Monthly News And Upcoming Shows
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NEWS
This News page will be updated every month on what's happening with Sand River Publishing and The Blue Collar Follies. This will include things in general with the book, upcoming shows, charities, etc. Past news can also be viewed on the Sand River Publishing page on Facebook.
SEPTEMBER 2024
For the month of September we will be at the WOODS-N-WATER OUTDOOR WEEKEND SHOW in Imlay City, Michigan. If your in the area stop by and say hi.
AUGUST 2024
For the month of August we have 2 shows. Finsterwald Arts and Crafts Fair in Marine City, Michigan August 3rd, 4th and Uncle John's Cider Mill-St John's, Michigan. If your around one of these shows stop by and say hi.
Keepsake Collection Art and Craft Shows
📚 If you are stopping by Uncle John's next weekend, please make it a point to stop in and say HI to Daren with The Blue Collar Follies!! Pick up his book and read the hilarious stories he tells of all his journeys throughout life!
Here's a little note from Daren that we believe many of you can relate to:
"I was born in Memphis, Tennessee, but grew up in Ontario, Canada, and so I naturally hunted, fished, camped and followed hockey.
I'm a Union Master Plumber and an independent handyman, doing both jobs for the past 35 years. Before that I worked in lumber mills, made car batteries, picked mushrooms, cut firewood, worked as a security guard, and was a trapper, just to name a few.
I consider myself a blue collar guy, born and bred. It's who I am. And to me, “blue collar” is a badge of honor.
Over the years I've collected funny, real-life stories from working men and women in all kinds of trades and occupations, people who I've known and worked with. My friends kept asking me what I was going to do with all the stories … so I decided to write a book!
About 20 years ago I put together the first edition of The Blue Collar Follies, sold it through the mail and in person at many job sites where I worked, right out of my truck. Recently I updated it with additional stories and artwork and began selling it at craft shows. I love meeting and talking with the people at the shows and hearing their reactions to my book.
And because I love to give back by doing volunteer work and donating to small local charities, a percentage of book sales always goes to good causes around the country.
-- Daren Peel"
UNCLE JOHN'S CIDER MILL - St. Johns, MI
August 24th & 25th - Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm
The 2024 Finsterwald Arts & Crafts Fair will be held on Saturday, August 3rd and Sunday, August 4th from 10 AM to 6 PM at Old City Hall in Marine City, Michigan. The fair is part of the Maritime Days Festival.
JULY 2024
Something new for Sand River Publishing and The Blue Collar Follies. I'm now taking Venmo at shows. Another option for customers. It's same as cash which should increase sales. Thanks also to Tex for all the hard work behind the scenes helping make it better all the time. www.thebluecollarfollies.com
This month I'm getting settled back in from returning from Saskatchewan, Canada. 🇨🇦 . It was a lot of fun. Also I'm getting ready for some upcoming book shows and we're working on the next edition of The Blue Collar Follies. We're hoping to have it launched in 2025.
JUNE 2024
Also for the month of June, Sand River Publishing made a small donation to Chase. He's 8 months old and had to have a liver transplant.
APRIL 2024 To JUNE 2024
Here's something a little different for the next couple of months. I am up in Saskatchewan, working on a great job, and I'm selling to the tradespeople up here in Canada. It's been a lot of fun.
MARCH 2024
In March Sand River Publishing donated to Special Olympics in Michigan. This is a great cause. We also participated in the Polar Plunge, which was exciting to say the least. And a little chilly!
FEBRUARY 2024
New things starting to happen this year. I am scheduling book-selling shows for the summer and the fall. I'm also planning to donate to some different charities this year.
JANUARY 2024
A new year has begun for Sand River Publishing and The Blue Collar Follies. We're working on a second book this year, a new edition with new stories and illustrations. It should be available early next year.
DECEMBER 2023
A donation was made to Madison Academy in Flint Michigan. Warm jackets, hats and mitts are given to kids who are in desperate need of them to keep warm in the winter.
On December 16, 2023 The Blue Collar Follies will be at The Purple Door in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Drop by and say hi if your in the area.
Come join us on December 2nd and 3rd at the Clarkston High School craft show. Lots of great gifts for Christmas including books and candles from The Blue Collar Follies.
NOVEMBER 2023
So happy with the stickers I got made up to promote The Blue Collar Follies. You always wonder how their going to stand up even though their American made and Union printed. Well I can say the stickers are holding up better than I thought. This sticker was put on this hard hat 5 months ago and it's used every day. If anyone would like to promote my book and would like some stickers let me know and I'll ship some to you.
November 18th and 19th Sand River Publishing and The Blue Collar Follies will be at Ferndale Underground in Ferndale, Michigan. It will be a great show to get some unique gifts for Christmas including a copy of The Blue Collar Follies. Mention this post and receive 10% off of a book.
OCTOBER 2023
For this month we also have some amazing new candle scents for the fall. Send us an email and we can send you a list with the scents we have available
If your in the area this weekend stop by the Clarkston High School in Clarkston, Michigan. There will be lots of great vendors including Sand River Publishing with The Blue Collar Follies.
October 7th and October 8th is the Huron Township Apple Fest. 9am to 7pm on Saturday and 10am to 6 pm on Sunday. Mention this post and receive 10% percent discount on a book.
SEPTEMBER 2023
For the month of September Sand River Publishing made a donation to Team Patton Outreach. Team Patton Outreach raises upwards of 400 stuffed animals. The stuffed animals are given to St. Johns Hospital of Michigan in Detroit and Children’s Hospital Specialty Center in Clinton Twp, Michigan.
September 22nd to the 24th Sand River Publishing we will be at the Funky Ferndale Art Fair. If your in the area stop by and say hi.
Friday Sept. 8th, 3pm-9pm
Saturday Sept. 9th, 9am-7pm
Sunday Sept. 10 9am-7pm
If your in the area stop by and say hi. I'll be in the big tent. Mention this post and get 10% off.
AUGUST 2023
For the month of August we have 2 shows. If your around one of these shows stop by and say hi.
JULY 2023
For the month of July we have something new. Wooden wick candles in all the scents you love.
JUNE 2023
This month an author's sign was made to help improve the exposure at the shows. So far it's having a positive effect.
This month is also busy with shows. If your around any of these venues stop and say hi. It would be great to see you. If your at one of these shows mention this News page and receive a 10% discount.
Trenton Summer Festival. Trenton, Michigan. June 23- 25 2023
Lakeside Craft Show. Lexington, Michigan. June 17, 18 2023. (Completed)
Port Huron River Fest. Port Huron, Michigan June 9, 10 and 11th. 2023 (completed)
Detroit's Palmer Park Art Fair. Detroit, Michigan June 3, 4 2023. (Completed)
MAY 2023
A few things going on this month. We have a new banner for shows as a backdrop. It will definitely add to the setup.
We have 3 shows so far this month. The first show is in Davisburg,Michigan, the second show is in St John's, Michigan and the third show is in Okemos, Michigan. . If your in the area stop by and say hi.
In St John's we are going to be trying out a canopy tent for the first time so we're looking forward to see how that goes.
Month of April 2023
Went to the Novi Gun and Knife Show this month.
We're trying different shows this year to see what works and what doesn't. At the end of the year we will look at all the shows and which ones we're successful. Then we will push those shows next year.
Month of March 2023
Well I got the hoodie and shirt in for the Local 98 benefit. Sand River Publishing is donating a book, shirt and hoodie for the cause. American made and Union printed. Even the book is printed in the U.S with American paper and ink. Means a lot to keep it that way.
We will be at the Mason/Lansing Gun and Knife Show Friday March 31st to Sunday April 2nd. If your in the area stop by and say hi.
Hi Everyone. For the month of March, Sand River Publishing is donating a hoodie, shirt and a book for a benefit event at Local 98. An apprentice who just got married and is 27 has cancer of the leg and lungs. They are removing a tumor in his leg and the cancer in his lungs is not progressing. Their having a dinner, silent auction and raffles to help pay for his medical expenses. They also have a Gofundme set up also. Feels so awesome to give back even just a little.
Month of February 2023
Congrats to Jim Clark on winning the random shirt draw for February. Thanks for the support. 
We've got some different shows booked for this year. Everything from craft shows to gun and knife shows. Check back for dates and where we're going to be. It would be great to see you.
Month of January 2023
Looking forward to the new year. There will lots of things happening. Upcoming shows, news articles, draws etc.
Congrats to Bridget Swope on winning the random shirt draw in January.
Starting in January all returning customers will receive 20% discount on their next soft cover book. This is as a thank you for all the support.
We have a new logo for Sand River Publishing. It will make a great addition to our marketing and business.
The UP Magazine (Porcupine Press) has posted another story for the January/February edition. They are taking a story from the book every 2 months.
Do you love "the great outdoors"? Do you like to spend time hiking, swimming, hunting, boating, skiing, camping ... or any other outdoor sports or activities?
If you do, you must have a funny story to tell.
And The Blue Collar Follies wants to hear it!
Send us your story for our next "Outdoor Edition" and if it's published, you'll get a check for 50 bucks! Simple as that.
So enter NOW -- right here. bluecollarfollies@gmail.com
Month of December 2022
Hi everyone. New to the online store. Bayside hooded sweatshirt. Made in the U.S.A, heavyweight and comfortable. The print shop is union which is nice too. The price is 62 U.S plus shipping. I sold my first one on the weekend. I dont make any profit on these sweatshirts. The price is for the product and the printing. It's a great way to promote when customers are wearing them.
This month's contribution from Sand River Publishing is to the Madison Academy in Flint, Michigan. 34 new winter jackets, gloves and hats were given to deserving kids. Feels so awesome to be a part of this. I love to give back even in a small way and support local. It's the best feeling in the world. Sand River Publishing contributed to this last year as well.. Below is some of the kids with new jackets,, gloves and hats and a thankyou comment.. www.thebluecollarfollies.com
More exciting news with The Blue Collar Follies. The U.P Magazine ( The Porcupine Press) is doing a story about the book in the Christmas edition. This is a publication based in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I've been wanting to be in this publication and now it's coming true. I've been reading The Porcupine Press since the 90s. Onward we go. P.S Thanks so much to the U.P Magazine for doing the story.
Congrats to Gino Simiele on winning the 50 dollars random draw at the last show. He's using the cheque to put into a recognition dinner for his team at the church. So cool it's going to a good cause. Thanks Gino for the support.
The Keepsake Show in Clarkston was a success. Met a lot of great people and made a lot of great contacts.
Congrats to Frank Tello from Waterford, Michigan on winning December's random shirt draw. He does union drywall. Frank said he's going to wear it proud! Thanks for the support Frank.
A pic of J.W from Ontario with a copy of The Blue Collar Follies. He's 10 years old and makes little rustic benches for his family. I wanted one for the Homestead so we did a little deal with the book and a little cash. The bench looks awesome! He enjoys the book so that makes me happy. The book was always bought by trades but it's changed now. Men, women and kids from all ages and all walks of life love the book which is so awesome!
Also this month graphics were put on the SUV. Should give us more exposure.
