[MR] event fees

[Hagatha819 at aol.com]

Just my two cents, take it for what it's worth.
 
Having been both an event steward and a head cook, I know what expenses are 
 involved in pulling off both an event and a feast.  It's not cheap no  
matter how you measure it.  Site costs are at times outrageous and finding  
affordable cuts of good quality meat to fit a budget can and is a nightmare in  
most cases.  It's all about balancing the cost to attendees versus meeting  
and hopefully beating the actual cost to run the event.  It's a tough job,  
but somebody has to do it to keep us going.
 
We have a family of 3 adults and often times have several newcomers or  
newbies with us.  We don't mind the fees and are usually very happy with  how 
reasonable they are.  And our newcomers are surprised at how small most  of 
our event fees are.  Shoot a movie rental and pizza along for the 3 of  us 
will run $20 easily and that's for a couple of hours entertainment.  But  even 
the more expensive fees are still a bargin to us.  And the cost of  feast?  
Let's see a good meal out runs 15 to 25 per person.  That's  one entree, a 
side or two and a drink.  No dessert, no varied choices and  certainly not 
several portions to enjoy at your leisure.  And fast  food?  Well for the 
typical $7 to $8 feast cost you'll get a burger, fries  and drink...none of 
which is original and certainly not good for you!  Cost  wise, to me no matter 
how you break it down a weekend event or even a day trip  is well worth 
every penny I spend including the trip to the event.
 
There will always be times one can't afford to attend an event or even to  
think about an event.  But the knowledge, friendship, and memories you get  
from event, even one event every couple of months more than outweighs the  
cost.  And yep I'm on the side of you if enter the gate, you pay no matter  
what role you take on.  It's a hobby and game and we choose to be there  :)
 
Milicent