Bill Martin my opinion, and it's just that, is that the vendors are profit driven, and if they can come out to your event in October and to the SSITS event in May/June, and make money at both, they likely will. If they make more money at one event because of lower fees, over time they might decide to do just one of them, especially if time and distance is a constraint. I understand you don't like the commercial format but personally, I would put lots of positive energy into doing it the way I want and not be concerned with the other guy. It's still a free country (OK, maybe that phrase is a bit dated now) and capitalism still prevails (barely, let's don't go there just now). If you successfully establish an event that the riders prefer, they will vote with their wallets. None of this matters much to me since I don't, or wouldn't use events to modify my machine. I tend to do what I want on my own time. If I show up it is to socialize and ride, in that order. It is fun to see what is available and what other people are doing but I'm more into the food carts and rides. Oh yeah, as long as I'm on my soapbox, lots of food carts. And music! Everyone loves a live band. And a buffet/social. And, of course, a pancake breakfast with those little sausages. And a raffle. How about a horseshoe tournament with a new rear tire as a prize - donated by a business sponsor of course. And a rubber duck race down Campbell creek. I know the perfect finish line! A sack race among people over 60 is always hilarious - and a bit dangerous. A casting contest for distance. Anything and everything you can do to get people gathered together. Those are the memories that last! You get that buzz going and it'll be a hit!
I'll be watching. Once you start getting some traction, reach out for help.
Lots of excellent ideas there - that is kinda what I am envisioning. I would like to do my thing with fair competition but the other event coordinator will see this as a threat and do everything possible to not let my event off the ground. I’m gonna use the tried and true “kill em with kindness” attitude to run my event. Knowing the kindness of all the folks in our SS community I gotta believe that will be the way to go rather than making it an ugly competition!!
PS. I know a world ranked horse shoe thrower in Louisiana - bet I could get her up here to give everybody a little run for their money 😂😂