Comments on: BBQ Blues & Bluegrass Festival This Coming Saturday!

By: DawgFan

DawgFan — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 16:52:48 +0000

“Then there is the problem of people getting absolutely hammered on their cheaper booze”

Not sure I would categorize this is as a “problem”. Besides, those who are gonna get that drunk will do it regardless of whether they can bring in their own beer, or they will “pre-game” to minimize their alcohol expenses.

By: kachange

kachange — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 15:59:58 +0000

@Chris

The BBQ Blues Fest is still looking for volunteers. Volunteers will receive free admission into the festival. As mentioned by others, this is a great event that gives back to the community.

If the $10 is turning you away, think about volunteering so you can still enjoy the festivities and give back.

By: FM Fats

FM Fats — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:25:20 +0000

There are other issues involved with allowing coolers besides money. First, there is the trash problem, particularly when folks bring beverages in glass bottles. Then there is the problem of people getting absolutely hammered on their cheaper booze. This festival has always been pretty family oriented as well.

By: Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 13:16:33 +0000

+1 Sharron. It’s worth noting that the gate price is $5 less than last year. Ben Bernake will be happy that the festival is doing its part to combat inflation.

Still, $10 ain’t cheap. But if you are into, well, bar-b-q, blues and/or bluegrass in your own proverbial backyard, then it’s probably worth it. Knowing that the proceeds help out local non-profits is icing on the cake-or maybe the cake itself. If it’s not your bag, then don’t come. More BBQ for the thousands of us that will be there. . . .

By: smalltowngal

smalltowngal — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 03:15:11 +0000

Chris, there is no doubt allowing coolers would undercut food and beverage sales inside the venue — would the gate receipts increase enough to outweigh that loss? At $10/person, it’s doubtful. Furthermore, it’s extremely challenging to attract food vendors and negotiate a revenue share that is worthwhile for them and for the event if they have to compete with people bringing in food from home and take-out from nearby restaurants. And there’s no way it would be worthwhile for a beer distributor to deal with the festival if people are bringing bev’gs in the gate. It’s a fundraiser. It’s for a good cause. It’s the cheapest chance you have all year to support good works in Decatur. (Decatur Ed Found Low Country Boil – $60 (food & bev incl). Decatur Craft Beer FEstival – $40 (limited tix, incl food?). If they allowed coolers, then the price of food and beer inside the venue, not to mention the price of admission, would have to go way up. Then it would become a different type of event. I don’t know what the prices will be this year, but in the past the cost of both beer and BBQ plate has been in line with (or cheaper) than you’d pay at a bar. It’s fun and it’s all for many good causes. If it’s beyond what you are able or willing to pay, fine. But please don’t criticize how it’s done. A lot of people work hard for many months to make this event happen every year, and a LOT of people work HARD the day of the event. The proceeds filter out into the community in many ways. It’s a good thing.