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Cost of Seeing Red Festival & Seaside Half Marathon

nfishBeach Crab
2,126 views
Can anyone explain to me the rising costs of these events. I was buying two tickets to the 4 hour tasting, that I have attended annually since the mid 90's and the rising cost floors me. For two tickets it's $269 with all the taxes.

The Seaside School event is now $65 for just the 5K with $90 for the half marathon. Clearly one of the most expensive runs in the country. Not to mention the cost of entry rises even further after December.

I am happy to be going to the Marina Center to hear Neil Young for $30 per ticket this Monday. Great singer for a great price.

With the current times, everything worth less, our homes and other assets. Why are these events still on the rise?

Replies

15
Kurt avatar
KurtAdmin
#2
I think probably both events charge what the market will bear. They are very popular. We'll see if they end up full or not but my guess is yes. The Seaside school is awesome - I hope they get a lotta dollars.
cabytheseaBeach Lover
#3
I would be interested in hearing from those of you who have attended other wine fesitvals. I have attended quite a few over the years and Seaside charges based on the name/location - not on the value (IMO). No big deal - if Seaside is your thing, that's fine. I would encourage real wine enthusiasts to explore other festivals and experience the difference.
Concerning the the Seaside run, again, if the Seaside Charter School is your charity of choice - go for it. Everyone has an opinion/preference as to which organizations, in this economy, should be supported.
cabytheseaBeach Lover
#4
PS. Neil Young rocks - see you there!!!!
beachmouse avatar
beachmouseBeach Fanatic
#5
With the 5K, you're paying for the Vera Bradley bag. Big Time.

As for the 1/2, it's in line with the entry fees for New Orleans Mardi Gras, Apalachicola, and Birmingham, but significantly more than what you'll pay to get to the line for Pensacola, Tallahassee, Warner Robins, and if you're looking for a cheap half Timberlake at Eglin (we promise paved roads for this one) right around Thanksgiving will set you back only $20 (though I don't know if that gets you a t-shirt)

As for most expensive, they aren't close. Disney will charge you $135 for their half, though that comes with a hug from Mickey at the finish line.
scooterbug44 avatar
scooterbug44SoWal Expert
#6
IMO part of the price is increasing costs to put the events on, and the rest is you (and others) still willing to pay the prices you think are high.

But since you couldn't pay me to carry a Vera Bradley bag, I am not their target demographic and my perspective may be skewed. ;-)
Lynnie avatar
LynnieSoWal Insider
#7
I'm with you on the Vera Bradley bag and I really have never see the attraction. I go to the Red Wine Festival if I have guests and they don't usually balk at the entry fees. I guess if they get sufficiently drunk, it's considered a fair price.......go figure. 😀
Danny Burns avatar
Danny BurnsBeach Fanatic
#8
With the 5K, you're paying for the Vera Bradley bag. Big Time.

As for the 1/2, it's in line with the entry fees for New Orleans Mardi Gras, Apalachicola, and Birmingham, but significantly more than what you'll pay to get to the line for Pensacola, Tallahassee, Warner Robins, and if you're looking for a cheap half Timberlake at Eglin (we promise paved roads for this one) right around Thanksgiving will set you back only $20 (though I don't know if that gets you a t-shirt)

As for most expensive, they aren't close. Disney will charge you $135 for their half, though that comes with a hug from Mickey at the finish line.

Vera Bradley actually pays to sponsor the run and donates the bags...I don't get the attraction with the bags either but, to each his own. And, I would bet the thing will be sold out again this year.
beachmouse avatar
beachmouseBeach Fanatic
#9
Save for the clusterf*** with the parking at Publix the last time I did it, it really is a nice and well run race with a lovely course for the half. And if you're doing the race as part of a destination weekend deal, the entry fee is a pretty small part of that.

I'll probably not be back this year though, both because I'd like to see a bit of a different course for my next half (I've done Seaside half three times) and because I don't want to have to commit probably two months out from race day because it will sell out again. So it's me and not the race, though I do think the 5K is a really poor value for the money, even with the bag.
Miss Critter avatar
Miss CritterBeach Fanatic
#10
Or you can volunteer for the festival and get in for free while helping a worthy cause. 😀
Smiling JOe avatar
Smiling JOeSoWal Expert
#11
For several years, the Seaside Half Marathon has sold out very early, so of course economics show that it may be able to bear a higher ticket price.
Beach Runner avatar
Beach Runnerbeats on hood
#12
People are willing to pay, so let demand determine the price. We visit in the fall for the relaxation of watching college football with Gulf views. We are already spending a boatload of money each month for the luxury of owning a home at the beach, so we are just thrilled to enjoy the free pleasures of being at the beach. I understand that people who aren't at the beach as often as we are and don't have a mortgage at a beach residence can afford the fees for special events. That's cool. But I prefer just enjoying our beach home. I feel very blessed for this privilege.
Matt J avatar
Matt JSWGB
#13
Just as everything in your life those things have gone up for the various charities that these events support. In addition those charities are not getting the large checks they were used to in the past.
heartbren avatar
heartbrenBeach Fanatic
#14
expenses

With the 5K, you're paying for the Vera Bradley bag. Big Time.

As for the 1/2, it's in line with the entry fees for New Orleans Mardi Gras, Apalachicola, and Birmingham, but significantly more than what you'll pay to get to the line for Pensacola, Tallahassee, Warner Robins, and if you're looking for a cheap half Timberlake at Eglin (we promise paved roads for this one) right around Thanksgiving will set you back only $20 (though I don't know if that gets you a t-shirt)

As for most expensive, they aren't close. Disney will charge you $135 for their half, though that comes with a hug from Mickey at the finish line.


Actually I am from New Orleans and Mardi Gras costs nothing if you go to the parades. It is the costs of the hotels, etc. that get you if you are from out of town. I've never payed a penny to see Mardi Gras parades and you can bring your own ice chest if you don't want to spend a lot on drinks. I know the wine festival i s for a good cause but a lot more people could go so they would probably make more money if they lowered the prices just a little.
beachmouse avatar
beachmouseBeach Fanatic
#15
Mardi Gras=Mardi Gras Marathon, which is a very nice race if you're interested in a running/long walking tour of the city.
Matt J avatar
Matt JSWGB
#16
Actually I am from New Orleans and Mardi Gras costs nothing if you go to the parades. It is the costs of the hotels, etc. that get you if you are from out of town. I've never payed a penny to see Mardi Gras parades and you can bring your own ice chest if you don't want to spend a lot on drinks. I know the wine festival i s for a good cause but a lot more people could go so they would probably make more money if they lowered the prices just a little.

The vendors are already donating quite a bit, more people requires more donation and then you'll start losing vendors.

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