As soon as I saw this thread, I knew Vic started it without even looking at it.
I vote for having it at Irene's again. It's worked the past two years. Her parents rock in helping us have it and cook. Don't see why we should change it.
The only thing that really needs to be figured out is the date. IIRC, last year Irene's parents bought the food and we all just dropped money for food and alcohol. I think, for the most part, that worked really well.
And lastly, I remember the situation with the money last year and am all for the price hike. Or, at the very least, letting them know you will back out if it rains because I think that was the major issue last year. The weather was looking crappy in the forecast and a lot of people *****ed out that said they were coming.