OK, I know that I am just a little too excited about this promo idea, but take a look at this photo from last year's festival:

Go to http://www.owngr.com/ and then click the "festival 2008" link in the left margin.

Every year at festival time, I see this and think "OPPORTUNITY".

Chad,

I like the house idea!

Have somebody dress up as a house, with your logo's all over it, walking around passing out water bottles and business cards

I just wanted to take a moment and thank everybody for their great answers. Because of the way this is set up, some of the ideas mentioned (although good) are not suitable to this venue. Also, I can't physically set up a booth or do food related stuff without having scores of police boot me out!

I chose the Genie thing as best because it is so off the wall that people would pay attention. With 5 rock bands playing at the same time, tons of "sanctioned" adult and children's activities, and food galore, the Genie idea would draw some attention.

Patricks roving reporter idea was a very close second, and I am actually considering a combination of the Genie/Reporter thing. Doesn't actually have to be a genie, just eye catching and different.

In case anybody is curious, here is the link to the festival.....or as I like to think of it, a massive marketing opportunity.

http://www.festivalofthearts.org/activities-kids.php

Can you order inexpensive hats or visors with your information on them--and give them away--or bottled water with the label being your business card--also to give away. I'd invest in a cooler with wheels and a handle (like a wagon) and pull it around, offering free COLD water. Melanie McLane, ABR, CRB, CRS, ePRO, GRI, RAA, SRES, SRS. Licensed broker and Certified Appraiser in North Central PA; Real estate educator specializing in RSPS and REBAC courses. To contact me: melanie@themelaniegroup.com

I really like Elizabeth's idea about engaging with kids and their parents, while kids are having fun. Since this is an arts festival - free face painting for kids could be another good idea. You could also take photos of all the kids with painted faces and place them on your blog/website after the event. Give the business cards to the parents with your web site and tell them to check it out for their kid's photos ;)

Here you GO!

Beg, barrow, steal video camera, with microphone.
You need a camera man.

You can be a roving reporter on the street, or set up a place on the street. , asking fair goers what they think about the market, economy, fashion, election, price of bananas.

Tell them it will be posted here, at CNN
http://www.ireport.com/community/assignment;jsessionid=EDAD6…
However hand them a card with your domain, and tell them to look for the outtakes.

Extra points if you wear a cape and proclaim yourself as captain realtor. Although, you might get beat up.

Practice a few days before with sound, lighting, and questions.

Good Luck

Well, this is a sure winner that I relied on as a marketing specialist. Buy a bunch of colored beads and some thin elastic. Dump the beads in a big bin. Let kids make a bracelet, armband or anklet for free. While the kids are busy making the craft, introduce yourself to the parent. You can try kookie, memorable things to get noticed but what really impresses people is how you make them feel, relationships, your warmth and being authentic. What better way then to have the kids walk away with a trinket and the parent walk away with a solid impression of who you are and what you do.

A brave soul thinking out of the box! VERY GOOD!

Anybody else out there?

Dress as a Genie and give predictions of the future real estate market. Pass out buttons or Tarot cards with catchy phrases about the market. The printing company I work with could whip up something fun, I'm sure.