There's a lot of truth to what sps3172 says. Our club has tried for years to increase participation in fun-type competitive events by simplifying them time and again to the point where pretty much anyone who can take off and land can win, but it's always the same few who enter. We've tried to be as friendly and helpful as possible but it seems there are only a small number who will actually step up and try to do a specified, measured task.
I think the first step to increasing participation in pattern is to narrow our search...start with the guys who actually do fun flies or old timer contests and try to 'turn' them.