It's a different world then when I started flying. Pattern was the top of the rc aerobatic performance world, and did not share the throne. Today, the popcorn culture we live in has many options, and people are different. Not only will they choose something different than pattern, they'll choose again in 3-6 months. When I started, it was 'oh, that's John's plane', or 'Bob's plane'. Now the SUV backs up with 14 planes, and pulls out of the lot an hour later. I say all that to say that Pattern is from a different era, and I doubt it will ever rise from the ashes to be what it once was. It's just not as novel as the world around it anymore. AND, we're getting old. Not just pattern pilots, all pilots. The average age is up there in our club, and rising. I wish it were just money & time, but the interest level is not in kids like it used to be.

Having said thusly, I'll tell you what seems to be working. Our club has started a summer pattern series called "Props and Brats". Once a month, we have a 3 round, couple of hour long afternoon pattern contest, which is closely coupled with .... EATING!!!! Yes, that's critically important; a cookout on the grounds really brings folks out. Patricipation follows the 80/20 rule. We have up to ~8 guys that will fly, but usually 20 or so in the pits pigging out...and watching. Our guys are usually good about turning out for a club function, and this is a good venue.
We're coming to our closing two contests in 'championship series' (points accummulate through the summer), then it's off for the winter. I could go on about the details, but it is a pretty simple concept. The bottom line is this; we as pattern pilots can increase participation if we're willing to work at it. Yes, it does take work, but the interest level has grown, and this weekend I hope to have 3 new guys travel to their first ama pattern event ever. There; greenies joining the ranks...Don't say it can't be done - go do something about it. If anyone wants more details, I'd be glad to share them...I usually do at the contests I go to. I think our guys have really enjoyed it.