I've lost count of the times I have now had to defend the concept of Brick-a-Laide ( http://www.brickalaide.com.au/ ) and/or encourage parents to take their family along.

"Having a scheduled time is silly"

"It's not like the John Martins displays from when I was a kid"

"We could just rock up at John Martins"

"Why do I need to pay"

So here's my take on the above:

1. It's very easy to forget the MASSIVE queues and wait times when attending those old exhibits - I remember a lot of WAITING just to get in and then the surge to move through.  Having a scheduled time controls crowd flow, reduces wait time and regulates flow giving ample time to take a look.

2. I actually enjoyed the displays that used the minifigure scale more in those old displays.  This was because it inspired me to go home and make stuff like it.  The catalogue was and still is the same - you buy the kits and try to set up the scenes.  There will be a great mix of scales and model types at this display

3. Yes you could just rock at John Martins - see point 1 above!

4. You pay to handle the fact that an event of this nature now has massive overheads when running - to make it safe and fun for you.  The event also doesn't have a big retailer subsidising the event because their toy shop is on the way out capturing the spend.

Then there is the broader picture.  Supporting this event will help it grow to grand proportions that will ultimately enhance the LEGO® community here in SA, promote tourism (interstate and overseas attendance) and support employment.  It also supports local business - like us!

Go on, give it crack