[TheForge] "Official" news from ABANA / Dave

[dann at wctatel.net]

Dave,

I am used to demonstrating at events where 5,000 + visitors walking around
is -below- average.  We also have black powder gun shoots, cannons going
going off,  throwing spears, tomahawks, etc and still get affordable
liability insurance.  Fees at these events are a tiny fraction of the
current ABANA paradgm.

For example, I've been demonstrating at the Big Island Rendez Vous since
1993.  We run a 4 day public event, but many of the demonstrators and
venders set up for 5 or 6 days.  The setting is on an peninsula of a Lake.
On Thursday and Friday we have "School Days" and bring about 4,000 school
kids through to see the demonstrations.  Saturday and Sunday is open to
the general public with much larger crowds of public.  Working
participants like me probably total close to 1,800 individuals, that are
camped in 400 plus canvas lodges.

Gate fees for public are set about  $10 each.  Trader fees plus Camping
fees for Venders are under $100.  Demonstrators and Venders bring their
own tents.   I get free admission for my family and self, and plus getting
paid for demonstrating.  I don't get rich from the money, but it covers my
expenses, and there is a simple pride in being a paid demonstrator.

Most of us have a wonderful time swapping stories and telling lies.

I still can't imagine a $250 gate fee, much less a $600 gate fee proposed
for New York.

Dann