You have probably heard about the Clarion as being the hub of Breyerfest outside of the Kentucky Horse Park. And that is true! If this is your first year, you will be AMAZED at how much goes on in there. There are three main parts- the room sales, swap meet and artisan gallery. Formerly known as the Holiday Inn North, hobbyists have shorthanded the Clarion to the CHIN.
If you haven't seen this video, this is probably the best (funniest) representation of the Clarion I've found to date.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EJAECy4gmM
Artisan Gallery- the artisan gallery is open from Thursday night from about 5-10pm. This is held in one of the ballrooms of the CHIN and is a place where hobby artists- such as finishwork artists, sculptors, tack makers and customizers can display and sell their work without staying at the CHIN. Some pieces will be for sale, but these artists usually are not open to haggling their prices down. Some people make a living sculpting or painting, and it is important to be respectful to those who are selling there. It is neat to see customs and resins in person, especially if you are new to collecting and don't see them that often.
Swap Meet- the swap meet is held right next to the Artisan Gallery and occurs on Friday night from 7:30 to 11pm. The swap meet is full of tables where people can buy and sell models. Usually prices in the swap meet are low, so if you are looking for a bargain it is good to check in here. The tables are opperated by people with a lot of models to sell who do not stay at the CHIN or don't want to open their rooms for selling. There is a variety of things to find in there, so you might have to hunt for something you want! Many sellers are willing to go down on their prices a little bit and some might even trade models with you. HOWEVER, don't offer to trade your Celebration Model for a ultra rare SR from an exclusive event. Be smart and sensible when asking to trade and haggle prices.
Room Sales- Yes, the famous room sales. When you walk into the CHIN, it's like you have entered a vortex of model horse goodness. ANY model you could ever dream of - OOAKs, test runs, special runs, regular runs, customs, bodies, all scales, chinas, resins, companion animals, tack and accessories for sale. Most Breyerfest veterans will recognize a first-timer by the glazed look in your eyes. (trust me, it happens! I was called out more than once as a newbie). When you walk into the hotel, you will quickly find out that it is the most illogically laid out hotel EVER. You will probably walk in circles and enter the same room about 20 times. That's okay! Even if you miss out on a model, there will probably be another room with that same model for sale.
Look around! Try and find the best deals on models. You will probably be able to find current regular runs for cheaper at the CHIN than at the KHP. Many vendors will post signs giving a brief overview of what they have for sale in their rooms, but don't be afraid to just walk into their rooms! You might be a little timid at first, but you will soon see how much fun it is. Most vendors will haggles, especially Saturday night. They often don't want to haul their models back home that they didn't sell, so some will offer good deals. Generally the prices are very reasonable, but if you want a rare model and aren't completely sure yet, ask the seller to hold it for you. Often times they will, just be sure to let them know if you end up finding a cheaper model that you purchased instead so they can put the model back up for sale. Since 2014 is a NAN year, rooms may be open as early as Tuesday, but most people open their rooms by Thursday night.
Room sales are a bunch of fun and you can meet a lot of great people, especially if you belong to an online horse community like Model Horse Blab or Youtube. Don't be afraid to talk to people! You could make lasting friendships.
If you have any other specific questions about the Clarion that were not answered in here, please comment!
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