[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Velvet

Not happy to hear this about the tents.

According to most statistics, last night there were about 6000 people who didn't sit in the VIP tent and 50 who did. It sold out quickly.

[Velvet]

I like the idea of everyone coming to see the lights free of charge, no special privileges for such an event, it is not a sports event or something. Everyone equally welcome.

[JoMar]

Originally Posted by Velvet

I like the idea of everyone coming to see the lights free of charge, no special privileges for such an event, it is not a sports event or something. Everyone equally welcome.

And they were

[600th Photo Sq]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Hundreds of people gather to watch as... - The Villages Daily Sun | Facebook

Click arrow on left side of the picture to see all of the pictures of this event.

P.S. It was free. NO charge as will be the other two, free as well.

I honestly do not see or get what the big deal is about lighting up a Xmas Tree at a " Gathering ". At the Square.

The tree lights go on hands clap, cheers, and............ meanwhile, people go away thinking.......now what.

Meanwhile, I will in the next few days put 1400 lights on my live holly tree without any fanfare and put the lights on a timer and welcome the happy compliments from the neighbors.

I shake my head at times when some make such a big deal out of nothing.

The person who was the chosen one to turn on the switch @ Brownwood was is and feels " Special " .

And those who were there well ahhh yes blissfull Memories

[anothersteve]

Originally Posted by 600th Photo Sq

I honestly do not see or get what the big deal is about lighting up a Xmas Tree at a " Gathering ". At the Square.

The tree lights go on hands clap, cheers, and............ meanwhile, people go away thinking.......now what.

Meanwhile, I will in the next few days put 1400 lights on my live holly tree without any fanfare and put the lights on a timer and welcome the happy compliments from the neighbors.

I shake my head at times when some make such a big deal out of nothing.

The person who was the chosen one to turn on the switch @ Brownwood was is and feels " Special " .

And those who were there well ahhh yes blissfull Memories

So why would you want to diminish what others do to get in the mood/spirit?
Steve

[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

According to most statistics, last night there were about 6000 people who didn't sit in the VIP tent and 50 who did. It sold out quickly.

The newspaper said "hundreds." I don't think they could fit 6000 people in, around and on all the streets there. Not sure where those stats came from but I wasn't there so maybe it could have been that large. Who knows? Maybe the person who came up with those numbers will be on Dancing With The Stars in a few months!

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by EdFNJ

The newspaper said "hundreds." I don't think they could fit 6000 people in, around and on all the streets there. Not sure where those stats came from but I wasn't there so maybe it could have been that large. Who knows? Maybe the person who came up with those numbers will be on Dancing With The Stars in a few months!

Here is a picture. If you look at the bottom right of the picture you will see cones marking a "walkway" to the "tent" that seated fifty people.

[skip0358]

If someone or some group wants to spend money to sit in a special place under cover with limited seating so be it. It's a donation to Charity besides. You don't have to get POd about it you'll never see a Circus tent go up and no way can they start charging everyone to go see it. Where can't you sit or stand and not see the tree light in the square? All of the Bars & Restaurants have outside seating. If I had wanted to go I'd have been at one of those places period. Enjoy the lite show that's why they do it period. If you don't like the crowds or don't like the tents stay home and watch it on your computer. Happy Holidays however you enjoy them!

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Here is a picture. If you look at the bottom right of the picture you will see cones marking a "walkway" to the "tent" that seated fifty people.

I started counting them, but lost track after 12. I think I counted one guy twice.

[CWGUY]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I started counting them, but lost track after 12. I think I counted one guy twice.

That could have been me that you counted twice..... I'm kind of a big guy. I made a resolution last New Years to loss 20 pounds ....... only have 25 lbs.to go!

[hviergever]

What a disappointment this show was compared to previous years. We stood in the corner across from 5 Guys and heard very little or nothing, maybe a little of the lady leading the carols. The pictures on the front page appear to have been taken at rehearsal.... No candles, no colourful twirlers, drummers, (we got here at 5:30...did we miss them?). When I saw the tents for the paid seats, my thoughts were Shakespearean, Much Ado About Nothing.... What a source for division in our community.... If there had been a PR rep on the issue and explained to us all what the minimal plans were, I think the controversy could have been stopped in its tracks. Who here, along with me, thought those special seats were going to be at least half the middle sections of the grandstands. You know, the great seats, and probably several hundreds in total. And why at 8:00 pm? 7:00 was perfect. Standing around for that extra hour was such a waste waiting for SOMETHING, ANYTHING to happen. Actually, there should be embarrassment all round for thi flop. We used to go to at least one other lighting the color and the effort shown by the usual entertainers, but it's not gonna happen. I am also surprised no one else has commented with these sentiments yet on this thread....... Let the flaming begin.

[KRM0614]

You’re kidding right ? The entire fee was for charity ? Who took the tax deduction not the person who paid the fee - if this is true then be transparent and show the homeowners the fee payers how much you collected and how much went for expenses donations etc

I don’t believe it - when did people lose common sense ? Too much sun ?

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by hviergever

What a disappointment this show was compared to previous years. We stood in the corner across from 5 Guys and heard very little or nothing, maybe a little of the lady leading the carols. The pictures on the front page appear to have been taken at rehearsal.... No candles, no colourful twirlers, drummers, (we got here at 5:30...did we miss them?). When I saw the tents for the paid seats, my thoughts were Shakespearean, Much Ado About Nothing.... What a source for division in our community.... If there had been a PR rep on the issue and explained to us all what the minimal plans were, I think the controversy could have been stopped in its tracks. Who here, along with me, thought those special seats were going to be at least half the middle sections of the grandstands. You know, the great seats, and probably several hundreds in total. And why at 8:00 pm? 7:00 was perfect. Standing around for that extra hour was such a waste waiting for SOMETHING, ANYTHING to happen. Actually, there should be embarrassment all round for thi flop. We used to go to at least one other lighting the color and the effort shown by the usual entertainers, but it's not gonna happen. I am also surprised no one else has commented with these sentiments yet on this thread....... Let the flaming begin.

For Free, TAKE.
For Buy, COMPLAIN.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by KRM0614

You’re kidding right ? The entire fee was for charity ? Who took the tax deduction not the person who paid the fee - if this is true then be transparent and show the homeowners the fee payers how much you collected and how much went for expenses donations etc

I don’t believe it - when did people lose common sense ? Too much sun ?

50 people in the VIP tent paid to sit there and part of the fee went to charity. 50 out of all these people paid. ALL of these people you see in this picture were there FOR FREE.

[anothersteve]

Originally Posted by hviergever

I am also surprised no one else has commented with these sentiments yet on this thread....... Let the flaming begin.

Maybe because no one, or very few, feel the way you do?
Steve