A White Linen Night Primer
Well, it’s that time of year when the anticipation among the first-timers of WLN begins to reach fever pitch. So here’s the straight dope on WLN. This is not so much a list of what to bring (you’ve been doing this long enough to know that already), but rather a list of what to expect. If after reading this there are still any lingering doubts at all about whether or not WLN is for you, it’s not for you.
First and foremost WLN is a STREET PARTY. It’s not an art show, we just happen to be there. There’s a video here on this page taken from a drone. If you haven’t seen it before you should take a moment to view it. The crowd will be that thick for at least 3 of the 4 hours after 6 pm.
Set up usually begins at 4. The hottest part of the day. In August. In Houston Texas. Do the math. Think you’ve drunk enough water, drink one more. Then have another. Go easy on the alcohol. It will catch up with you fast! Load in is very easy, it’s been streamlined over the years and is down to a science. If ya follow the instructions it’s a breeze. If ya don’t follow the instructions you WILL be the subject of much gossip. There will be help to unload and help to load up (usually) when done. They are volunteers. Take care of them!!!! It will be the best money you spend all weekend.
In fact, ALL of the “staff” from check-in to directing you to your booth to ______ are volunteers. Be kind and respectful to them! Without them, this event could not take place. A few of us fail at this part of the program every year. The volunteers have memories like elephants. You REALLY want to stay on their good side, so work on that. You know who you are.
Don’t do this show alone!!!!! Have at least 1 or 2 people with you who know your work and can help you interact with customers and keep an eye on things with you (don’t bring the whole family, they will just be in your way). Expect to be on your feet with your head on a swivel for the entire event, or at least most of it. This isn’t an event that you can sit back and enjoy the people watching. Even if your sales are low it will still be the busiest 4 hours of the year just based on the number of people passing by.
The numbers I’ve seen over the years range from 20,000 to 25,000 plus attend WLN. It’s a full crowd scene. That does not mean all 25,000 will be in your booth. In fact, I’d wager not more than 20-30% will get within 10 feet of any booth at all. Even if that’s the case that’s still over 6,000 + potential customers in 4 hours who will stop, talk, question and finger every damn thing on your tables! It can be overwhelming. If LOTS of people handling your work makes you nervous, you might want to sit this one out. By 6:30 the masses will be upon us. Be ready!
Many of these fine folk will be under the influence. Booze + heat can and often does expose some character flaws in these otherwise fine citizens. They’re just drunk assholes at a street party. It’s not you, it’s them. Sometimes they will try to soldier right through your booth because it’s a shortcut to wherever they are trying to go. Last year (2016) there were gaps in the lineup every 4 booths or so allowing people multiple places to take a shortcut. I think that helped quite a bit. Hopefully, that setup will be used again this year. Even if it’s not, setting up your booth to cut down on this can be done. In the past, I’ve used bungee cords, crime scene tape, and a cattle prod to “discourage” this behavior. It can be done, do whatcha gotta do.
Theft. It’s always a concern. Especially with small items that can be dropped into a pocket. The chances always go up when the crowds are larger. This is a GIANT crowd, making it more important that you not try to do this show alone. Everything you have displayed WILL be touched, picked up, moved around etc. It takes multiple eyes to keep watch on your work, it’s constant and it’s exhausting. That being said, I have not ever experienced theft at any WLN, I believe this will be my 7th. (Maybe more, I’ve drunk since then) Don’t leave purses, money boxes/bank bags, or any other tempting items sitting out. They can disappear in the blink of an eye. Use your head!! Prepare and be on point.
At the end of the event, the electricity WILL BE TURNED OFF BEFORE YOU ARE READY TO LOSE IT!!!!! This happens every year, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Once the initial shock of this has passed, you will realize that the street lights provide plenty of light to break down by. They try to open the street pretty fast, so be prepared to break down quickly. Sometimes the cops come through yelling at people to get outta the street before 10:30, sometimes it’s more laid back. Be prepared for the former, hope for the latter.
Once you break down your booth, don’t walk to the parking garage alone. Get someone to walk with you. If ya can’t find someone come find me. I carry a big walking stick, a giant police flashlight and the aforementioned cattle prod. It’s never been a problem before (that I am aware of), and there is strength in numbers. Don’t be a hero. Ask someone to walk with you. And if someone asks you to walk with them, please do it. We are all in this together, let’s take care of each other.
In between all of that is a lot of fun!!!! WLN is a party like no other, and it’s always a good time! Prepare yourself and be ready to have a great night, enjoy the event and make some money!!!!!
