[SEL] Portland Set Up Reconsidered

[Jim French]

Reg's comment about the lack of visitors to the remote engine area was 
something we really noticed - it was deserted most of the time!  Possibly 
because  it was so far from all the food and drink stands?????
Also, it was not well signed, and with a big sprawling area such as the 
Portland showground, it would be easy to miss that area of engines 
altogether.  Certainly, it was a long way to go when someone said "Hey did 
you see THAT engine?"
I noticed when we were last there, in 2004, that very few of the engines in 
the far area were running, and many did not have their owners with them - 
maybe they'd gone to get food / see the rest of the engines, which would 
take a lot longer than if the engines were all in the same area.
As everyone else has noted, the tractor owners generally don't stay with 
their exhibits and are not available to talk to visitors, with the notable 
exception of the owners of the John Deere, running on Coke bottles!!!!
In 2004, we were talking to Leroy about the lack of visitors in the far 
area, and he was keeping count, so his comments and figures would be well 
worth passing on to the Portland Directors.
It's good that they are prepared to listen to the comments of exhibitors and 
are willing to make changes to improve the show.

Dolly & Jim

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "R & M Ingold" <randmingold at hotkey.net.au>

> Many of those who were relocated to the 'New' area commplained to me about 
> the lack of viewers through their area. the partial isolation detracted 
> from their enjoyment of the event. Indeed, more than one stared they would 
> not make the effort to attend in future.
>