Thanks for the intro, Mike.
I'd like to add that, with the arrival of summer comes a time of less radio activity as other responsibilities take over. Many have family obligations, home and yard projects, vacations and so on. Add to that the time some of us put into getting NEAR-Fest off the ground in a very limited number of days and you can imagine things might be a bit quiet here on the forum over the summer.
Fear not, for many things are in the works. We actually discussed the idea of guest speakers, workshops, and displays as part of NEAR-Fest I, but decided to keep things simple for the first go around. And, while we don't want to overly-complicate a really great hamfest, we do feel it's time to add some additional content and activities to the mix.
One addition currently in the works is a classic special event station to compliment the Class E station that is already a part of NEAR-Fest. We'll be adding some 40s/50s-vintage gear to be used in conjunction with the more modern gear, allowing folks the opportunity to operate some interesting gear both new and old they may not otherwise have access to.
We also have our first guest speaker lined up, with a presentation most of you will find quite interesting. More on this and other activities as NEAR-Fest II gets closer.
Something to ponder over the summer months: I'd like to encourage your participation in the ongoing tradition of personal radio displays throughout the selling area. This has always been a part of our heritage with radio gear ranging from antique to current, documentation displays like QSL cards, photographs, historical radio artifacts and the like. Some bring their old military gear and vehicles, others bring antique broadcast radios, still others have the latest, greatest super rig displayed on their table. Who hasn't marveled at W1TP's huge display of old telegraph and Morse keys? Join in the fun, bring along something to share with the crowd.
Suggestions are always welcome. There are already a number of ideas in the pipeline for October and probably into May. We will be limited only by available time and scheduling with other events such as exams. Feel free to drop me a note if you have something you'd like to see presented. Keep in mind that it must be related to amateur radio, radio history, radio-electronics technology and so on. Inclusion will be based on this, as well as overall appeal. While many of us have other interests like photography, astronomy, computers, etc., we have no desire to turn NEAR-Fest into anything less than a premier RADIO event.
Enjoy the summer, it never seems to last long enough here in the northeast.
Todd, KA1KAQ
NEAR-Fest Events & Activities Coordinator
ka1kaq@gmail.com
