[HCRA] Field Day is coming, Field Day is coming!

[Jim Mullen]

Well, it's only a month until Field Day. As I type the FD committee is
putting the finishing touches on this year's event. There have been a few
changes over the last few weeks - lets touch on them first.

1.  Marty, W1MJB will not be able to co-chair Field Day this year.
2.  Peter, KI1I will be the FD chairman for 2005.
3.  Because of a lack of operators (many of our regulars are either on
vacation, have to work or have other commitments) we will probably scale
down the operation to 4A this year. Expected poor propagation is also a
factor in this decision.
4.  Dufresne Park has again raised their rates, plus added camping and
electrical fees. Because of the increase we are investigating the
possibility of starting set-up on Saturday instead of Friday. This could
save the club as much as $355 depending on how the camping fees are
assessed. Does anyone have any suggestions for a new location for next year?
It looks like this beautiful park is pricing itself out of the market.

Those are the changes, what hasn't changed is this. Field Day, the HCRA way,
will continue to be the fun event it always has been. Reducing the entry
class won't have any effect on the fun, just the opposite! By having less
stations there will be less operator stress and reduced set-up and tear down
time. There's nothing worse than seeing stations sit empty or not having
enough 'hands on deck' when it ends on Sunday afternoon.

Andy & Eric will be providing the same great menu they did last year. FD
2005 will still be a Field Day & HCRA picnic event. We do ask if you are
planning on attending to let us know so we can plan for the proper amount of
food. We don't want anyone leaving hungry but want to avoid waste if at all
possible.

Please take a moment to check out: http://www.hcra.org/fd2005.htm. There you
will find the outline of this years effort, a band plan and list of
volunteers. If you don't see your name but are planning on coming please
contact Peter at mailto:ki1i at arrl.net so we can get you on the list. See any
mistakes? Drop him a note so it can be corrected.

Since we have had almost a solid week of rain, there can't be any left for
the end of June, can there?

So, mark you calendars and plan on at least stopping by for a visit, some
food and perhaps even some operating on June 25th and 26th. No matter what
the weather I promise you it will be worth the trip.

'73... See you next Friday at the Tail Gate Party.

Jim, KK1W