[HCRA] Amateur Radio Bonanza this coming weekend!

[Jim - KK1W]

Hey gang,

 

This weekend promises double barrel excitement for active hams. Two major
New England events are happening, but with no overlap. How cool is that?

 

First up, starting on Friday, is New England's largest amateur radio flea
market. For years it was known as Hosstraders but is now officially
Near-Fest and is back to Hosstrader's old home in Deerfield, NH. You can
read all about it on their website at: http://www.near-fest.com/. The gates
open at 9:00 AM on Friday, April 30th and at 6:00 AM on Saturday, May 1st.
Ticket prices are reasonable, parking is free (unless you want to park
inside) and you can count on LOTS 'o STUFF! Topping it all off this year is
the weather forecast for both days is sunny and warm. Rumor has it the best
bargains are found on Friday but I've had good success on either of the
days. If you're thinking of going up on either day why not post it out to
the mailing list. Maybe you can hook up with a few other and car pool.
You'll save money, contribute less pollution and have the fun of ham radio
company on your journey. I've not committed to which day I'm going yet but I
know it will be one of them. Don't forget to bring cash, I'm sure you'll
find a good deal on something!

 

Next on the list is the New England QSO Party (NEQP). This will be the ninth
running of this popular contest. Starting at 4:00 PM EDT on Saturday (so it
doesn't' interfere with Near-Fest) it stops at 1:00 AM Sunday morning, only
to run again from 9 AM Sunday morning until 8 PM that evening. Looking for
WAS? A great chance to make it this weekend as everyone outside of New
England will be looking for you! Putting the icing on the cake is, if you're
a Hampden County operator, the chance to win a beautiful plaque for
obtaining the high score for single operator in Hampden County. Read all
about the event, including the latest scores from 2009 at:
http://neqp.org/index.html. Hempen county will most likely have our club
calls W1NY and WB1Z on the air for the contest. If you're new and want to
give it post to this list and I'm sure you'll hook up with someone that
would love to help get you on the air.

 

So there you have it, three days of amateur radio fun right here in New
England. Why not try one, or even both? You can't go wrong no matter what
you do, just do something! No place for "Armchair Amateurs" this weekend!

 

'73.

 

Jim, KK1W