[FARC] 2009 Father's Day Hamfest - Canceled

[Bob Moroney]

As you may already have heard, the 2009 edition of our Father's Day 
Hamfest has been canceled. 
 
As you can imagine, the decision to do this was not an easy one.  It was 
made only after extended discussion among the current officers of the 
Frederick Amateur Radio Club and other members, who together brought 
many years of experience with our Hamfest to the table.
 
I personally believe that this decision is in the best interests of our 
Club at this time, in view of the many factors that have affected 
Hamfest attendance in general in recent years.
 
But please, let me be clear that our decision only addresses our 2009 
event.  In no way does it mean that the Frederick Amateur Radio Club 
will never again host another Hamfest.  As the saying goes, "Stay tuned 
for further developments".
 
Realistically, although we may not soon hold another event on the same 
scale, or on Father's Day, or at the Frederick Fairgrounds, the members 
of the FARC can certainly pull together to put on future FARC Hamfests 
and/or similar Ham Radio gatherings and flea market events.
 
Again, stay tuned, and stay involved if you value this aspect of the Ham 
Radio hobby.
 
For now, the immediate task that we can all help with is to make sure 
that the local Ham community and others who have supported our Hamfest 
in the past are made aware of the fact that there will NOT be a Father's 
Day Hamfest in Frederick this year. 
  
This will be difficult, perhaps impossible to do with 100% coverage.  I 
have no doubt that some folks will go into autopilot mode on Father's 
Day, 6/21/09, and show up at the Fairgrounds in spite of our best 
efforts.  So please help in passing the word.  Perhaps we can keep those 
numbers down, and prevent some frustration.
  
And finally, THANK YOU ALL for your support of the Frederick Amateur 
Radio Club and the  many Father's Day Hamfests we've successfully 
hosted, along with the other events and efforts we sponsor and 
participate in. 
  
The Frederick Amateur Radio Club will be meeting on Monday, 2/16/09, as 
usual.  Obviously, Topic #1 will be to chart the best way forward from 
where we are today.
 
If you're not the "stay tuned" type, and would like to help steer our 
Club into the future, your attendance, participation and input will be 
more than welcome.
 
73, Bob K9CMR