggy Days? What do they get from it? When will they grow out of it? Maybe 60ish? Also, quite a few of these drunk Adults had their kids hanging out with them. What a great example they set. Especially when the fighting starts.

Last but not least, why does no one stand when the flag passes them in the parade. I happened to be across, from some of the above mentioned people, and none of them showed any respect for the flag...but guess you cant expect much out of such sloppy, redneck, drunks and the kids that follow their example.

The public drinking should be banned!

#25 Anonymous on 09/20/11 at 01:23 PM

Who was vendor running bungy/kids area. I thought there was al local business that did that and was sure they told me they were not from this area. What is wrong with using local help? I thought someone said Chamber rents equipment and keeps profit. Is that true? If so that is an anti business attitude.

#26 Anonymous on 09/20/11 at 02:58 PM

from the story's i've heard from family that went the food vendors were price gouging greedy idiots.

#27 Anonymous on 09/20/11 at 03:49 PM

Do the people of Barnesville really like having Buggy Days?
I am curious because I read all the negative comments that have been posted both before the event and those posted after. I wonder if the attendance would be better if not for all the negative statements..

#28 Gee on 09/20/11 at 04:20 PM

Some people just cannot be satisfied.
If Jesus had of been walking through the streets of buggy days, I would almost bet you all that are complainging about children, pets and other nonsense would complain about him too!
I had my 5 year old grand daughter with me and she had a blast. If you don't like what goes on stay home, you have an option!
I bet all of you complaining about children either don't have any or just haters of them!
All I can say about that is SHAME ON YA'LL and next year STAY HOME!!!!!!!!

#29 spaminator on 09/20/11 at 05:16 PM

I believe it was the Oneal's?, they are from Barnesville and they also do it at Callaway Gardens. Someone else could probably chime in and confirm.

#30 Anonymous on 09/20/11 at 06:21 PM

A walking 5 year old is different than an infant being exposed to a million germs. Dumb parents is all I can say....Plus I am sure you kept a tight reign on your grand daughter. Did you turn her loose unsupervised?

#31 Cadence on 09/20/11 at 09:40 PM

Nah, the complaints afterward are part of the enjoyment of it all. By the way, did you see so and so and what in the world was she wearing! You know she don't have a mirror at home. LOL I had fun, looked at all of the booths and ate some greasy funnel cake. I do think that vendors who could not take debit or credit cards lost money. Who carries that much cash?

#32 Anonymous on 09/20/11 at 11:51 PM

The truth is, Buggy Days is stale. Yeah lots of folks show up but they are not spending money on the same ole things year after year. I guess it'll stick around as long as people show up but don't be misled by the people who run it saying it was economically successful. I'm sure some people bought some of the crafts but I don't know anyone personally, including myself, who spent money on anything but food and drink.

#33 cats on 09/21/11 at 06:04 AM

I really am disappointed with all the complainers on here. I would guess the outsiders reading these comments think we're a bunch of whiny sourpuss grumps who stand in the aisles at public events and talk about the passersby.
Seriously, stay home next year.

#34 a person on 09/21/11 at 09:04 AM

stop complaining about people bringing their dogs its a family event and if you have a dog thats apart of your family then you can bring it whats the world coming to when people complain about the little things when they should be worried about the bigger things

#35 Anonymous on 09/21/11 at 11:08 AM

lets hear about the drive by shooting????

#36 Anonymous on 09/21/11 at 11:31 AM

ummm it's not just pits and rotts... its any dog that feels threatened!!! i thought it was already a rule that your not allowed to bring your personal animal unless it's a working dog??? they need to enforce the rule that is already there!!!

#37 Anonymous on 09/21/11 at 11:38 AM

Guess everyone can bring their pit bulls and such to buggy days next year...let's just change it to dog days....

#38 Anonymous on 09/21/11 at 12:02 PM

What shooting.

#39 Anonymous on 09/21/11 at 01:23 PM

What happened and where ?
Who was involved !

#40 edward on 09/21/11 at 01:39 PM

I agree until the chamber get down to business and gets quality vendors back in here like we had when the dorsey's were in charge it will continue to go down. At least they went out to other festivals and looked at goods and then invited people to show. Peoples manners have also gone down hill because of the type crowd we are arracting. I beeb told why come to barnesville when there are other shows to go to with real arts and crafts.

#41 Anonymous on 09/21/11 at 03:57 PM

I didn't go to buggy days this year because of all the negative stuff that was said by all the posters on here... I guess if the people of Barnesville can't get along with each other about an event that should be enjoyable it's not worth the gas for me to drive down there.

#42 Anonymous on 09/21/11 at 10:16 PM

Is Amanda Rose just totally delusional? I read the article in the HG where she is saying 7 or 8 vendors sold out on Saturday so they packed up and went home. I know several left because they were upset and the few sales they had weren't worth suffering thru another day. Which vendors actually sold out? I'd be really curious to know.

#43 Anonymous on 09/22/11 at 08:02 AM

Thank you, very much.

#44 Anonymous on 09/22/11 at 08:12 AM

Obviously you don't have loving pets. A dog is just as any person who will snap when they feel uncomfortable. The event is outside. I could understand your opposition of pets if it were not. Like I said before, mine was no trouble and we received no negative comments or looks while we were there on both days. If it's space your worried about, you should probably notify the parents with newborns as well. The strollers are far too big for potential buyers to make it to there destinations. And if we're on that note, we might as well limit the amount of people allowed to attend as well. You know, we can't always control how us "rednecks" react in certain situations.

#45 Anonymous on 09/22/11 at 08:17 AM

"Save the dogs for events that aren't crowded with people on tight streets where children are all over the place."
The children loved our dog as well, thank you.

#46 Anonymous on 09/22/11 at 08:24 AM

The rule that is already there?

#47 Anonymous on 09/22/11 at 11:13 AM

How did everyone like the Zumba dancers?

#48 Anonymous on 09/22/11 at 11:28 AM

You really did not miss anything. If you have been one year, then you know what its all about. Its the same vendors, minus some every year, sitting in the same spots. I use to love going and would spend a lot of money on quality crafts....its just really gown down hill. I hate to be a complainer but its true. The chamber should take a poll and see what the majority of citizens really think. I know all of the rednecks will think it was great as usual because they use it as an excuse to get drunk and hang out in the parking lots. Im sure they dont spend a lot of money buying things from the vendors. Something needs to change. My first suggestion would be to prohibit drinking! That would cut out on a lot of the riff raff. There are beer tents for the dance on Friday night, which is fine. Leave it at that.

#49 Anonymous on 09/22/11 at 11:42 AM

The beach is for families as well, but most do not allow pets. I love my animals too, but I will not take them anywhere that they may be in the way. Why? I dont care how much you like you dog....have a little common sense. People seem to be lacking that now days. Its nothing against your beloved pet.

#50 annonymous on 09/22/11 at 05:34 PM

WHAT SHOOTING?!

#51 Anonymous on 09/22/11 at 08:24 PM

I think that the residents of Lamar County really do enjoy Buggy Days in general. There are fun family oriented activities and a parade is almost always fun. But...the lack of vender participation is getting really obvious as each year goes by and the lack of organization is obvious as well. Also, if you promote a free children's event and don't produce what you said would be there you are going to have upset children. I want to say thank you for what has been established and also ask that it get better with each year and not worse.

#52 Anonymous on 09/23/11 at 07:25 AM

The common sense is in use, yet I shouldn't have to keep my dog at home if he is causing no harm. A seeing-eye dog could cause just as much of a problem and I don't see you compaining about that.

#53 A regular "Redneck" on 09/23/11 at 07:34 AM

Personally, I believe that once you live in Barnesville/Buggy Town, you are automatically given the "Redneck" label. So, if you're pointing fingers, you should have one back at you. You say that the tent at the Street Dance is perfectly fine, but where do you think these buyers go when the dance shuts down? They surely do not go straight home. Take away the drinking and I guarantee, the attendance will go down. This is a small town, why can we not just accept that this is no walk in the mall? This is Barnesville. We should all just appreciate our surroundings. Though, I agree the vendor quality as well as the parade has gone down, but any annual event will have its ups and downs with such unprediactable weather as well as its providers. If you're not happy about it, go home. We probably don't want your negative attitude around anyways.

#54 Anonymous on 09/23/11 at 07:36 AM

As opposed to being "delusional", I'm sure Amanda Rose was just being positive (unlike everyone else who wants to be the opposite one here)...

#55 anon on 09/23/11 at 08:25 AM

I am in no way affiliated with the chamber or buggy days planning team but if you want to see something change become part of the solution.

#56 anon on 09/23/11 at 08:30 AM

I recall several Buggy Days where it was announced ahead of time to not bring pets and saw several folks with dogs on leashes turned away at the blockades around front of the telephone building.

#57 Anonymous on 09/23/11 at 09:34 AM

Stop being a prude and njoy the day out. Grab a drink and have some fun too

#58 Anonymous on 09/25/11 at 05:21 PM

Our club no longer has a food booth at buggy days,a family of 4 could eat for less than $10. so many vendors are allowed with little or no association to a community club. it's all about money and glory for the chamber. I enjoyed my day at home and look forward to not going to another day of looking at droopy pants, tatooted thugs and cheap weaves

Only registered users may comment on stories. Please login or register to post comments. Your browser must support cookies.

The author does not allow comments to this entry