Let's face it folks, the corporate sponsorships of damn near anything is what keeps them going. Both Rick and Doug have made the salient points. Additionally, whatever it is that motivates these giants to cough up some money, whether it be for advertising or to atone for corporate guilt, it is still up to everyone to decide each "issue" for himself. We are not really different than the corporations. We do things to promote our interests (attending some event) or we assuage our guilt by NOT participating, taking a stand if you will, no matter what its "big picture" impact.

There are plenty of folk gatherings, but the cost of them keeps climbing too. It has trickled down to the level where many activities are still too costly even at their lowest levels and if the events are to continue, then sponsorship is inevitable. The "Folk Tradition" may be one of the last to be facing this and also one of the hardest to find sponsorship for. The day will arrive, as has happened at Mariposa, when the smaller businesses will no longer be able to foot the tab and then we must decide the "issue" of supporting things which we might despise.

Spaw