Requiem for the Darkroom

Our latest Photographica-Fair was Sunday, May 25th 2008. The show began with an unplanned "requiem for the darkroom". Just seconds before we were to open the doors, the whole soccer centre was plunged into darkness. A few windows high up in the playing area gave a modest amount of gloomy light on the show floor. Once our eyes adjusted to the dim light, most of the floor was quite visible.  

We held off letting the anxious bargain seekers in for a while and ran a poll with the vendors. The vast majority preferred to open without power and lights. The few who didn't were given the option to cover their table or move out (no one left), and the crowd was let in. During the delay a few of our executive circulated, taking charge and keeping everyone informed. Shortly after 11:00 am a buzzer sounded and the lights began to brighten once again.

Some vendors kept on after the 3:00 pm closing but by supper time the playing area was quiet and all tables once again were in storage. All ended well at our 34th annual spring show in spite of the darkroom requiem (we learned later that a car accident brought down the power feed to the area blacking out more than just the Soccer Centre for nearly an hour and a half). Patience and good manners on the part of the vendors and buyers, along with good management by our executive saved the day. President Clint Hryhorijiw, VP John Morden, and Membership Secretary Wayne Gilbert stepped in to keep communications flowing and plan the course of action that was taken, giving Fair Chairman Mark Singer a most welcome helping hand.