From my perspective, I have to agree with what others have said and say again that, considering the amount of time available to get this all together and make it fly, MrMike did extremely well to get the folks he got into the slots needed. It went remarkably well.
- I believe the issue of bathrooms will be addressed for the next NEAR-Fest. Keep in mind that this was the first run, and we weren't really sure how big the turn out would be. The Fair ground committee charges bucks for each bathroom facility opened, so that was also a consideration. Seeing the response and numbers there, opening more facilities does make sense.
- Same thing for space. The amount of the fairground available was arrived at by MrMike's best guess of space needed for numbers attending vs. cost. Having no idea how much more, or in what chunks the contract will allow, I'm sure Mike will address this as needed.
- Food vendors - same thing. NEAR-Fest has to pay a fee for each food vendor on site. Based on perceived need vs. cost. See above. I had the same thought though, that a little more competition should help bring prices down. $4 for a simple burger does seem a bit high, considering the venue.
- PA System: it might need some further improvement for additional coverage (so that we can remind the less brilliant folks not to leave piles of garbage behind), but I'm definitely with Brent on this one. Previous hamfests/fleamarkets have suffered from PA overload. Too many 'cute' comments or other superfluous remarks. I'm sure many of us remember trying to talk to someone, only to be repeatedly interrupted by the PA announcer. Considering the lack of announcing, I think Tim did great. Not everyone is chomping at the bit to get to the drawings and go home, Tim's laid back approach is more reflective of that.
- More barrels - yes, good idea.
- Relaxation area was meant to serve mainly as the Command post and Class E set up, which is why it wasn't overly dressed for other use. Consider a relaxation area to be where ever you find one.
I didn't see a lot of gate issues beyond people in the back wishing they were in the front. The parking lot and gate crew did an excellent job early on to line vehicles up in the field so that one row could enter as soon as the previous line ended. Outside parking was very orderly too.
Some commercial vendors were grumbling a bit, mainly due to the fact that everyone was outside enjoying the good wx. I know this because I talked with several. One even stated that, given the good wx and first time for the event, he was doing quite well. Another said later that he had made over $3300, which surprised him in a pleasant way. That's not to say that more space isn't needed, but again - Mike worked with what he knew he'd have for vendors and spent accordingly.
Not sure if the pre-paid ticket thing will be around for the fall, it was mainly a way to get funds rolling for the first event and created a lot of work for MrMike. Many things can be considered, like a Friday fee if you enter then and a reduced Saturday fee, to make things simpler Friday. Not that it was a problem.
As far as the sign issues go, I'll take responsibility for that. I figured folks would find the military group by looking for their green trucks and jeeps, so I didn't make signs for that area. I also was looking at it somewhat through the eyes of a person who has attended a few of these and knows folks. Some of the A.M. Corral signs actually blew away in the strong wind gusts! I also figured that folks would settle in to their areas this time and not need a lot of help in October.
As far as electric chairs, phone numbers to call on site, and so on, I think those are more individual issues that should be dealt with by the person attending. It is a hamfest after all.
I'm sure Mike will comment on the $30 RV situation once he sorts things out. Suffice it to say, we were as blind-sided as everyone else, having thought it was sorted out ahead of time.
