Fair in Bagni di lucca

Did anybody go to the fair in Bagni di lucca last Saturday? What has happened? We have always looked forward to it and to say it was a disappointment was an understatement. Even the Chinese stalls selling 5 euro watches stayed away!!
 
Lancashire lass

We did not go, so I cannot comment. On the other hand, there is a Medieval Fair at Gomberetto, tomorrow:
Medieval Fair Gomberetto

The fair this year was very much a non event, as many stalls did not turn up and it was on for only Saturday where it used to be 2 days. Typical of Bagni events that are often non events.

Sorry, Flip, but I have to disagree, quite a few events have been highly successful, others do not seem to attract interest. Perhaps times are changing and the old fairs are not what they used to be. This will explain the lack of interest in having stalls. There is so much offer regarding markets and fairs all over the different towns that it is impossible for all of them to be not only successful, but to earn some money. If you go to Forte dei Marmi any Wednesday or Sunday (during the summer) you will certainly understand what I am hinting at. But then, the quality of what is on offer is quite high...

Agreed Gala, the fairs along the Coast are better, more varied and often better merchandise. The Fair just passed in Bagni used to be very popular as it was the one where lots of good quality vendors (not the Chinese crap) used to attend, and traditionaly the locals always stocked up with Onions and Garlic which was a traditional favourite focus at this Fair, and it used to be over 2 days. This year it was badly publicised, like many events in Bagni, and stalls and attractions were down, which probably tolls the death knell for next years Fair.
My point being that besides a few old guard, Bagni does not attract visitors like it should and the knock on effect is poorly attended events both in Bagni and Ponte (the Casino being a casualty) don't ask me what the long term answer is but at this rate we'll soon see tumble weed rolling down Via Umberto.

The quality, and prices, at Sarzana market are both significantly lower this year than in previous years.  Many of the 'high end' stalls no longer bother to turn up.

Lerici and Forte dei Marmi are now the only markets locally where there's decent stuff on sale.

I think Ghiro this is a common theme this year, as we've noticed both numbers and quality of stalls have diminished this year. Fairs used to be a place where people could get locally produced wares and food typical to that region, this seems to take a back seat to mass produced PRC tat that hits markets nowadays. 
Probably artisans and local farmers now find it uneconomical to attend markets these days.

Ordinary fairs have suffered a lot because of the crisis. You have to offer special goods and merchandise in order to attract people. And this does not necessarily mean expensive items. Crafts, homemade good, good plants and arrangements and similar merchandise will always do well. I agree with Flip regarding the fact that events in the Bagni di Lucca area need more promotion, specially to attract visitors. Earlier in the year, the "Palio della Ballestra" was a typical example.

Yeh Gala, I think the 6 people who attended the Palio Ballestra though enjoyed it...

Well, I would say that there were a few "non regulars" and tourists around, but most of those who were there were local "ballestrieri". I spent quite a bit of time interpreting the chocolate making history (the organisers only spoke Italian) and also some stories about the Buonvisi palace. It was a great event , but there was little publicity.

I thought with the fair being on Saturday this year it would do better but sadly it was rubbish, even some of the regular Saturday stalls stayed away because they were told they would be moved to a different location. In past years they have had many craft stalls and stalls selling local produce but no not this year. i find it so sad.
Lancashire lass

I quite like most of the festas around here, but we also have markets around the villages here, and I have to say that the times that we have been, we have always find very 'sad'. We stayed with some friends in Samoens (France) recently, their markets were SUPERB.

V

A fair that we thoroughly enjoy is the monthly Antique and Vintage Fair in Lucca (old town). I am looking forward to go there this coming Sunday. And tomorrow we will be going to the Forte dei Marmi market. Quality goods for sale there including home linens, leather handbags, remnants designer clothes and shoes, ceramics, cashmere, etc. Not the ordinary market. Hubby will go for a swim while I search for interesting things. I do hope that it will not rain!