My observation is that the Halls I was in while I was in them were fairly crowded Thursday, Friday and even today Saturday. Admittedly i don't spend my precious time at the Meet to monitoring attendance volume, I have fun hunting for layout items, trains and socializing. Several vendors I asked told me it was a great Meet or the best Meet they've ever had!
I've said on all the threads here about the non-member public attending the York Meet that I don't know where they will come from or how much of a difference it will make. Most O gauge model train enthusiasts in the region already attend. But even if they do increase attendance, will they be buyers? A Greenberg's Show is held in January in what is the Orange Hall and it is sparsely attended. And it only covers about half of the building. It costs less, no membership required and the public stays away, even with the local advertising.
The proposed changes will not affect my enjoyment of the York Meet. The TCA Eastern Division does a phenomenal job in organizing and hosting the Meet. I find train items I want and need every time and have so much fun seeing friends and making new ones. They can invite whomever they want. I'm happy that they invite me to their marvelous toy train event.
