I was charging $50 entry fees as far back as 2000 for contest I ran. Entry numbers were never a problem. Given costs today the fact that the CC is still $50 seems reasonable to me. People have very little idea what the behind the scenes costs are. One example - printing. They'll need 100 scoresheets minimum and more since so many pilots "lose" theirs. Then Aresti in both direction for all five classes plus judges, and so on. That cost alone can be significant. Trophies, raffle prizes, and other admin costs can run the cost of a contest up to the $500 to $700 range in no time. Add in port-a-potties, PA systems, etc. and most clubs make very little even at $50 a head.

And finally, I'm sorry, but the entry fee just cannot be the make or break cost. Travel costs FAR exceed entry fees. A trip from SOCAL to PHX for a contest costs $500 for me depending on meals. It could cost more. Then look at the costs of our planes, fuel, and so on it makes it hard for me to buy the argument that $50 is a deal breaker.

The Cactus Classic is one of the best run contests you can attend and it is more than worth the current entry fee. 60 other people have already made that clear by paying their entry fees for this year.