[tophcfa]

This would not have happened if Harold Schwartz or Gary Morse were running the show. Times they are a changing. Some think the changes are good, others not so much.

[njbchbum]

Originally Posted by Kerry Azz

Isn’t that why we pay an amenity fee? And don’t they make money when they have a big event! It cost the towns and cities a lot more to set up these events and I’ve yet to see them charge to attend. Personally I think the Entertainment Department has made ridiculous changes over the past few years and each one of those changes unfortunately shows their concern to increase revenue.

No, Kerry, that is not what an amenity fee pays for. The businesses around the squares pay for the entertainment - an incentive to get you to go there and spend your money. Sumter County does award a small tourism grant to support the functions at Lake Sumter and Brownwood squares - and that $ comes from a County hotel/rental tax not property taxes. The Entertainment Dept that produces many of the events on the squares is no longer a function of the Villages - it was spun off an sold some time ago. Hope that helps your understanding a bit better.

[njbchbum]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

This would not have happened if Harold Schwartz or Gary Morse were running the show. Times they are a changing. Some think the changes are good, others not so much.

LOL How is it that you know that? DO you commune with them in order to know what they are thinking these days? LOL I must be watching too much Long Island Medium! lolololololol

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by CWGUY

That's an easy one...... it's their seats not yours! They can save seats and you can't. You can still go. There is still a free option (paid for by selling seats) for others. Takes a crane, 2 trucks, 5-6 guys, and 2 nights to set up and decorate the tree. Wonder how much that costs...... nobody posts asking that! Thank you Entertainment Dept.

Minor correction - the free option isn't paid for by selling seats. It's paid for by the county, eg. your tax dollars if you live in that county. It's part of their tourism budget.

My opinion on the subject:

As long as it's a very small square-footage they reserve for the pay option, and that area is not blocking the view of everyone else, I don't think it's a big deal. The square is still accessible to the public at no charge. The people paying are getting something no one ever gets anyway. It's one of those "value added" pay-for-perks, like paying a trail fee for the "free" executive golf courses we get as residents. They're free - but using the golf carts on the paths cost extra.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by Ben Franklin

I'll watch the live stream on my computer. I'm not going to support merchants AND pay to see it.

You don't have to pay to see it. You have to pay if you want a reserved table, appetizers, and a couple of drinks. You can still see it there free, as you always have.

[vintageogauge]

I don't see the problem. I someone is willing to pay for a seat on a side street with a private bar, good for him. I went to a Brownwood tree lighting and had to park in The Villages Health Specialist parking lot. It was so crowded we walked around the square, walked back to the car, and went home. Never again. We now enjoy driving around the neighborhoods down here to see the lights homeowners put up and there are some great displays. I don't know where they keep all that stuff after Christmas.

[Ronnie61]

I like this option. Do you know why? Because I’m sick and tired of showing up two hours early to events to save chairs. It becomes a competition of who can get there the earliest and has the most patience to sit around for hours on end ....it happens at Pools when you’re on vacation ....it happens at fireworks......and I’m tired of it ......hubby and i show up and find one person saving 10 of the best seats while 9 people sat home....... we should outlaw saving seats. If you’re not there you don’t get your seat! done ! then maybe we wouldn’t have to pay for things

[Chi-Town]

Originally Posted by Chi-Town

Went to the tree lighting ceremony when we first moved here. It was cold and crowded but was used to that moving from the Chicago area. After the countdown the lights went on and.....meh. Dull lighting at best. They seem to have gotten a little brighter over the years but not worth paying for. I didn't expect the Rockefeller Center, but that was not what I expected. I'll pass.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

Minor correction - the free option isn't paid for by selling seats. It's paid for by the county, eg. your tax dollars if you live in that county. It's part of their tourism budget.

My opinion on the subject:

As long as it's a very small square-footage they reserve for the pay option, and that area is not blocking the view of everyone else, I don't think it's a big deal. The square is still accessible to the public at no charge. The people paying are getting something no one ever gets anyway. It's one of those "value added" pay-for-perks, like paying a trail fee for the "free" executive golf courses we get as residents. They're free - but using the golf carts on the paths cost extra.

Correction - it's partially paid for by the county.

[CWGUY]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

Minor correction - the free option isn't paid for by selling seats. It's paid for by the county, eg. your tax dollars if you live in that county. It's part of their tourism budget.

My opinion on the subject:

As long as it's a very small square-footage they reserve for the pay option, and that area is not blocking the view of everyone else, I don't think it's a big deal. The square is still accessible to the public at no charge. The people paying are getting something no one ever gets anyway. It's one of those "value added" pay-for-perks, like paying a trail fee for the "free" executive golf courses we get as residents. They're free - but using the golf carts on the paths cost extra.

I don't profess to be the expert some seem to think they are but..... I believe it is money collected from a tourism tax collected. Please let me know if I am wrong.

[Velvet]

I’m with Ben, if it means crowds, you can count me out free or otherwise.

[pauld315]

Originally Posted by CWGUY

I don't profess to be the expert some seem to think they are but..... I believe it is money collected from a tourism tax collected. Please let me know if I am wrong.

You are partially right. The counties do provide a stipend each year for the entertainment in the squares but it doesn't cover the cost. I think the majority of the money comes from the businesses at the squares. None of this is paid for by amenity fees.

[CWGUY]

Originally Posted by pauld315

You are partially right. The counties do provide a stipend each year for the entertainment in the squares but it doesn't cover the cost. I think the majority of the money comes from the businesses at the squares. None of this is paid for by amenity fees.

Thanks. I knew that. What I was trying to point out was the tax money was not PROPERTY TAX money but Tourism Tax money. I didn't say it well. Thanks again

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I stand corrected! Partially funded by county tax. Partially funded by tourism tax. Partially funded by - maybe other things?

As for the seat-savers, I've noticed this on normal evenings not just holidays (I've been down here during a few of them even though I just moved in for good).

The last time, I feel, is going to be the last time. From now on if someone says "these seats are for people who are expected" I'll tell them "great. When they come, I'll vacate." And park my young-senior butt in the chair.

[CWGUY]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

I stand corrected! Partially funded by county tax. Partially funded by tourism tax. Partially funded by - maybe other things?

As for the seat-savers, I've noticed this on normal evenings not just holidays (I've been down here during a few of them even though I just moved in for good).

The last time, I feel, is going to be the last time. From now on if someone says "these seats are for people who are expected" I'll tell them "great. When they come, I'll vacate." And park my young-senior butt in the chair.

They make a public announcement before each entertainment set starts. Seat saving is allowed if one of your group stays with the saved seats. Or something like that. No seats tied together with string, rope, tape etc. or leaving seat cushions on them and leaving. You may want to check the rules first.