It may also come down to the question of whether or not a festival is a cost-effective way to get out the message, at least on the scale that it now exists.   I think the Clearwater does an extraordinary job of teaching and spreading the environmental message. Given the costs that are involved, perhaps a festival is not in the best interests of the organization. Should Clearwater gamble its resources and face the potential of ceasing to exist as an organization?

I sometimes wonder if new audiences "get" the message. There is something to be said for preaching to the choir and helping to strengthen resolve. Often, an audience will show up just because of one "pop" performer but they will remain oblivious to the surrounding hoopla. I would be curious to see how many new memberships are created during the festival. I would assume that it is a major source for new members.   Have these members been polled to see what attracted them to the festival? Perhaps Clearwater can be just as effective with smaller crowds and a return to the "old ways".