Well, since several have offered their take on Winterfest, let me chime in.
What seems to be overlooked here is another reason for Winterfest. Since the formation of the MWC, it has become an official event that helps introduce new members to

and the MWC. Personally, in my opinion, Winterfest is a Badlands event. This is a good event to promote

and MWC. Forget tradition and "real" wheeling. For new people, Badlands is intimidating enough and provides diversity in the types of trails there. I have attended two, and the biggest groups each year ran Green. Formal MWC events is more than wheeling ... it also includes putting faces with names, getting to know each other, and introducing this sport to those who are interested. As a Chapter, should not let ourselves get too self indulged with what we personally want and forget our other responsibilities.
Last year, I made several wheeling trips. Each one was posted here for everyone to consider and plan on attending. One of them was Hot Springs. The turn out and response was very disappointing to say the least. Another was Sweatfest. Again, another very poor response for those who want "real wheeling". Why is it that Badlands has this rep as not being a good place to wheel and everyone wants to go elsewhere, but very few took advantage of the other trips that were planned last year?
Next year, I want to again plan several trips. I'd like to see Sweatfest an official

event and a way of introducing MWC members to some "real wheeling". We had a chance to do this last year, but for "unofficial reasons" we (MWC) did not support it. As it turned out, it was a damned shame.
How about we just plan more events and take advantage of them, rather than try to change the only one we currently have ... JMO.
Les