[NJARC] Fwd: {Collins} Hosstraders (SK)

[John Dilks K2TQN]

>Date: Sun, 11 Feb 2007 06:43:02 -0500
>From: Michael Crestohl <W1RC at Verizon.net>
>Subject: {Collins} Hosstraders (SK)
>Reply-To: W1RC at Verizon.net
>
>This sad news will be of interest to members in the 
>Northeast.  Hosstraders has been a great meeting place for C.C.A. 
>members and Collins enthusiasts for over 30 years.  Many good pieces 
>of Collins equipment changed hands at Hosstraders.  Those of us who 
>attended this event regularly are deeply saddened, nay - devastated 
>by this news.
>
>Here is the official statement from the organizers.  If you ever 
>attended Hosstraders you know how profound a loss this is.  It you 
>haven't - you missed some great hamfesting!!!!!
>
>73,
>
>Michael, W1RC
>
>To All Radio Amateurs...
> From the Hosstraders, Joe K1RQG, Bob W1GWU, and Norm W1ITT
>February  9th 2007
>Re: Hosstraders Tailgate Swapfest
>
>The October 2006 event was the last Hosstraders.  After careful 
>consideration, we have decided to discontinue hosting the event.  A 
>combination of factors have led to this difficult decision.  We've 
>been running Hosstraders for a third of a century, but we've always 
>done it "our way" and we feel that the result has been an event 
>unique in the Amateur Radio world, certainly in New England.  A 
>number of things have been taken into account, but foremost in our 
>mind is that we want Hosstraders to be a quality experience in every 
>way, and not to slowly run it into the ground just for the 
>ride.   We want to take things out on a high note, while we can still be
>proud of our efforts.
>
>Briefly, the factors that led us to this point are problems with 
>site logistics, the changing face of flea marketing due to  internet 
>commerce,  changes in directions of Amateur Radio, and just the fact 
>that we have done it for a third of a century and we are getting old 
>and tuckered out.  It is not our intent to elaborate further on 
>these matters.  Nor do we intend to anoint or endorse any 
>successors, or go into the  business of Hamfest Consulting, so please don't
>ask.  We are unaware of any person or group in the region with the 
>experience to  "take over".  Therefore,  be very cautious of anyone 
>who comes forward claiming to be the "new Hosstraders".  Running an 
>event of Hosstraders' size and impact is more challenging than it 
>appears!  What's the next step?  Well, for us, we plan to relax and 
>play radio.   For the rest of the Amateur community in the 
>Northeast,  we'd suggest that you get off the internet and on the 
>air.  Support your local clubs, and their events.  Put up an antenna 
>for some ham  who needs a
>bit of assistance, and help to maintain the fraternal aspects of our hobby.
>
>We wish to thank you for your great support these many years.  We 
>often hear from hams who have been attending Hosstraders 
>since  those early days in Seabrook.  Since that first event, where 
>61 of us met on a flat grassy field, we've had lots of fun, and made 
>lots  of memories.  We've also donated over 1.3 million dollars to 
>the Shriners' Hospitals for the care and support of severely burned 
>and  crippled kids.  We are proud of that, and those who participated
>can share in that pride.  The need still exists at the Hospitals, 
>so  if you wish to make someone happy, perhaps each year on the 
>anniversary of Hosstraders, you could send a check along to 
>Boston,  Springfield or Montreal.  They will not waste it!
>
>We hope you'll remember the times we all had together at Seabrook, 
>Deerfield, Kingston (!), Rochester and Hopkinton.   You can be sure 
>that we will never forget.