[GaryVoshol]

One success already, and I realize this is only anecdotal, not firm facts.

I heard one of the host coordiators say the Traverse City District cost $7,000 to put on. Compare that to the estimated $150,000 - $250,000 it would have cost to stage another regional; that's a real success right there. Most of this was due to the hard work of the organizing committee and the support of the community. For example, we volunteers were fed very well by a different catering company every meal. The caterers also sponsored the event; our exellent lasagne supper cost the committee $2.00 per head.

I still share some of the concerns brought up in this thread, and a few others. I'm willing to withhold judgement until sometime after the season is over.