I was thinking today as there was a free outdoor event as part of a cherry blossom festival where there were also vendors for people to purchase goods and meals. It got me thinking as the organizer was thanking one sponsor in particular where without them it wouldn’t have been financially possible. They then encouraged people to buy stuff. That made me think because I don’t actually ted to spend money when I walk around events like these unless I specifically planned to say have my daily meal there as an example. Many times I visit these events quickly and just head home to then eat.
It make you think if you should make a conscious effort to see if you can spend a little money if you genuinely enjoy the event as I’m sure it helps them to be able to host more events in the future if a lot of people show up and spend money as every sponsor and vendor would love the attention. I know a lot of people as well actually visit those events and then go to say a restaurant elsewhere.
Do you ever feel bad not spending money for a free event? Or do you feel showing up is a form of payment and support by itself?