[Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] Winterfest 2015

[Ian]

I'm writing to make sure that you've heard about Winterfest 2015, the annual ham radio flea market in Northern Virginia. This event brings hams and other makers together to find some bargains on radios, antennas, radio-related publications, electronics/computer gear, test equipment, and components. Winterfest grows every year, and I expect well over a thousand attendees this year. Commercial and hobbyist vendors will be set up at tables both indoors and in the outdoor tailgating area.

Come early to find the best stuff, and stay late to connect with friends.

The best source for details is the Winterfest web site <http://email.mailgun.bitsink.com/c/Yz1ldTVpOSZkPTg0MDdkJmk9MTQyNTEzNjg2MDI2Ni00ZDNhMzdkNS1iMjgyMDNmMi00Y2Y2YTVmNSU0MG1haWxndW4uYml0c2luay5jb20maD1iMTZjODMxNTBjN2QyNGEwMjEzY2QwY2NhZmYzN2M4ZSZsPWh0dHAlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cudmllbm5hd2lyZWxlc3Mub3JnJTJGd2ludGVyZmVzdC5waHAmcj13ZWJtYXN0ZXIlNDB3NGhmaC5vcmc> , but here are the essentials:

DATE: March 22, 2015. Tailgating starts at 6 am; indoor sales area opens at 8 am; Everything wraps up at 2 pm.

LOCATION: Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus, 8333 Little River Turnpike Annandale, VA. Talk-in on the 146.91 repeater. GPS coordinates are 38.833216N, 77.236872W.

DIRECTIONS: Winterfest 2015 takes place about 13.2 mi from you (Map data ©2015 Google) Assuming you'll be leaving from your home QTH and driving directly, I'd suggest you hit the road by 7:44am on Sunday since the drive will probably take you about 15 minutes. I hope you can make it since you're just around the corner! 

1.	Head southeast on Old Town Ct toward Wilkes St (about 1 min or 371 ft)
2.	Turn left onto Wilkes St (about 1 min or 66 ft)
3.	Take the 1st right onto S Patrick St (about 1 min or 0.3 mi)
4.	Slight right onto the Interstate 95 S/Interstate 495 W ramp to Richmond (about 1 min or 0.7 mi)
5.	Merge onto I-495 S/I-95 S (about 5 mins or 5.0 mi)
6.	Keep right at the fork to continue on I-495 W, follow signs for Interstate 495 N/Tysons Corner (about 5 mins or 5.3 mi)
7.	Take exit 52A-52B to merge onto VA-236 W/Little River Turnpike toward Fairfax (about 2 mins or 1.6 mi)
8.	Turn left onto Lake Dr

Destination will be on the left

(about 1 min or 0.2 mi)

COST: Tickets are $7 at the door; students high school age and younger get in free. Free admision for students with a college ID. Outdoor tailgating spots are $15, and available the day of the event. Tables are $25. One indoor admission is included in the cost of tailgate or table.

SPONSOR: This event is run by the Vienna Wireless Society, a not-for-profit ham radio club located in Vienna, Virginia. This is an ARRL-affiliated event. The proceeds from this event help support the activities of the Vienna Wireless Society, which include community service, emergency preparedness, education, and technical innovation.

*Tables Available*: We still have a few indoor table spots available. Have radio-related stuff to sell: radios, antennas, parts for home brewing? Spread your treasures on our eight-foot tables (and the floor under them!). You can reserve a table here <http://email.mailgun.bitsink.com/c/Yz1ldTVpOSZkPTg0MDdkJmk9MTQyNTEzNjg2MDI2Ni00ZDNhMzdkNS1iMjgyMDNmMi00Y2Y2YTVmNSU0MG1haWxndW4uYml0c2luay5jb20maD1kZmRkZjA3ZmUyNmJkODVkOWU2OWI0MzUyOTMyNTg2NCZsPWh0dHAlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cudmllbm5hd2lyZWxlc3Mub3JnJTJGdmVuZGZvcm0yMDE1LnBocCZyPXdlYm1hc3RlciU0MHc0aGZoLm9yZw> . Please, keep the merchandise topical: radios, electronic parts, test gear, etc.

I'd appreciate it if you'd mention this event to your friends because we don't want anyone to miss out on this fantastic hamfest. I hope to see you there!

TNX ES 73 DE KF4PIY
Regis Gottus,
Winterfest Coordinator
Vienna Wireless Society