Oh, yes. It's a very good idea. There isn't an entrance fee and everyone is free to join in. I always set up a lunch restaurant and a dinner restaurant that can serve a projected number of participants. Lately, it hasn't exceeded 40 persons. Maybe not even 30, so that's what I've looked for to serve lunch. I try to get everyone in, seated and out within an hour. Hour and a half, max. Restaurants have to be set up well in advance, and the scouting party are the guinea pigs to test the food and service. They have to be set up well in advance so we know if we have to change the route. Lunch stops are usually the problem because they're in a small town. I don't think there's even a McDonald's in the town of our lunch stop. There are two larger restaurants, both in the old downtown about 3 miles off our path, and neither have much parking space.
The evening dinner is a different matter. I still try to arrange seating for the same number, but it's usually a larger restaurant because we end up in a larger city.
If we do draw a large following next year, I suggest we charge a $5 or $10 entrance fee to cover printing expenses for route sheets, folders, etc. I already am in the mental planning stages for next year's Run For The Hills and the lunch stop will be a larger restaurant with a wonderfully scenic view from the dining room.
