Getting people in the gates

[Lee]

After reading the posts on the carnival, even with the differing opinions, all parties want to attract more visitors/members. One of the ideas that I can think of is, instead of trying to get them to Rollag, bring a part of Rollag to them. WMSTR is the second biggest show of this type in the USA, and some people in the immediate area do not realize it even exists. By having a booth at local fairs, entries in parades, articles in tourist magazines, etc, the sky is the limit. I believe WMSTR had something at Big Iron, but Rollag appeals to more than just farmers. Some people I talk to used to go to Rollag but haven't been there for years. They need to see that a lot has changed. The first timers that go come back amazed with everything that is going on.
A booth set up at a fair would be see be many people. A video of the show playing would give them a chance to see what is there. People love door prizes and giveaways, so videos or other stuff with WMSTR would be a natural. Space permitting, a raffle tractor could be brought in and tickets sold. The idea is to get the WMSTR name out there. We cannot assume everyone knows about Rollag. Times have changed a lot.
If we can get the public in the gate, the exhibits and especially the members, speak for themselves. Thanks, Jeff Lee

[thevintageangel]

Good thinking. I don't think there is anything like that set up at the Clay County Fair, but it would be a good idea. I could probably organize something if I got some other people that would want to help out.

[defsim]

In past years we have had a raffle tractor at the Clay County fair (the local fair) along with the tractor there was a group of musicians that played a few Rollag vintage songs. It was always an attention getter. This years raffle tractor should be ready to go. Contact Stanley Sandman and I'm sure he will see to it that the tractor will get to Barnesville.
Brian

[thevintageangel]

cool, thanks for the heads up. I'm sure I've seen it there before actually.

just a thought...

While I was considering different ways we can bring up the show, I've been thinking of larger historical era shows like the Renassiance Festival in the cities. In my opinion, Rollag seems to have the potential of a show like that if only we can figure out ways to keep people interested while still maintaining a high level of historical significance.

:computer:

[Mallands]

I come across people when you mention Rollag, say "What's Rollag?" Or recently when I said I was going to Rollag for the weekend to work, two people said "It is on this time of year?" I think last year I found some flyers in the Admin Bldg. and took them home to post in different places. Also, wear your t-shirts to other places besides Rollag, especially in August. They are great advertising!
Roxane

[thevintageangel]

A couple of us grabbed flyers out of the ad building during steam school. We've been handing them out all over and they've been going like hot cakes! Keep it up folks!

[Ned]

If all goes well I will fire up my 1/3 scale Case and drive it in a parade in Borup MN July 7th trying to get some people interested in the show.
If there are any other places that would like to have my little engine in their parade or fair and its within an hour drive of Fargo - Moorhead send me a message and let me know.

Erik the NEd :bannana:

[Rachel Baker]

I know this is short notice, but I thought I would throw it out there anyway...

I emailed a contact at the Clay County Fair to see what we would need to do to get some booth space at next year's fair, thinking that it would be all filled up at this point.....but there is still some booth space available!! If we wanted to try to get something together to advertise the show a bit, this could be a really good opportunity if we could work it out.

It costs $85 for the booth and the hours are as follows:

Thursday (set-up day) 8am-10pm
Friday & Saturday 12-10pm
Sunday 12-7pm

It might be hard to find people that can work the weekdays though, since most people have jobs, and especially on such short notice. I just thought I would bring up the idea and see if anyone might be interested. And if we aren't able to showcase Steamer Hill this year, let's keep this in mind for the future!

Thanks!
Rachel Baker

[Lee]

I was reading another web forum and someone had the idea to have tractors available for the spectators to drive. They would have a qualified person with them at all times, but they would get a chance to drive a tractor around a small course that was set up. Probably wouldn't be an Oil Pull but something more on the order of a standard tractor; AR, BR, W-series, C Case, etc. Smaller tractors could used (C Allis, ABC Intl, something with a buddy seat) for the younger kids. When people get to interact or participate, it really makes an lasting impression.

[M Kerkvliet]

I was reading another web forum and someone had the idea to have tractors available for the spectators to drive. They would have a qualified person with them at all times, but they would get a chance to drive a tractor around a small course that was set up. Probably wouldn't be an Oil Pull but something more on the order of a standard tractor; AR, BR, W-series, C Case, etc. Smaller tractors could used (C Allis, ABC Intl, something with a buddy seat) for the younger kids. When people get to interact or participate, it really makes an lasting impression.

Not a bad idea Jeff, but it would be difficult to incorporate on any kind of scale in our organization. We require people to be members before they can operate any equipment on out property, attend a safety meeting for the type of equipment they will be operating, and sign an affidavit saying they have read and understand the rules. Too bad we have to go through all of that, but in todays litigious society, I guess all of the bases have to be covered.

It would be cool to have a controlled environment where something like that could be done, but I just don't think is is going to be possible.

[Sean Nelson]

Lee participated in that as a visitor at the Monroe,WA show (tractor driving) including a timed barrel pushing race ( 1 at a time). My wife Becky won.:o
Another thing I have noticed is an absence of WMSTR in some local schedules of events and things to do, also in national steam and tractor publications and calendars.
Is it possible to put out a hand out and poster online that we can email to people we know would be interested. Also we could print it off, copy it and hand it out to people at other shows.

[40avery]

I emailed a contact at the Clay County Fair to see what we would need to do to get some booth space at next year's fair, thinking that it would be all filled up at this point.....but there is still some booth space available!! If we wanted to try to get something together to advertise the show a bit, this could be a really good opportunity if we could work it out.


Rachel,

Great Idea. If you can get people to man the booth I am very willing to bring it up to the board. I wish you had mentioned it tonight at the meeting.

Rick

[Ned]

How about slow races with steam engines we used to do it and it faded out theres enough room on the lower two roads (just south of admin) to do it and Virgil is more than willing to broadcast it on the PA. Its fun I wish more poeple would consider it instead of just getting done with the parade and boiling water

Erik the Ned

ps Averys are out they have two cylinders and thats cheating!!!;)

[Sean Nelson]

Thats ok Ned we willl use the Gaar Scott instead:D

[mnjunkman]

I have come to your show as a visiter for 18 years. I would like to become a member but working full time and having a young family makes it difficult. We collect gas engines and have some old gas tractors. My son and I camped at the show this year and we were talking with other visiters in the camp ground. What I was hearing is that there is not much advertisement for the show other than word of mouth. I know I have told many people about your show in minnesota that had never heard of it. Another issue is its really expensive for family to come up with tent and pay 125.00 to stay one night and there no showers. Its the most expensive show I have attended. If you want families to come every year it needs to be affordible for them to stay. Everybody knows we need young people to keep this fun event going in the future. As a family of 6 we enjoy comming to your show I hope you consider our thoughts and ideas. I have been attending shows for the last 20 years and it seems that the average age of club members is getting older and many clubs are suffering. Thank you

[40avery]

I do not know what happened with your charges because camping fees for visitors is $25.00 for four days. We have checked often and are one of the cheapest for camping fees that we know of.

Rick

[gustp]

If you had 5 season passes plus camping it would be 125 That's all I can come up with Might be some issue with daily pass and season??

[Mallands]

I am not sure what the lifetime membership is now. Initially it may be a little spendy for a family of five, but after that it is $10 a person for a season pass. Us people who have campers there more than 30 days have to pay $25, but I don't think those who have them less than 30 days have to pay anything. So, I am saying become a member and it is cheaper!