I go to a few shows I have to pay for, Carlisle is the most expensive, but I was there four days. It's $35-45 for the Mopars in the Park show in Stillwater, three days, tons of cars, and a big swap meet. Over 1,000 cars were registered in 2019, so it's not a little show. Another one is a one day $20 show, again a big swap, but it's full of anything and everything, you might see a kitchen sink, literally.
I used to go to see cars, now, I go to hang out with others from the F_BO sites, we have a good time and don't take ourselves seriously. Always find deals in the swap for projects I'm working on, I have parts being delivered there this year.
I don't give a crap about a trophy or money, it's about relaxing, having a good time with your buddies, meeting new people and making new connections, and driving my car the two plus hours to get to the show. I leave with a smile on my face, and a renewed attitude to get the cars in better condition.
I'll spend $100 for eight days of fun in the sun, that's $12.50 a day, reasonable to me.
I forgot to mention
@sixpkrt's annual C body show he puts on. He puts it on by himself, because he loves these cars, and getting together with like minded individuals. That's worth the drive every time.
I also attend as many smaller free shows I can, any excuse to drive an old car!