[R-390] Shelby NC Hamfest May Lose Cleveland County Fairgrounds

[Michael Crestohl]

Wow!  This is very bad news, not only for our friends in the 
Mid-Atlantic states but everywhere.  The Shelby Hamfest is a very big 
'Fester and a really good one.  Looks like it may suffer the same 
fate as Gaithersburg (MD) and other great hamfests that are now only 
memories.  If Shelby goes down who knows which one will be next.

Please note that the Shelby Hamfest has NOT been cancelled and the 
Club is "actively seeking a site to hold it's 2008 
Hamfest!"  Regardless, we all know what effect a change of venue may 
have on any event, especially one of such long standing.

This announcement from the Shelby Amateur Radio Club's Web page:

SIGNAL FADES ON 50-YEAR CLEVELAND COUNTY TRADITION

      It is with much regret that the Shelby Amateur Radio Club has 
made the decision not to have the 2008 Shelby Hamfest at the 
Cleveland County Fairgrounds.

Full details:  http://www.shelbyhamfest.com/

Read the local newspaper articles about this:

http://www.shelbystar.com/news/shelby_29981___article.html/doubt_hamfest.html

http://www.shelbystar.com/news/hamfest_29992___article.html/contract_hamrick.html

Please note that [u]anyone[/u] can post their comments and 
opinions.  You can be sure that the Fair directors are reading them.

In case you don't know Shelby is one of the five largest hamfests in 
the country and has been running continuously for over 50 years.  On 
behalf of NEAR-Fest I have contacted the Hamfest Chairman, Robbie 
Hamrick, WA4RH, offering the full support and assistance of NEAR-Fest 
and the radio amateurs of New England and Eastern Canada.  NEAR-Fest 
Sergeant-at-Arms, Paul DePetrillo, W1PRA, who shares my feelings and 
outrage will work with me to coordinate the effort to help our 
brethren save the hamfest.

It may take an e-mail and telephone campaign to selected officials 
and media to try to get the Cleveland County Fair people to 
understand what this Hamfest means to the thousands of radio amateurs 
who attend every year (and spend an estimated $500,000 with local 
merchants).  Don't forget in most places Fair directors are 
[i]elected[/i] officials.  Thus they can be removed from office if 
the electorate us displeased with their actions.  I would think the 
loss of half a million bucks from the local economy would displease anyone.

This is even more reason why we have to keep our beloved regional 
hamfests alive.

73,

MisterMike