It’s not often I read a letter to the editor and laugh out loud, but I did just that when I read Kelli Pace’s letter of Sept. 13.

She was offended because attractions at ACU’s birthday carnival such as food, drink and inflatables were “pay-as-you-go.” One sentence in her letter says, “only ACU would throw a birthday party … and then charge you when you show up.” Another sentence says “as a professional designer and event planner, this is just unconscionable.” I laugh at this.

I have coordinated major events in Abilene for 15 years. To say it’s “unconscionable” to charge such fees is ridiculous.

For several years I was the coordinator for Celebrate Abilene, a downtown street festival celebrating Abilene’s birthday. We had the same format … food, drink, inflatables, entertainment. And guess what? We charged for all those activities. But instead of $3 for unlimited play on inflatables, we charged $10. Our concert tickets cost more, too. ACU’s carnival prices were anything but unreasonable.

Looking at the prices of each attraction across the board, it’s obvious ACU wasn’t crawling deeper into Ms. Pace’s pockets as claimed.

I called the Alumni Office and asked. The money made from the ACU carnival helped defray costs, not recoup all expenses. And, it definitely was not a money maker.

It’s understood at community events like this that you have to pay for food and entertainment. It was nice, though, that there were several free attractions … the dedication of Jacob’s Dream, the book-signing event, the birthday cake celebration with free cupcakes. I’m amazed anyone would think any organization could throw a party for 2,000-plus people and expect it all to be free.

Ms. Pace was liberal in her critical advice for ACU, but she should heed some advice herself: be judicious of when, where and why you decide to pitch a fit. You claim you “felt like an idiot.” By what you say in the public arena, some people might just assume you are.

Tom Craig

Managing Director of Sing Song

antiquecraig@aol.com