Final Numbers of Participants at Slingshots in the Smokies Maggie Valley Parade?

Quote from mpj220

I did the same. Avoided group rides in favor of hooking up with smaller groups of 6-10 and going our own way.

Last year was my first year. Had a great time. Spent some cash with vendors at the fairgrounds on goodies. Met a ton of great people and shared a lot of conversation. And, spent tons of time driving some awesome roads and seeing breathtaking views.

This year was close to a carbon copy of last year. There were a few additional vendors at the fairgrounds. Met just as many new people and got to catch up with those I met last year. I spent close to the same amount of cash with vendors. And, spent even more time exploring roads and visiting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

As for the event itself….. At first, I thought asking patrons to buy tickets to an event for the privilege to spend money was a bit out of line. But, last year I had some long conversations with Scott (event coordinator). I then realized how much effort and funds it takes to host an event of this size. Those cost just can’t be absorbed by one entity. The choices are either increasing vendor rent for the event or charge admission. With limited vendors, such an increase would likely yield less vendors and ultimately the event would dwindle and eventually end entirely.

So, with that said, I have no issues buying tickets in support of the event. I had a great time this year and plan to attend next year.

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I saw your sling parked inside the fairgrounds. Thats one awesome machine! Looked around, wanted to say hello. Most likely I saw you and didn't know it.

Quote from Frankie55

I saw your sling parked inside the fairgrounds. Thats one awesome machine! Looked around, wanted to say hello. Most likely I saw you and didn't know it.

It's always good to put a face to an online name!

I was like a squirrel on crack when at the fairgrounds. Running between a few vendors and yelling for my wife to bring the cash (that is my way to set limits).

Otherwise, we spent a ton of time on the roads and usually ended the evening with 6 or more Slingshots stopping by our place for dinner and a few cocktails. We pre-cooked a ton and didn't want to take any food back.

Quote from NNEVES57

I have not had the pleasure of going yet, but as I read more and more, I am less likely to attend. If it is getting too expensive and not as invigorating as previous years then it doesnt seem like it would be worth the trip from virginia to attend. I have only been to a few rides and have had quite a time doing them. Met a lot of great folks. My next event is the ride from DC to NY. Tons of slings go to that.

......if you remember , can you touch base with me ......last year the communication was messed up and a few of us missed that ride and we rode out to NJ hoping to catch that group.......these guys would like to ride to DC and ride back with the whole group......so if you can, like the day b4 just leave me a message on here, I'm like most, I check this forum daily lol........Thanks

Quote from EjFord

To much good riding in Maggie Valley.

How does that song go? "Indiana wants me. Lord, I can't go back there."

You probably won't remember me. I met you at Mayhem in the Mountains in 2019. Used to live in Hamlet, Ind. many years ago. Tried to find you all week with no luck. Met the lady with the hot rod four wheeler and asked her if you were there. She said, "Yes, he is around.". And yes after 6 years you should go home, let the cat out, and mow the yard! LOL

Sorry about hijacking the thread.

Quote from GA Slinger

How does that song go? "Indiana wants me. Lord, I can't go back there."

You probably won't remember me. I met you at Mayhem in the Mountains in 2019. Used to live in Hamlet, Ind. many years ago. Tried to find you all week with no luck. Met the lady with the hot rod four wheeler and asked her if you were there. She said, "Yes, he is around.". And yes after 6 years you should go home, let the cat out, and mow the yard! LOL

Sorry about hijacking the thread.

No cats to go home to....just a lovely wife.

Quote from GA Slinger

How does that song go? "Indiana wants me. Lord, I can't go back there."

You probably won't remember me. I met you at Mayhem in the Mountains in 2019. Used to live in Hamlet, Ind. many years ago. Tried to find you all week with no luck. Met the lady with the hot rod four wheeler and asked her if you were there. She said, "Yes, he is around.". And yes after 6 years you should go home, let the cat out, and mow the yard! LOL

Sorry about hijacking the thread.

I think you posted a pick of my sling unless you added splitters to your bumper. Those rims you picked look amazing. Didn’t know I was chatting with a member.

Quote from MADDMOE

......if you remember , can you touch base with me ......last year the communication was messed up and a few of us missed that ride and we rode out to NJ hoping to catch that group.......these guys would like to ride to DC and ride back with the whole group......so if you can, like the day b4 just leave me a message on here, I'm like most, I check this forum daily lol........Thanks

my memory is horrible but i will attempt to do my best. The dates are Saturday July 16th and returning the 17th.

Quote from Excalibur

I think you posted a pick of my sling unless you added splitters to your bumper. Those rims you picked look amazing. Didn’t know I was chatting with a member.

I am terrible about going back and checking posts. Yes, I was noting your front splitter. This was my first SITS. Been wanting to go for three years. Finally had to retire just so I could go! After buying the '19 SSGT, I had not seen another one. I go to SITS and see at least 10 of them! I got so many ideas and spent way too much cash that week. The white 22s from UAS made a big dent in the wallet, but, the wife really likes them. When I got home, I had to re-engineer the Polaris fender bracket/shock mount to get the fender back on. Also shortened the bracket 1 inch to compensate for the 22 inch wheel. Have to chill for a while on SS parts. LOL

This year unfortunately was down compared to last year (by A LOT). I was told by someone (won't say who) that the count was 600. While I knew this to be BS (this being my 6th year attending) I let this person talk anyways. If things don't change this event could possibly go downhill to the point of not happening in the future. Hopefully there will be discussion on how to make the event better for everyone (vendors and participants) so that it will continue for years to come and get bigger and better...

The parade count coming past our motel was just under 200...