Letter to the Editor: Smithsonian event should be more affordable

Editor:

Editor:
Last weekend the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal opened its gates to us all for "an unforgettable day of fun, tours, and activities." I think this is a great initiative, but unfortunately the sponsors of this event seems a little out of touch with the fact that we are still in a recession and that discretionary income is very limited for many of us who are the Institute's immediate neighbors.

If you want to participate in this festival, you will need to fill your car with people since the entrance charge is $30 per car, with a maximum of six people per car.

If you are a single person or couple, this would make for a very expensive day out.

May I respectfully suggest that the Smithsonian makes future events of this kind affordable for the people who would really like to attend.