Clubs and Associations.
We want to invite all radio clubs and associations to participate in NEAR-Fest together as a group.
We feel that this will encourage many club members to come to NEAR-Fest to socialize with their fellow club members and friends when they might not have any interest in our other activities. In order to support this effort the Club Early Entry Pass concept was created. Additionally we know we can call on our club supporters if we need a few extra volunteers to help us run the 'fester and serves as a ?reward? for people who volunteer to help us run NEAR-Fest, without whose assistance and effort an event of this magnitude would be totally impossible.
These special gate passes allow clubs and associations to send in two members in two vehicles after 0700 for the purpose of occupying ?their? space and setting up tables and displays such as signs and banners. This is so that their members can go directly to their familiar spot once it is 9:00 AM and everybody gets in. Both members must have advance entry tickets and inside parking passes in their possession when they enter the grounds.
Please note that this is not an ?early bird shopper? or "vendor" admission and consequently no setting up, displaying of merchandise for sale or any selling can commence until after the 9:00 gate opening. This is strictly enforced and offenders will lose the ?early entry? privilege.
Many individuals will immediately think that all the ?good" spots will be taken by the time 9:00 rolls around but in reality there are no ?bad? spots at Deerfield. Many years of hamfesting has taught me that if a seller has good items at reasonable prices buyers with find them regardless of where they are set up.
All bona fide clubs and organizations will be eligible to participate. If we don't know you we may ask for proof of club status.
Again, and contrary to what some people may think, this is NOT an early entry for my ?friends? to shop for bargains but an encouragement and reasonable accommodation for legitimate clubs and organizations to participate in the hamfester together as a group.
Everybody play nice.......
73,
MisterMike, W1RC
