They Changed the Announcement at Brownwood Re: Seat Saving..

[wudda1955]

You know, the announcement they play at the beginning and when the band returns from break? It used to be a man telling us to watch our grandchildren and reminding us that there is no smoking, etc. When we were at Brownwood the other day, the recording was a woman. Not only were we reminded of the same stuff, but there was a blurb added at the end about not saving chairs.

Now, they didn't say you couldn't do it, she just said something to the effect of "out of respect for everyone we ask that you please not reserve seats." Not perfect, but we're making progress!

[sunnyatlast]

You know, the announcement they play at the beginning and when the band returns from break? It used to be a man telling us to watch our grandchildren and reminding us that there is no smoking, etc. When we were at Brownwood the other day, the recording was a woman. Not only were we reminded of the same stuff, but there was a blurb added at the end about not saving chairs.

Now, they didn't say you couldn't do it, she just said something to the effect of "out of respect for everyone we ask that you please not reserve seats." Not perfect, but we're making progress!

And as usual, the considerate, well-mannered people will not hog seats by roping them off for hours in advance, and the brazen, obnoxious ones will rope off as many as they please.

I don't know why they put the chairs out hours in advance. It's a magnet for the inconsiderate vultures.

[graciegirl]

And as usual, the considerate, well-mannered people will not hog seats by roping them off for hours in advance, and the brazen, obnoxious ones will rope off as many as they please.

I don't know why they put the chairs out hours in advance. It's a magnet for the inconsiderate vultures.


I have been assured that the meek will inherit the earth but it appears they won't have a seat to sit and savor it.:read:

[Loudoll]

Progress!

[janmcn]

Progress!

At least someone is acknowledging there is a problem. Step one; identify problem.

[redwitch]

Sadly, not progress. This is close to the recording used at LSL and SS for many years, back when staff actually would remove ropes, etc. saving seats, except the old message was a bit more forceful. This sounds like a pretend to do something but really do nothing to me. Kind of like telling a kid, "I'll tell you later, " in the hopes the kid will be quiet and the adults can carry on.

[gomoho]

I have been assured that the meek will inherit the earth but it appears they won't have a seat to sit and savor it.:read:

Good one Gracie:BigApplause:

[Cedwards38]

Hooray!
It's nice.
But it's not enough.
Sounds like someone trying to protect themselves from a lawsuit to me.

[graciegirl]

Hooray!
It's nice.
But it's not enough.
Sounds like someone trying to protect themselves from a lawsuit to me.


You are such a good person. But I need to keep reminding you that in a public place only so much can be done about directing people to do things.

Think about the line cutters at Disney. What can or is done about them?

It isn't the management that is at fault, it is the rude, selfish and uncaring people who do this. There is NO law that can be made, only directions given which even if there were flashing signs, there would be those who think...naw....they can't do nuthin' to me.

The world is changing. And I don't like it. I am pleased that nice people like you want to do what is right, but sometimes, there are no viable solutions to this kind of problem.

[2BNTV]

Unfortunately, the only time someone listens, is when you hit them, in their wallet!!!

I'll bet if these rude and obnoxious people were hit with a $500 fine, they would stop saving seats!!!

[Taltarzac725]

Saving Seats at the Pool: OK or Not OK? - ABC News (http://abcnews.go.com/Travel.saving-seats-pool/story?id=16904431)

Dawn to dusk seat savers! The 40 minute rule. Sounds like a good one.

[Topspinmo]

IMO 40 mins too long, maybe 15. Mins. IMO if you gone longer than that you are out of that seat.

[Cedwards38]

You are such a good person. But I need to keep reminding you that in a public place only so much can be done about directing people to do things.

Think about the line cutters at Disney. What can or is done about them?

It isn't the management that is at fault, it is the rude, selfish and uncaring people who do this. There is NO law that can be made, only directions given which even if there were flashing signs, there would be those who think...naw....they can't do nuthin' to me.

The world is changing. And I don't like it. I am pleased that nice people like you want to do what is right, but sometimes, there are no viable solutions to this kind of problem.

Gracie, I wish I were as nice, kind, thoughtful, and even as good hearted as you. If so, I'd be a better person. I really admire the way you always advocate for positive solutions, and I agree with your opinion of The Villages in general. It's a great place to live and has few real problems.

I understand exactly what you are saying, but my point is that a civil jury may not agree with you, or with the management at the entertainment venues. I'm not worried about the selfish practice of saving seats hurting someone. I'm worried about someone getting hurt because of an incident caused by the saving of seats. One surly drunk pushes one arthritic senior to the concrete and BOOM. If that happens, you can rest assured that an aggrieved party will take that action to court to try to secure damages from whomever a jury deems to be at fault. And a jury may determine that knowing that the potential for a problem exists, and doing little to correct that situation is grounds for damages to be awarded. Damages have been awarded for far less.

Now I'm betting that if the Entertainment Division and the merchants at the various venues asked for the applicable sheriff's departments to assist with the enforcement of the current rule, in order to ensure a safe environment, they would. Wouldn't cost them a dime, and I think that fixes it. Even if the sheriff says no, they've got a stronger case in court.

I'm very happy that they are now announcing the rule! :BigApplause:

[kstew43]

Think about the school crossings and the amount of police presence they have at there disposal.

If indeed the squares are public and not owned by the developer....why can't something like that be used to protect citizens.

Just an idea.

[memason]

I've been reading about this seat saving stuff on here for about 5 years. It's the perennial topic, like dog poop and round-a-bouts. It normally coincidences with the "season", when there are more folks in the squares. I love it when I go to the square and it's packed with people having a good time. Anytime I take visitors there, I'm always hoping for that situation, so they see we're living in a vibrant, active community.

Like most things around here, it's not nearly the problem some would have us believe. On evenings where there is a very popular band or when there are other celebrations, people do save seats. Always have; always will. I don't think the folks doing it are necessarily rude, but just think; When in Rome....

That's just the way it is in The Villages.

[Sandtrap328]

[QUOTE=Cedwards38;1041627]

I'm worried about someone getting hurt because of an incident caused by the saving of seats. One surly drunk pushes one arthritic senior to the concrete and BOOM. If that happens, you can rest assured that an aggrieved party will take that action to court to try to secure damages from whomever a jury deems to be at fault. And a jury may determine that knowing that the potential for a problem exists, and doing little to correct that situation is grounds for damages to be awarded. Damages have been awarded for far less.

Now I'm betting that if the Entertainment Division and the merchants at the various venues asked for the applicable sheriff's departments to assist with the enforcement of the current rule, in order to ensure a safe environment, they would.

I'm very happy that they are now announcing the rule! QUOTE]

How many surly drunks have you personally seen at the squares? I have seen NONE in 5 years and I go to the squares at least once a week year round.

I have not seen any in your face arguements over seating, either.

The sheriff has better things to do than to tell people to be courteous at sitting up chairs. Get real, please!

This is a seasonal favorite topic on the forum. The season is just about over.

[Barefoot]

I have been assured that the meek will inherit the earth but it appears they won't have a seat to sit and savor it.

:thumbup:

The sheriff has better things to do than to tell people to be courteous at sitting up chairs. Get real, please!

I agree with Sandtrap - this isn't a matter for the Sheriff, no laws are being broken.
Snowbirds and Seasonal Residents will be leaving soon. Sadly this includes us. :( :cold:
By the end of April, the crowds will be gone, and peace will prevail until the Fall.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

An announcement when the entertainment is about to begin or during the breaks is useless. People go there are 3:00 in the afternoon and tie up all the chairs.

It might be progress, but it's not going to change anything.

But, if they are going to make an announcement why isn't the same as "coolers are strictly prohibited" or "smoking is strictly prohibited."

It's interesting that if someone has a cooler or is smoking the entertainment staff will go over and enforce the rule, but they won't enforce this rule. Instead they only suggest that we follow the rule.

[perrjojo]

Unfortunately, the only time someone listens, is when you hit them, in their wallet!!!

I'll bet if these rude and obnoxious people were hit with a $500 fine, they would stop saving seats!!!

I like your way of thinking. :BigApplause:

[mulligan]

Has anybody actually been told to get rid of a cooler ??

[redwitch]

Has anybody actually been told to get rid of a cooler ??

More than once. Cuts into business at the shacks, so is enforced. Actually, I think the smoking in designated areas is less enforced than the cooler rule.

[wudda1955]

OP here. I've been reading the responses and something occurred to me. Based on the wording of the announcement, I'm actually wondering if there really is a rule about seat saving. I've never seen it written anywhere. I've never seen it enforced.

Yes, it's rude to save seats for hours on end, but if there is no enforcement, then does a "rule" really exist?

Getting police involved over saving seats is just silly, IMHO. I'd rather they take care of important things, like break-ins. I don't think saving a seat is against any law, and now I'm not sure there is a rule against it on the squares.

[rustyp]

OP here. I've been reading the responses and something occurred to me. Based on the wording of the announcement, I'm actually wondering if there really is a rule about seat saving. I've never seen it written anywhere. I've never seen it enforced.

Yes, it's rude to save seats for hours on end, but if there is no enforcement, then does a "rule" really exist?

Getting police involved over saving seats is just silly, IMHO. I'd rather they take care of important things, like break-ins. I don't think saving a seat is against any law, and now I'm not sure there is a rule against it on the squares.

From FAQ - The Villages Entertainment * Special Events * Box Office (http://www.thevillagesentertainment.com/faq)
Q: May we rope off a group of chairs prior to an event?
A: No. Roping or taping chairs together inhibits event setup. If you need to hold chairs, at least one person in your party needs to be with your chairs at all times.

[Grandfinch]

Saving seats = Selfish.

[wudda1955]

From FAQ - The Villages Entertainment * Special Events * Box Office (http://www.thevillagesentertainment.com/faq)
Q: May we rope off a group of chairs prior to an event?
A: No. Roping or taping chairs together inhibits event setup. If you need to hold chairs, at least one person in your party needs to be with your chairs at all times.

Thank you for this. I hadn't seen it.

Maybe it's time to send out flyers, or some type of communication, to notify everyone of this. It appears that its past time for the Entertainment Department to be pro-active on this issue and provide notice. Then they can start enforcing it.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

OP here. I've been reading the responses and something occurred to me. Based on the wording of the announcement, I'm actually wondering if there really is a rule about seat saving. I've never seen it written anywhere. I've never seen it enforced.

Yes, it's rude to save seats for hours on end, but if there is no enforcement, then does a "rule" really exist?

Getting police involved over saving seats is just silly, IMHO. I'd rather they take care of important things, like break-ins. I don't think saving a seat is against any law, and now I'm not sure there is a rule against it on the squares.

The answers from the entertainment department are vague at best, but several people have called and been told that saving seats is not allowed. When they called to complain about people saving seats they were told that there was nothing that could be done about it.

You wouldn't get law enforcement involved over seat saving. They would become involved only if a person refused to follow the instructions of the entertainment staff and became belligerent or threatening. What would happen if someone had a cooler or were smoking in the square and the staff confronted them and explained the rule and the person refused to comply. You can bet law enforcement would be called. Why is this rule any different?

In most cases the staff would not have to even confront the people tying off seats. They could just do a sweep of the area at 4:30 or 4:45 and remove everything that "reserves" a seat. Also signs in the area explaining the rule may not stop everyone, but they would help. Some of the people will obey the rule. As has been suggested have "No Seat Saving" stamped right on the chairs would also go a long way to improving the situation.

After a while the offenders would stop. There would be very few that would become belligerent. I actually believe that many of these people do not know there is a rule against seat saving. It's difficult for people on this forum to get a definite answer about it.

[njbchbum]

Has the new, updated announcement changed any of the seat saving behavior...yet?

[sunnyatlast]

Saving seats = Selfish.

This is what bothers me the most about the seat savers. They take over something that does not belong to them, and by seizing their territory, they are telling newcomers, visitors, guests, lifestyle preview people, and all other residents to DON'T BOTHER COMING tonight if you want to sit down for awhile.

I expect TV to do what is in keeping with their motto of having a "friendliest HOMETOWN" atmosphere. Allowing those selfish, ornery seat ropers to take control of what is offered for free to everyone totally defies the "welcome to our hometown" goal.

Just imagine if the executive golf courses were run on no tee time reservations in advance, and every morning they put up a poster where the selfish, ornery, greedy golf groups could come at 5:00 a.m. and write themselves into all the tee times they want for the day. It would be piggish and UGLY.

That is not how TV presents itself and I don't know why they allow this at the town squares, a MAIN attraction to TV.

[RickeyD]

Would it be a stretch to say saving seats is theft of services ?

[Sandtrap328]

This is what bothers me the most about the seat savers. They take over something that does not belong to them, and by seizing their territory, they are telling newcomers, visitors, guests, lifestyle preview people, and all other residents to DON'T BOTHER COMING tonight if you want to sit down for awhile.
.

I have no idea of how often you go to the squares for the nightly entertainment. I go at least once a week.

Yes, for the MOST popular entertainers like Scooter, Rocky, Uncle Bob, and Cactus Jack, there will be seats saved BUT also if you get there a half hour before showtime, there will be plenty of free chairs to be had. For the majority of entertainers, there will always be lots of free chairs available until 5.

Also, at 5 when the show starts, any tied off chair is free game if the saver has not shown up. No one will kick you out.

[sunnyatlast]

I have no idea of how often you go to the squares for the nightly entertainment. I go at least once a week.

Yes, for the MOST popular entertainers like Scooter, Rocky, Uncle Bob, and Cactus Jack, there will be seats saved BUT also if you get there a half hour before showtime, there will be plenty of free chairs to be had. For the majority of entertainers, there will always be lots of free chairs available until 5.

Also, at 5 when the show starts, any tied off chair is free game if the saver has not shown up. No one will kick you out.

We go to the squares 4-5 nights per week, to all three of them. We go after dinner at home or out at the squares, so going at 5pm or before does not apply to us and many others who want to show up there at 6, 6:30, 7, etc.

Again, my problem with it is not so much about finding/bring a chair as it is about the selfish, cliquish, unwelcoming behavior that is not "hometown friendly". It's about the enabling of selfish, childish, playground behavior!

It makes a bad impression on people as they have stated recently on these threads. It tells the well-mannered and considerate people that the bullies got there first, so "too bad for you".

[Cedwards38]

I'm just curious. Those who believe saving seats in the town squares is not a problem, imagine these scenarios:

The movie theaters begin showings around 10:00 or 10:30 AM each day. Would it be allowable for someone to show up when they open the doors at 9:00 or 9:30 AM, buy one ticket, go into the theater and rope off 20 seats in the center of the theater, leave the theater and meet a group for breakfast, then return with the group to purchase tickets right at showtime and expect the seats to be available for them? Would this cause a stir? Would someone complain? Would it be right? How is this different from roping seats in the squares?

How about someone goes to church early and ropes off the first two pews, returning as the service begins? How about high school graduations? How about if there were a free and open seating event at the Savannah Center or on any other stage in The Villages? How about roping off a couple of rows of parking spaces in the town centers prior to a performance? How about roping off a section of sidewalk prior to one of the popular parades?

For those who believe that the residents who are complaining about the practice of seat roping in the squares are completely wrong and off base, do you think these practices are ok too? How are they different? And please don't just say I'm being ridiculous! Tell me the details of how those things are different.

Thanks in advance.

[Mleeja]

Crickets.......

[rustyp]

New announcement at SS tonight. Out was the old Rob Newton speech and in was the new female announcer. The last part of the announcement was "out of courtesy for your neighbor we ask that you please don't reserve seats".

[sunnyatlast]

New announcement at SS tonight. Out was the old Rob Newton speech and in was the new female announcer. The last part of the announcement was "out of courtesy for your neighbor we ask that you please don't reserve seats".

Lame.

It will take actions, not recorded words tacked onto an announcement they've heard 200 times and no longer pay attention to.

The chairs shouldn't even be put out before 4:00 anyway.

[Wandatime]

I love the idea of stamping a sign on the seat part where you would actually put your butt that says, "If you can read this then this seat is available." Or something like that . . . I can't remember who came up with it on a separate thread but thought it was perfect.

[joldnol]

I'm just curious. Those who believe saving seats in the town squares is not a problem, imagine these scenarios:



How about someone goes to church early and ropes off the first two pews, returning as the service begins? .

lol, you are obviously not from the south. Had you said the back two rows it would be a problem

[Cedwards38]

lol, you are obviously not from the south. Had you said the back two rows it would be a problem

Good point! Let's make it "any two rows." :wave:

...... and I'm still waiting for someone to tell me the difference.

[redwitch]

I think that may be part of the problem (saving seats in other venues). And how often have you gone to a movie where seats weren't being saved for someone else? Apparently, it is common in the Midwest for folks to mark off their "territory" for parades, picnics, etc. and just come back when the event is to start. Sides, no one has to mark off a pew, everyone knows where everyone sits and someone will be quick to tell you if you're in someone's seat, dontchyano. Sometimes it really isn't selfishness or ego, it is a simple doing what has always been done back home. For these folks, a simple announcement will do the trick. For the others, it will take some real enforcement by staff to get the message across and I just don't see that happening.

[Sandtrap328]

We go to the squares 4-5 nights per week, to all three of them. We go after dinner at home or out at the squares, so going at 5pm or before does not apply to us and many others who want to show up there at 6, 6:30, 7, etc.

Again, my problem with it is not so much about finding/bring a chair as it is about the selfish, cliquish, unwelcoming behavior that is not "hometown friendly". It's about the enabling of selfish, childish, playground behavior!

It makes a bad impression on people as they have stated recently on these threads. It tells the well-mannered and considerate people that the bullies got there first, so "too bad for you".

You will not find tied off chairs if you arrive at any square at 6, 6:30, 7, etc. people come and go between sets but there are never tied off chairs at those times.

Wait until the set is over, take an empty seat, enjoy the upcoming set.

[njbchbum]

Wondering how many seats were saved for Rocky and the Rollers in LSL this evening..................

[rustyp]

New announcement again tonight in SS. "Chair Guy" doesn't get it yet.

[Cedwards38]

New announcement again tonight in SS. "Chair Guy" doesn't get it yet.

I'm assuming that you mean an announcement but not enforcement. It's good, but it's not enough.

[Loudoll]

I think that may be part of the problem (saving seats in other venues). And how often have you gone to a movie where seats weren't being saved for someone else? Apparently, it is common in the Midwest for folks to mark off their "territory" for parades, picnics, etc. and just come back when the event is to start. Sides, no one has to mark off a pew, everyone knows where everyone sits and someone will be quick to tell you if you're in someone's seat, dontchyano. Sometimes it really isn't selfishness or ego, it is a simple doing what has always been done back home. For these folks, a simple announcement will do the trick. For the others, it will take some real enforcement by staff to get the message across and I just don't see that happening.
Never thought of that and it never bothered me to see territories saved for our local parades in Ohio. I just thought of how great it was the parades are popular and so well attended. However, it is an entirely different situation when the chairs used for saving belong to the owners and not the city.

[Walt.]

Wondering how many seats were saved for Rocky and the Rollers in LSL this evening..................

I didn't count them, but there were still quite a few at 5:15. Mostly they seemed to be seat cushions but there was at least one batch of about 16-20 tied off with some red ribbon.
I was there looking to buy a house sign so wasn't looking for a seat.

Without everyone going crazy... but the last 2-3 times we've seen Rocky and Rollers they just didn't sound as good as they used to. It just seemed kind of lackluster... like they were just killing time. Maybe it's their plan to end the seat saving controversy by eventually being nothing special.
Just my opinion.

[wudda1955]

...but the last 2-3 times we've seen Rocky and Rollers they just didn't sound as good as they used to. It just seemed kind of lackluster... like they were just killing time.

This is so odd, I just told my husband that I'm getting that feeling from a lot of the entertainment. I thought maybe it was me--I mean, even Scooter seemed lackluster last time I saw him. There was still a crowd, but I wasn't enjoying it as much. Maybe they're burned out. Or, maybe I am. The same sets over and over again, month after month. It gets old after a while.

[graciegirl]

This is so odd, I just told my husband that I'm getting that feeling from a lot of the entertainment. I thought maybe it was me--I mean, even Scooter seemed lackluster last time I saw him. There was still a crowd, but I wasn't enjoying it as much. Maybe they're burned out. Or, maybe I am. The same sets over and over again, month after month. It gets old after a while.

I think you are on to something....Newbies love to go to the squares.


If you don't enjoy having drinks, the squares are enjoyable for a year or two and then a lot of people find other things to do. Sometimes so many during the day, they just want to eat and chill and REST at home after dinner .

Redwitch, I think your explanation is very wise indeed. You are amazing.

[Sandtrap328]

This is so odd, I just told my husband that I'm getting that feeling from a lot of the entertainment. I thought maybe it was me--I mean, even Scooter seemed lackluster last time I saw him. There was still a crowd, but I wasn't enjoying it as much. Maybe they're burned out. Or, maybe I am. The same sets over and over again, month after month. It gets old after a while.

I really enjoy seeing Rocky, Clark, Scooter, The Bendys, and others even after seeing them perform for 5 years. Mrs. Trap and I have our weekly date night at one of the squares, enjoy a couple of drinks, enjoy a couple sets of music, have dinner at a restaurant (really like Thai Ruby), and golf cart back home.

Part of the entertainment for us is seeing all the other people at the squares having the same fun we are having. The Villages is a wonderful place to live!

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I was at LSL last night and there was a blurb at the end of the announcements that said something like; "Out of courtesy to the other patrons, please do not remove the chairs."

I have no idea what that means. Are people now stealing chairs?

Saw a new band there. by the way. Buzzy J and The Verbs might be the best band I've heard play in The Villages. Check them out next time they're around. Three really outstanding musicians who really know their stuff. Locked in rhythm section and a guy that plays phenomenal lead guitar and does most of the singing.

[Polar Bear]

Sure, the squares can be a bit repetitive at times. The experience changes over time, but I don't think I'll ever get tired of it. The wife and I just enjoy (as others have said) getting out on the cart (or car or bikes) and hanging around a while, shaking our booties, having a drink. Watching and being a part of the crowd. Roping off our seats. (JUST KIDDING!! :1rotfl: )

When I compare it to what I'd be doing on a nothing-particular-to-do evening where I used to live, I'm perfectly happy with the town square entertainment. Especially considering the cost and all the other options we have for things to do.

[sunnyatlast]

I really enjoy seeing Rocky, Clark, Scooter, The Bendys, and others even after seeing them perform for 5 years. Mrs. Trap and I have our weekly date night at one of the squares, enjoy a couple of drinks, enjoy a couple sets of music, have dinner at a restaurant (really like Thai Ruby), and golf cart back home.

Part of the entertainment for us is seeing all the other people at the squares having the same fun we are having. The Villages is a wonderful place to live!

I agree 100%.

Also, we go to the squares "because we can". Where else in the whole USA are there real downtowns with town squares having all nice retail and bar-restaurants and movie theaters, that are almost crime free and people can freely stroll around at night?

Nowhere! Then add to that live music and dancing every single night at 3 squares and it is incomparable.

[justjim]

Our first year in TV we went to the Square two or three times a week. Second year we probably didn't make it more than once a week. Year three maybe two or three times a month. Now just moving into year 10, we only grace the squares on special occasions, to bring guests and for an occasional lunch, dinner or shopping. When we do go dancing on the Squares, we try to make it a point to meet Villagers we have never met before.

I suppose you can call it "burn out". However, I still play golf more times per month than I go to the squares---just as I did the first years in TV. Our friends in TV have pretty much followed the same pattern regarding the squares. Frankly, with all due respect, I've seen enough line dancing to last a lifetime.

Being from a small Midwest (Illinois) town, I've never roped off a bunch of seats in my life. There was no "need" then or now. I think word will get around that it's not the "courteous" thing to do to rope off the best seats for you and your party of a dozen or so. I say keep making that announcement and perhaps a couple of similarly worded signs around the square will seal the deal. Remember to dance while the music is still playing!

[Chi-Town]

I was at LSL last night and there was a blurb at the end of the announcements that said something like; "Out of courtesy to the other patrons, please do not remove the chairs."

I have no idea what that means. Are people now stealing chairs?

Saw a new band there. by the way. Buzzy J and The Verbs might be the best band I've heard play in The Villages. Check them out next time they're around. Three really outstanding musicians who really know their stuff. Locked in rhythm section and a guy that plays phenomenal lead guitar and does most of the singing.
Was there last night also. The band nailed it with Credence. Excellent group. There is on certain nights a fairly large contigent that move the chairs to across from the kiosks where they can smoke. That may be the reason for the announcement.

[Meddick]

We have rated the groups we have seen on a 0 to 4 basis and avoid those with low ratings. One thing we have noticed is that with most groups, the first set (5 to 6 PM) is usually at a lower energy level than the later sets. However, last night we went to Brownwood to see Uncle Bob's Rock Shop (they rate 5 on our 0 to 4 scale) and they took off at a high energy level on the first set and never let it drop (although we did leave at 8 to go get something to eat).

At Brownwood, they have dropped the golf cart - open container comment from the announcement - I think open container still (wisely) applies to golf carts.

Don

[CFrance]

Our first year in TV we went to the Square two or three times a week. Second year we probably didn't make it more than once a week. Year three maybe two or three times a month. Now just moving into year 10, we only grace the squares on special occasions, to bring guests and for an occasional lunch, dinner or shopping. When we do go dancing on the Squares, we try to make it a point to meet Villagers we have never met before.

I suppose you can call it "burn out". However, I still play golf more times per month than I go to the squares---just as I did the first years in TV. Our friends in TV have pretty much followed the same pattern regarding the squares. Frankly, with all due respect, I've seen enough line dancing to last a lifetime.

Being from a small Midwest (Illinois) town, I've never roped off a bunch of seats in my life. There was no "need" then or now. I think word will get around that it's not the "courteous" thing to do to rope off the best seats for you and your party of a dozen or so. I say keep making that announcement and perhaps a couple of similarly worded signs around the square will seal the deal. Remember to dance while the music is still playing!
When we were kids in Madison, Ohio, it was common to mark your spot for the July 4 fireworks with a chair or blanket. When we were adults in Grand Haven, MI, (both are small towns), it was common practice during the day to spread blankets on the grass and chairs along the street to see the waterfront performances and fireworks, and the parade of the yearly Coast Guard Festival. However, there were no rules against this. Plus they were once-a-year events, not a nightly one.

[Cedwards38]

I was at LSL last night and there was a blurb at the end of the announcements that said something like; "Out of courtesy to the other patrons, please do not remove the chairs."

I have no idea what that means. Are people now stealing chairs?

Saw a new band there. by the way. Buzzy J and The Verbs might be the best band I've heard play in The Villages. Check them out next time they're around. Three really outstanding musicians who really know their stuff. Locked in rhythm section and a guy that plays phenomenal lead guitar and does most of the singing.

Sounds great! You gotta figure there is a lot of action when that band plays! When do they play again? I'm gonna go save my seat right now!:a040:

[MikeV]

They should do like McAlister's does. Put up sighs that state no saving seats allowed and you will be asked to move it you do.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Sounds great! You gotta figure there is a lot of action when that band plays! When do they play again? I'm gonna go save my seat right now!:a040:

I don't know when they'll be back. They mentioned several times that they are from Cleveland, Ohio. I think they just come through here a few times a year.

Truly a great group of professional musicians.

[the square]

Was at Lake Sumter Thursday night. I took pics of two separate chair roping and chair saving occurrences with my cell phone. The Special Event Staff ignored them and there was more. 5 pm came and went and still no one was in those seats. And there were no more seats available. The new recording came on but was ignored. I don't know who to send these pics to for some resolution. Any info would help.

[Cedwards38]

Was at Lake Sumter Thursday night. I took pics of two separate chair roping and chair saving occurrences with my cell phone. The Special Event Staff ignored them and there was more. 5 pm came and went and still no one was in those seats. And there were no more seats available. The new recording came on but was ignored. I don't know who to send these pics to for some resolution. Any info would help.

Oh yeah! They were taking their time having a nice casual dinner somewhere because they didn't have to worry as their seats were saved! Post them here and send them to the Villages Entertainment.:coolsmiley:

[Villager Joyce]

Post pics of the people that sit in the reserved seats, not empty seats. Of course, they will probably sue you for doing so.