I avoid many activities due to overcrowding. I don't know what the solution is because without the crowds the shows wouldn't happen. Perhaps the show directors need to work on their layouts so that the crowds flow better and give more space to each booth at the same time. And vendors make their set-ups difficult to navigate also, when you walk into their space but then can't get out as 10 other people have followed you in and trapped you there. The thrill of the anticipation is always there when I read about an event, but then second thoughts about crowds always put a stop to it. Edey

I sympathize with you. In our area of the state there is a huge blueberry festival every year over labor day weekend. It has grown to be such a huge festival that thousands of people come every year and the same thing happens as with the MSWF. I only go to the blueberry festival about once every 5 years because it is so crowded. The only thing I can enjoy is if I happen to be at Walmart on the Sunday of the festival, when they have their hot air balloon race. It's so completely beautiful to see all of those hot air balloons in the sky.

Plymouth!!  : )   Yeah, it's a bummer when an annual festival that's enjoyable becomes no fun due to huge crowds.  Last June I went to Chicago to the Old Town Art Fair with my neice.  Last time I had been there was back in the early 80s.  Was worried that it'd be insane, and there were a lot of people, but it wasn't too bad.  You were able to go into the booths, check out the art.  I'm glad it wasn't a let-down.

I belong to Ravelry. The group of knitters closest to my house had some members who attended it. They said that it was expensive to stay at the motels and to eat the meals out.

Please, tell us about Ravelry.  Edey