Rich,

Take the challenge and do what we just did in Wisconsin. Set up a 2-3 day lighthousing adventure to go along with the Florida Regional event. Invite out-of-town folks to join you. Where possible, arrange for them to ride with someone so they don't have to rent a car (even though some may choose to anyway.)

We had a wonderful group of 25 people from 7 different states join us for our Wisconsin adventure. We had rides for folks who flew in. The only "fee" we charged was $10 to cover the out-of-pocket expense of buying some HLs to give to the CG Station. Each family received a schedule/timeline with directions and info on each of the lights we visited. We located a hotel and let each person be responsible for their own reservations. We set up dinners "on the fly" once we got into the area.

Bottom line is, we all had fun; we didn't lose anyone (at least permanently); we kept the whole adventure to a minimum expense for everyone; and, most importantly, many of us saw lights we had not seen before. In fact, we had so much fun that several have asked if we can do it again next year.

Dave