If RV population is any indicator, it was definitely down from prior meets. And with fuel prices at more comfortable lows, I would've thought the overall attendance....and especially RV's....would've been up a tad.
Ah, well, as one fellow opined across the table during the Friday ice cream social....'It's STILL the economy, stupid!'...in a friendly banter, of course. Maybe. Maybe not.
Would agree that Thursday was not as populous....very light crowds at the usual doors following the National Anthem opener. Wife and I shared the same comment when entering Brown Hall....'Whoa! Where IS everyone?' (usual dealers)
On the upside, though, I met/talked with a York first-timer. Shall we say he was still trying to un-cross his eyes after touring several buildings...had NEVER seen anything like it for his years in the hobby.
Which leads me to a suggestion....I've seen some pretty awesome drone video dressed up with appropriate music and captioning to inspire attendance to large events. I should think a professional drone videographer could be hired to make an outside AND inside record of a meet at it's best. Complemented with video features highlighting area accommodations, restaurants, significant places to visit (e.g., TCA Headquarters/Museum, et al), etc., etc., it could help bolster attendance, increase interest. People who know speak in so much hyperbole about York. However, seeing York from a perspective not otherwise known could have real benefits. Besides, most videos from a drone that I've seen would not compromise the privacy issues surrounding member halls.
Just a thought....trying to help with a new idea......FWIW, always.
Wife and I will NOT be dissuaded from our semi-annual York visits.
KD