All I can see is this:

Four weeks ago, Grandfather Mountain sold-out its allotment for concert tickets on the "big night", and we had our best merchandise sales ever over the weekend. Money can't be hurting that bad.

Three weeks ago, The Great American Irish Festival in Utica sold-out for the festival grounds, and the Saranac Irish Red Ale sold out in 24 hours. This was one of the best events that I've ever been a part of!

Last week, The Detroit Highland Games doubled their all-time best attendance. These games were VERY well organized and included everything that you could imagine in Scottish culture. I'm not shocked that they're in their 159th year! They know how to make it interesting, and accomodating for patrons. Apparently, the money's no problem up there either since merchandise sales were brisk and the attendees were from ALL OVER the place.

From MY personal perspective on my "perched" vantage point, it's been one hill of a summer for attendance!!! All the crowds have been enthusiastic and energetic. I would imagine that it all comes down to which events know how to "put on a show" in every facet of the word.

~I can highly recommend the Detroit Games for anyone that truly appreciates the cultural side of the events. I learned SO MUCH about Scotland that I'm still reading more about what I was introduced to.