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

[Michael Temme-Soifer]

I heard about this from a friend of mine the other day who used to run the radio station there (a low power part 15 station)... 
 
It really is a shame; it was a great hamfest that stuck out from the rest. I went up there a few years ago for the fall gathering, and it really was a lot of fun. It was a 400 mile drive from South Jersey , but it was well worth it. Part of the uniqueness, besides the great people that would show up, was that the hamfest went all night... literally. You'd camp either in a tent, the back of your pickup, or sleep in your car then start up again at sunrise. I remember a large group of people that were still up at 3AM telling stories around a campfire. It was somewhat chilly at night, and even rained a bit, but I guess that's something you should expect when you're deep in the New Hampshire woods in October. Overall it was a great experience, and truly something unique is being lost. Hopefully somebody up there or somebody elsewhere in the Northeast will pickup on the tradition with something like it.
 
73,
Michael
KC2MTM

----- Original Message ----
From: John Dilks K2TQN <oldradio at worldnet.att.net>
To: njarc at mailman.qth.net; SCARA Reflector <scara at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, February 11, 2007 8:27:33 AM
Subject: [SCARA] Fwd: {Collins} Hosstraders (SK)


Visit our web site - See http://www.K2BR.org/
_______________________________________________

>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.

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