I do go to many local shows (low admission, usually free parking) and they are great! I guess I was "complaining" about the large national or regional shows...I've also noticed that the class prices at some larger shows have stayed pretty consistent over the last few years, but as CanoePam mentioned, some shows now have an additional fee ($20-$30) for class registration. I understand that the shows need to make a profit. Because of the high cost of fuel, parking, etc., I've had to limit myself to one major show per year. This year it will be "A Quilter's Gathering" held in November in Manchester, NH.