Collectors choosing their Premier Numbers during the 2024 Premier Number Weekend Opening Party.
Although our chalkware is most often thought about during the holiday months, it’s during the spring that collectors are able to get the coveted “Premier Numbers.” Each piece is assigned a number, in the order in which it is painted, and the lowest numbers are made available during this event!
For the 2024 Premier Number Weekend Friday Evening Release Celebration, we have even more of a reason to party: our 40th Anniversary! On Friday, April 26th (5pm – 8pm) everyone is invited to meet, and have their pieces signed, by not only Judi Vaillancourt, but also the Vaillancourt artists! For those who miss Collector’s Weekend, this is a great opportunity to enjoy time with fellow collectors and the meet the Vaillancourt artists! Additionally, while we are toasting champagne and enjoying hors d’oeuvres we will be introducing the 40th Anniversary Chalkware Collection including the Limited Edition 40th Anniversary Santaas well as opening the Museum Vault to rare pieces from our founding days!
The format of the event has changed since past years! Picking order will be determined by random raffle, not by arrival time. Collectors are welcome to arrive any time during regular Retail Gallery hours (starting at 9am) to register and claim their raffle ticket (one per person). Raffle for Premier Numbers (production number #1, #2, or #3) will be drawn beginning at 5pm where Collectors may choose up to two (2) Premier Numbers (#1, #2, or #3) of any of the available 2024 line—including the Limited Edition 40th Anniversary Santa. Collector must be present when raffle is drawn, but is not required to stay before 5pm. All Collectors are welcome to choose higher numbers (#4+) at any time beginning at 5pm.
Please note that any online pre-order will be fulfilled on the Monday following the event beginning in the order in which the order was made using the next available Premier Number.
Traditional Santa on Polar Bear Pull Toy, VFA Nr. 24031
Because this event is different than the others, especially in having a “party” element, we’ve had a lot of similar questions that we’d like to answer here for you!
Q: What happens if I have already pre-ordered pieces online but want to come to the event? A: Consider your pieces reserved and pre-paid! Your pre-order has been filled in the order in which it was placed; there is a possibility that by attending in person you’ll be able to choose a lower number of the items you’ve chosen. If that is the case, you’re welcome to choose those numbers and we will “swap” out items that are held for you. This is an ideal situation if you’re on the fence about joining us but want to make certain that you are able to get the lowest number!
Q: Do I need to arrive first to get the first choice?
A: No! Unlike past years where we’ve had Collectors sleeping in their cars overnight only to have to wait 10 hours plus for their choice to choose number 1, you have the same likelihood of being the first to choose if you arrive at 5pm as you would arriving at 2am! All attendees looking for a Premier Number (1-3) will be entered into a raffle for choosing order!
Q: I don’t necessarily care about #1, do I have to wait until the raffle drawing is over to choose my pieces?
A: No! If you do not want to participate in the raffle for #1-3, then you can choose any available style (including the Limited Edition 40th Anniversary Santa) starting at 5:00pm.
Q: Will Judi be on hand to sign my pieces? A: Yes, but in some cases Judi has pre-signed many pieces to help with flow of the event. Additionally, many of the Vaillancourt staff (past and present!) will be on hand to sign your pieces if you’d like that special touch!
Q: I’m not a “Collector” can I still come?
A: Whether you’ve purchase one item or 3000 items, we consider you a “Collector” and invite you to join us, and other Collectors, in celebrating our 40th Anniversary!
Q: What are your Retail Gallery hours for the day?
A: We are open regular retail hours—open at 9am. However, the 2024 Chalkware Collection will not be available until 5pm—Premier Numbers based on raffle.
Q: Can I purchase additional raffle tickets?
A: No, there are no financial transactions associated with the order in which Collectors can choose a Premier Number. Each attendee is allowed to register for one complimentary ticket to determine their shopping order.
Q: What if all Premier Numbers are sold before my raffle ticket is called?
A: While we hope that this circumstance does not play out, we do, unfortunately, only have a limited number of #1-3s available for each style introduced. If those numbers are chosen before your ticket is called, you will still be able to purchase any #4 or higher as available.
The format of the event has changed since past years! Picking order will be determined by random raffle, not by arrival time. Collectors are welcome to arrive any time during regular Retail Gallery hours (starting at 9am) to register and claim their raffle ticket (one per person). Raffle for Premier Numbers (production number #1, #2, or #3) will be drawn beginning at 5pm where Collectors may choose up to two (2) Premier Numbers (#1, #2, or #3) of any of the available 2024 line—including the Limited Edition 40th Anniversary Santa. Collector must be present when raffle is drawn, but is not required to stay before 5pm. All Collectors are welcome to choose higher numbers (#4+) at any time beginning at 5pm.
