For me pattern has always been first and foremost about the people. The friends I have made along the pattern trail are some of the best people around, bar none! Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the flying and the challenge of competition, but without the people it just wouldn't be as fun. Raffles and giveaways are nice, but give me a good party at the pilots' dinner Saturday night over any of that. It's worth it, even if it costs a little extra on the entrance fee. Outside of the contests, just the practicing with friends at the local club gets my pattern juices flowing every spring. Of course, I'm fortunate enough to have a club that's pretty much nothing but pattern flyers with one of the best designers/trimmers at my disposal, so that doesn't hurt either