[W1SMH] New England Amateur Radio Festival, in Deerfield , NH.

[John Miller]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


With less than four weeks to go until the New England Amateur Radio 
Festival, anticipation and excitement is beginning to build all over 
the Northeast and Canada as radio enthusiasts are turning their 
thoughts towards the trek to Deerfield NH once again.

"NEAR-Fest I in May was an unqualified success, beyond our wildest 
dreams," reports Mister Mike, W1RC, General Chairman of the semi-
annual event.  We promise you NEAR-Fest II is going to be bigger and 
even better! if that's possible."

"We have several new activities and events to offer besides the huge 
tailgate swap-meet.  There will be something for everybody at 
Deerfield."

The big news this time is that the proceeds from NEAR-Fest II will 
go to funding a fully operational amateur station at the CHRISTA 
McAULIFFE PLANETARIUM in Concord NH.  The planetarium staff are very 
excited at the prospect of having a radio station they can exhibit 
and operate with which they can communicate directly with the 
International Space Station and other NASA facilities.  They are 
currently building a new addition and have already pledged a 
permanent location for this purpose.  A local area radio club has 
offered to represent NEAR-Fest and assist Planetarium staff members 
become licensed and proficient in the use of the equipment.  A 
presentation to Planetarium officials will be made at the Prize 
Drawing ceremony at 2:00PM on Saturday October 13th.

Some of the new attractions include a number of technical symposia 
and workshops such as the R-390 Workshop moderated by George 
Rancourt, K1ANX, a fascinating lecture on the WW-II German ENGIMA 
machine and its derivatives presented by Professor Tom Perera W1TP 
and "DXing 101" hosted by Neil Kaltman, K6SMF.  Neil is travelling 
all the way from Los Angeles California to be with is at NEAR-Fest.  
The current ARRL DXCC Honor Roll list shows K6SMF with 352 Confirmed 
contacts so he knows his subject very well.

In addition Mister Mike is pleased to announce the addition of more 
food vendors and washroom facilities as well as three buildings with 
over 30 commercial exhibitors, including several well-known ham 
radio equipment dealers.  This promises to be the largest commercial 
electronics shopping mall in the Northeast!

Another new feature is overnight camping/parking facilities are 
available at the Fairgrounds.  Join us for the pre-hamfest 
festivities.  However this area is not located inside the tailgate 
area so early setup & shopping is not an option.  The fee is $20.00 
per vehicle and includes hookups.  The camping area opens at 3:00PM. 

Tickets are $10.00 for Friday and Saturday.  Admission is reduced to 
$5.00 at 6:00 AM Saturday.  The entry fee for vehicles entering the 
flea market is $10.00 with the exception of campers, RVs and 
trailers who pay a $20.00 charge which includes all hookup charges.  
Advance tickets are available and those holding them will be 
admitted first.  Furthermore, there will be two special door prizes 
drawn exclusively for advance ticket holders.  Mister Mike promises 
that these prizes won't be insignificant either.

See the NEAR-Fest Web site www.near-fest.com for details on how to 
purchase your advance tickets and passes by mail or send to W1RC at 
his callbook address.  

The Deerfield Fairgrounds is located on Route 43 approximately 15 
miles NE of Manchester NH.  Please note that Fair Association rules 
and local ordinances prohibit any alcohol and open fires anywhere on 
the grounds.  Charcoal grills, barbeques, gas grills are okay!  
A "Pack it in - Pack it out" philosophy regarding garbage is highly 
recommended because it helps us keep down the costs of hosting this 
event.  The now-traditional NEAR-Fest policy regarding abandoning 
unsold junk and trash will be strictly enforced.  Offenders will be 
sorry!

The NEAR-Fest Team looks forward to seeing you all at Deerfield on 
October 12th & 13th.  

Tentative 2008 Schedule: May 2nd/3rd and October 10th/11th.