With rising inflation and the economy in shaky condition, the organizers of the Route 66 Rendezvous in San Bernardino, Calif., this weekend gave the Press-Enterprise one excellent hook to draw tourists — everything is free.
“Since the event is free to the public, and with the tightened economy, and the history of this being such a memorable event, we expect the attendance to be at least what we have experienced in past years,” Shelly McNaul, the Rendezvous’ director of operations, replied in response to questions sent via e-mail. […]
Redlands-based economist John Husing agreed that the Rendezvous can provide a break from the economic blues. “It’s inexpensive; it’s something that the family can do. There’s a lot of action. If people like crowds, there’s a lot of crowds you can go mill around with. In that respect, yes … it’s a distraction,” he said by phone.
Even if the Rendezvous wasn’t free, I don’t think it’d dissuade visitors all that much. I’d be hard-pressed to find a better car show in the nation.