Topic: Support Your Local Hamfest.....................

[W1RC]

Wow!  This is very bad news, not only for our friends in the Mid-Atlantic states but everywhere.  The Shelby Hamfest is a very big 'Fester and a really good one.  Looks like it may suffer the same fate as Gaithersburg (MD) and other great hamfests that are now only memories.  If Shelby goes down who knows which one will be next.

Please note that the Shelby Hamfest has NOT been cancelled and the Club is "actively seeking a site to hold it's 2008 Hamfest!"  Regardless, we all know what effect a change of venue may have on any event, especially one of such long standing.

Yeah, I know, looks more like Rochester NH than Deerfield or Hopkinton (except it's not raining) but what the heck, not everyone can be so lucky as to have a wonderful place like Deerfield.

This announcement from the Shelby Amateur Radio Club's Web page:

SIGNAL FADES ON 50-YEAR CLEVELAND COUNTY TRADITION

     It is with much regret that the Shelby Amateur Radio Club has made the decision not to have the 2008 Shelby Hamfest at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds.

Full details:  http://www.shelbyhamfest.com/

Read the local newspaper articles about this:

http://www.shelbystar.com/news/shelby_29981___article.html/doubt_hamfest.html

http://www.shelbystar.com/news/hamfest_29992___article.html/contract_hamrick.html

http://www.shelbystar.com/common/printer/view.php?db=shelby&id=30020

Please note that anyone can post their comments and opinions.  You can be sure that the Fair directors are reading them.

In case you don't know Shelby is one of the five largest hamfests in the country and has been running continuously for over 50 years.  On behalf of NEAR-Fest I have contacted the Hamfest Chairman, Robbie Hamrick, WA4RH, offering the full support and assistance of NEAR-Fest and the radio amateurs of New England and Eastern Canada.  NEAR-Fest Sergeant-at-Arms, Paul DePetrillo, W1PRA, who shares my feelings and outrage will work with me to coordinate the effort to help our brethren save the hamfest.

It may take an e-mail and telephone campaign to selected officials and media to try to get the Cleveland County Fair people to understand what this Hamfest means to the thousands of radio amateurs who attend every year (and spend an estimated $500,000 with local merchants).  Don't forget in most places Fair directors are elected officials.  Thus they can be removed from office if the electorate us displeased with their actions.  I would think the loss of half a million bucks from the local economy would displease anyone.

This is even more reason why we have to keep our beloved New England hamfest alive.

73,

MisterMike

[W1RC]

Here is a list of the Cleveland County NC Commissioners.  They actually own the Fairgrounds but lease them to the Fair Association for a buck a year.  Up until now they indicated that they don't wish to become involved.  You may e-mail them your comments however but please be respectful and stick to the facts.  A rational argument well presented is most effective.  Point out the loss to their community economically.

73,

MisterMike

Jo Boggs - Chairwoman
P.O. Box 25
Fallston, N.C. 28042
Phone (Home) 704-538-7039
Email jo.boggs@clevelandcounty.com

 Eddie Holbrook - Vice-Chairman
201 Troon Place
Shelby, NC 28150
Phone (Home) 704-482-7888

Email eddie.holbrook@clevelandcounty.com

 
Mary S. Accor
944 Dixon School Road
Kings Mountain, N.C. 28086
Phone (Home) 704-937-7508, (Wk) 704-476-8112

Email msaccor@carolina.rr.com
   
Ronald J. Hawkins
316 Countryside Road
Kings Mountain, N.C. 28086
Phone (Home) 704-739-7078, (Work) 704-739-2591

Email rhawk007@bellsouth.net
   
Johnny Hutchins
1436 Phifer Road
Kings Mountain, N.C. 28086
Phone (Home) 704-739-5757

Email johnnyhutchins@aol.com