2010 Texas Ren Fest closing weekend

[Zardoz]

I think they could expand. There was a lot of unused parking rows that could be converted to new faire space, if needed. But frankly, I don't mind the crowds on the grounds at all - it indicates success, even during tough economic times. What they do need to do is to organize the logistics of getting the vehicles out of the faire at the end of ther day a lot faster.

I guess I shouldn't complain about the success of my home faire, but shouldering through like 35,000 people is starting to wear on me a little... I'm not agoraphobic at all, but sometimes I just want out of there.

For a little perspective; The faireground has not grown in physical size since the 90's, 5 or 6 years ago a "busy" Saturday was 19-20,000 folks and the faire had like 260,000 total over the 7 weekends. Based on that, in 2005 the 'powers that be' thought the faire could support an 8th weekend.

The second year after the 8th weekend was added, 2006, year totals were over 300,000 and have risen steadily every year, to almost 412,000 in 2009.

I have not got a look at the final numbers, but I think it's safe to say we're looking at total of over 470,000 folks this year.

I think a few extra acres, and some effort to clear some of the bottlenecks in the current set-up would be a big improvement.

*EDIT: This years total was total was 449,786. Black Friday had half the crowd as last year. If it had not been cold and rainy in Houston (didn't rain at the faire) on that Friday morning, there might have been another 15,000 folks.*