Scrolling through photos the other day reminded me of Christmas in the Barns — our last food trailer event of that season and one of those weekends that quietly taught me a lot about business, family, and how much you can actually prep before reality shows up anyway.
It was a two-day outdoor craft and vendor show at the Clinton County Fairgrounds — the kind that kicks off Christmas and tests your confidence at the same time.
This was one of those trips where I thought I was prepared.
96 carefully weighed dough balls.
Loaded trailer.
Dirty soda syrups stocked.
Stickers. Cups. More cups.
I even had a plan. (That should have been my warning.)
We offered:
- 🍍 Hawaiian
- 🔥 Buffalo Chicken
- 🥒 Pickle Pizza
- 🧀 Cheese or Pepperoni
Cheese and pepperoni were the clear winners (no surprise there), but the pickle pizza had its own quiet fan club — and those people were very passionate.
Saturday: Controlled Chaos (Heavy on the Chaos)
Kobe and I started the day strong. About an hour in, our confidence shifted to: “Where is Ty and is he awake?”
One phone call (and a shower later), Ty arrived — which was perfect timing because restocking syrups, cups, and soda while also making drinks and sticking labels on cups requires at least three hands and one calm brain. I had neither.
Next, I called Addison.
“Bring cheese. And half and half.”
She showed up like the supply fairy and we also officially learned where to get the easy-melt cheese.
That’s a victory in itself.
Sunday: Busy, But Breatheable
Sunday still kept us on our toes, but at a gentler pace.
We ended the weekend with about 30 pizzas left, which in event math = success. Enough served, enough prepped, and we didn’t have to turn anyone away.
And that — in my book of figuring it out — feels like growth.
What We Learned (because there are always lessons)
- The right cheese makes everything better — business and emotional state included.
- Kids show up, sometimes late… but always when it matters.
- Running a family business means your supply chain is literally family.
- Busy doesn’t always mean stressful — not when you’re doing something you love.
- Sometimes success isn’t selling out — it’s showing up, learning, adjusting, and still wanting to do it again.
We’re wrapping up the season for now and looking for new places to set up — not just events, but maybe even a regular spot. A weekly pop-up. A parking-lot pizza stand. A “Friday Night You Know Where to Find Us” kind of thing.
We’re keeping our options open, our dough resting, and our hearts (and calendars) ready.
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