Okay for people who are unclear about Holiday Bash.
Last year I won this "tournament." I got a bobblehead, a giftcard (I think) and an ipod shuffle for winning. Aka no cash. It was me and Nite in GF's with like 15 entrants. Holiday bash doesn't neceserily have the tournament atmosphere that a ranbat does, it's more like a party for gamers and a thanks form cutthroat. It is VERY fun, however laid back and not serious.
For OUT OF STATERS: AKA Kansas and the like: I would ditch Holiday bash only because it wouldn't be cost efficient if you win, at all. Unless you get everyone to do MM's. You would essentially be traveling for prizes and MM's, and fun and alot of snow.
My advice to the OoS'ers, save up for the fighter frenzy. It's the weekend AFTER Pound 4. Not only does that tournament have a good turnout, the competition will be VERY good this year. It had around 40 entrants last year with no out of state besides Dook I think. They also give cool trophies if you win, one of which can be seen on my AiB profile. Oh and they have a big screen projector too if you like everyone to watch you play. Great venue too.
This year I'm bringing VEGAS, which is already reason enough to save up. Utah will want to go and most likely will, and then Kansas can come and then new Mexico and maybe AZ like Darklink and Wobbles. It could very well be a regional if everyone plans for it properly and actually goes.
So you figure 5-10 from Vegas, 5 from Kansas, 6-8 from Utah and 4-5 from NM totals at best 28 +40 (from last year = 68 or a REGIONAL. If we all come together it'll be an amazing time.
Long story short: Save up and prepare for fighter frenzy in January and don't go to Holiday Bash if your out of state. If your in state, go to Holiday Bash so we can hang out.