Pictured, left to right, are Florida FAIRtax volunteers Frank Davis, Kathleen Perera, Manny Salinas, and Paul Livingston. Not shown is Jim Stehr

On October 15th through 16th, 2022, FAIRtax appeared at the 40th Fall Festival  in Orange Park, Florida.  We were among over 220 vendors of art, crafts, food, organizations, children’s center, live music, and food trucks.  Both days had perfect weather with record attendance. 
 
Our volunteers handed out over 400 palm cards and business cards. The back of the business card showed the monthly family tax refund.  Saturday set a new signup record of 66 names and Sunday bettered that by one with 67 names.
 
Here are the results:

	Saturday	Sunday	Total
Names	66	67	133
E-mails	60	61	121
Donations	$9	$3	$12

Other takeaways

1.  The booth needs at least a team of two with at least one standing.  Draw them in by making eye contact and doing a hand gesture of giving them a palm card.
 
2.  As they approach the booth ask them, “Do you know about the FAIRtax?”  If they say “Yes,” go for the close by handing them a pen, pointing to the sign-up sheet and saying, “Would you like to show your support?”  If they say “No”, give them a brief description and ask them what questions they have.  Use the palm and business cards as tools to help explain. 
 
3.   Use hats and clothing to get clues about people. For example, someone wearing a Harley Davidson hat might be attracted with a comment like “Bike riders like the FAIRtax.” 
 
4.  The GOP booth was giving away yard signs, and this is one reason for the signup record.  As the sign carriers passed by, we were constantly calling out, “DeSants likes the FAIRtax” and many then came to the booth to learn more and show support.
 
5.  Use PVC pipe to extend the table legs about 12” to make it easier to write.
 
6.  Kids love stickers, so offer a free FAIRtax sticker to the kids.  That will bring mom and dad to the booth. (Editor’s note: This trick also works in New Jersey [Jim Bennett]!)
 
7.  That reminds me, at the beach opening festival before COVID, a well-qualified bikini wearer came by the booth and was asked if she would like a sticker.  She said “Yes”, took it and slapped it on her behind…a great spot to be looked at and seen by at least half the crowd.

The attached picture shows four of the five booth volunteers.  From left to right;  Frank Davis, Kathleen Perera, Manny Salinas, Paul Livingston.  Jim Stehr was there, but was not in the picture.

We thank Florida State FAIRtax Director Paul Livingston for contributing to this week’s Grassroots Corner. I would love to hear from you about any appearances at fairs and events.