Topic: NEAR-Fest Media Release Friday September 14th 2007

[W1RC]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

With less than three weeks to go until the New England Amateur Radio Festival, Friday October 12th and Saturday October 13th 2007,  anticipation and excitement are beginning to build all over the Northeast and Canada as radio enthusiasts are turning their thoughts towards the trek to Deerfield NH once again.

"NEAR-Fest I in May was an unqualified success, beyond our wildest dreams," reports Mister Mike, W1RC, General Chairman of the semi-annual event.  We promise you NEAR-Fest II is going to be bigger and even better! if that's possible."

"We have several new activities and events to offer besides the huge tailgate swap-meet.  There will be something for everybody at Deerfield."

The big news this time is that the proceeds from NEAR-Fest II will go to funding a fully operational amateur station at the CHRISTA McAULIFFE PLANETARIUM in Concord NH.  The planetarium staff are very excited at the prospect of having a radio station they can exhibit and operate with which they can communicate directly with the International Space Station and other NASA facilities.  They are currently building a new addition and have already pledged a permanent location for this purpose.  A local area radio club has offered to represent NEAR-Fest and assist Planetarium staff members become licensed and proficient in the use of the equipment.  A presentation to Planetarium officials will be made at the Prize Drawing ceremony at 2:00PM on Saturday October 13th.

Some of the new attractions include a number of technical symposia and workshops such as the R-390 Workshop moderated by George Rancourt, K1ANX, a fascinating lecture on the WW-II German ENGIMA machine and its derivatives presented by Professor Tom Perera W1TP and "DXing 101" hosted by Neil Kaltman, K6SMF.  Neil is travelling all the way from Los Angeles California to be with is at NEAR-Fest.  The current ARRL DXCC Honor Roll list shows K6SMF with 352 Confirmed contacts so he knows his subject very well.

In addition Mister Mike is pleased to announce the addition of more food vendors and washroom facilities as well as three buildings with over 30 commercial exhibitors, including several well-known ham radio equipment dealers.  This promises to be the largest commercial electronics shopping mall in the Northeast!

Another new feature is overnight camping/parking facilities are available at the Fairgrounds Thursday night.  Join us for the pre-hamfest festivities.  However this area is not located inside the tailgate area so early setup & shopping is not an option.  The fee is $20.00 per vehicle and includes hookups.  The camping area opens at 3:00PM.

Tickets are $10.00 for Friday and Saturday.  Admission is reduced to $5.00 at 6:00 AM Saturday.  The entry fee for vehicles entering the flea market is $10.00 with the exception of campers, RVs and trailers who pay a $20.00 charge which includes all hookup charges.  Advance tickets are available and those holding them will be admitted first.  Furthermore, there will be two special door prizes drawn exclusively for advance ticket holders.  Mister Mike promises that these prizes won't be insignificant either.

See the NEAR-Fest Web site www.near-fest.com for details on how to purchase your advance tickets and passes by mail or send to W1RC at his callbook address. 

The Deerfield Fairgrounds is located on Route 43 approximately 15 miles NE of Manchester NH.  Please note that Fair Association rules and local ordinances prohibit any alcohol and open fires anywhere on the grounds.  Charcoal grills, barbeques, gas grills are okay!  A "Pack it in - Pack it out" philosophy regarding garbage is highly recommended because it helps us keep down the costs of hosting this event.  The now-traditional NEAR-Fest policy regarding abandoning unsold junk and trash will be strictly enforced.  Offenders will be sorry!

The NEAR-Fest Team looks forward to seeing you all at Deerfield on October 12th & 13th. 

Tentative 2008 Schedule: May 2nd/3rd and October 10th/11th.



                                                -30-

CONTACT: Michael Crestohl, W1RC,
                NEAR-Fest Founder and General Chairman
                W1RC@near-fest.com