Hi, Guys,  I too have experienced a complete drop of paid events
for my calliope in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.  For the first years,
starting in 1997, when I acquired my trailer mounted calliope, I did
30 to 35 paid events a year.  In addition, I would do 4 or 5 free
events including the Veterans Day Parade and events for the local
Kidney Transplant Association because I had a kidney transplant
12-1/2 years ago.

I would do events all over the North Georgia area, including our North
Georgia Mountains tourist areas.  This completely dried up starting in
about 2007 when local governments and businesses were first starting
to experience a shortage of revenue.  I haven't done a paid event since
2009 but am always told, when I contact former customers, "We would
love to have you but at your expense".  They will not even pay travel
expenses and feel slighted that I don't do "our wonderful event, for
the exposure".  At now almost $3.50 per gallon and going higher, to
drive 40 to 90 miles "at my expense" is out of the question.

Since I have paid for my calliope and generator, I am not really out
anything to keep it parked and covered in my yard.  Regretfully so.

Wish you better luck.

Dean Smith
Atlanta, Georgia