Because you have to stand in the hot sun while you are playing, no fun at all. I have been doing this for years, it's not chance that it runs so smoothly.
No one else complains about the noise (not even the neighbors).
This!
Oh man, playing in the sun sucks! And plus... like Mike said... "it works", so why change it!
So here is my personal pet peeve. And this is not to offend anyone. I am just saying this from personal experience because as UWC grows it is getting increasingly common for people to gripe:
I find it funny/interesting/perplexing that a event that is on its 8th year and has been successful and well-run every year always has a few people who want to change it to suit their own personal likes/preferences/opinions.
Especially since it is not their event. And especially when they rave about how they would not miss it and had so much fun the year before.
(This is not against anyone personally, not even posters on here, it is just a general musing, so if you think I am addressing you, I am not. It is general Mim thoughts.)
The amazing thing too is it is usually coming from people who have only been there one or two years max. Suddenly they have all these ideas of how they think UWC should be run. An event that has been going strong for 8 years and is not funded or planned by them. And usually the gripe is because of something that does not suit them personally or a small group of people. Not taking into account that most people don't have the same complaint, or if they do, they make other plans to accommodate for whatever does not suit them because they realize it is just personal preference. Then the gripe becomes a big deal that ends up getting blown out of proportion and "fixes" start being kicked around by other newbies before poor Main Mike is put in the awkward position of saying, "Ummm... hey guys... we cant/wont/shouldnt do that". And I hate it when he gets put in that position because he is the nicest, most easy-going guy, ever! But everyone has a button that when pushed enough has to be addressed. And, well, frankly... it is his party! Don't make it un-fun for him but trying to make it your party. If you want to make the rules... plan your own party. But good luck making it better than UWC! Because UWC is like no other because it is what it is and don't think it can ever be replicated. So if you are coming to UWC, come to UWC. Don't change what it is!
But in general most people are doing the right thing. You are not going to change the event so you just have to make a personal choice to make it more enjoyable for you in the future years. Such as not camping, bringing earplugs, choosing a different camping spot, or simply signing up early for open mic, etc. etc. Heck, the first year I brought like 5 ukes, and I learned to only bring one. Stuff like that. Every year you learn something new. So take the event for what it is, come, enjoy it... just dont try the change the event. Change what you decide to do to make it a better experience for you! The bones of the event are there. A stage, a tent, a sound system, an open mic start time. If there is something that does not suit you, realize you cant change the event but you can change how you attend the event.
I hope that makes sense. It is kind of disjointed. But... it is just a point I wanted to make.