Premium EPs like XWs are definitely not for such large public events.
Stratus is a very good choice, bit over your budget at around $200 (unless you can get it 2nd hand). For your 8" all you really need is the 13mm Stratus. Use on DSOs, and barlow it for planets. That's what I use to show people the sky with my 8" Dob and it works very well and it's easy to use.
If you want one more EP that goes wide, inexpensive 30mm 2" Superview is fine for public viewings. If you want to stick with 1.25" format meade 26mm 5000 Plossl. Very comfy and plenty 60 degree FOV. Smeared stars near edge of field at f/5 but I bet no one will notice if you don't tell them to look for it.
All of the above would be good for eyeglass wearers too.