First, it comes down to management and marketing. Any event can make or lose money depending on many variables, and there is no reason why a reenactmant could not be profitable under the right set of circumstances.

Second, there are some intangable benefits possible from an event which breaks even yet puts your organization on the map. Anything that brings new visitors to your site and provides them with a positive experience can grow into increased patronage, political support, or community goodwill.

If I may refer you to the brief on the NHVRR event posted about 10 days ago, a relatively little known operation produced a relatively inexpensive special event (little cost above the "regular operating day") and did very nicely in the process, both from a fiscal and PR perspective.

I'd also suggest that there is no "standard reenactment contract" used in every case, and it is very possible to tailor an agreement with a group of reenactors that can suit all parties. In some markets press releases may be plenty, in others some advertising may be necessary to most thoroughly exploit the potential audience. Either way, you are now providing a product that has a broader appeal and, if marketed properly, should increase market share.

I suppose I tend to view most special events as positive if well concieved, produced and marketed, and find singling out reenactment from other varieties of home grown entertainment doesn't make sense from my POV. OTOH, professionally produced events such as THOMAS probably fall into a category of their own, riskier because they cost much more to produce, but potentially more lucrative since there is an entire international marketing effort in place to support them. Selling a known concept is easier than introducing a new one and selling it.

dave