The biggest hamfest and flea market in the Northeast is only a week away…..and I really hope you can make it. This will be the second fester at the new venue in New Boston NH which is only about fifteen miles west of Manchester and I-93. As many of you know NEAR-Fest and Deerfield were synonymous because that was our home for eighteen years. HOSSTRADERS was also there from 1976 to 1992 which is the main reason us old-timers love the place so much. However last year the decision was made to move the popular hamfest to New Boston NH. At the same time I officially stepped down as “Benevolent Dictator” and handed the reins over to Phil KA1PXZ and his XYL Kelley KE1LEY. I voluntarily stepped down which is something I had been trying to do for over seven years. Eighteen years running it was enough for me although I loved every minute. The new venue is very nice and was enthusiastically received and accepted my everyone with whom I spoke since the first event there last October. A couple old timers decried leaving the familiar Deerfield but even they admitted the new place was okay. Some even like it better than Deerfield. Moving the event was definitely the right thing to so. I received a lot of messages asking me what my status is with NEAR-Fest. I am the Benevolent Dictator Emeritus which essentially means retired. Phil, Kelley and their team are doing a splendid job of moving the event from Deerfield and taking it forward into the future. For the time being I am remaining a board member but not involved in any way with running the event. I have full confidence in the team and all Imwant to do going forward is attend the events and enjoy them as much as I can. I really hope you can make it and see for yourself how great NEAR-Fest still is this coming May 2nd and 3rd, 2025. Finally make sure to take a moment to thank the folks you see working at the fest for their efforts. They are all volunteers. Remember, they give up their hamfest so that you can enjoy yours. www.near-fest.com 73, MrMike, W1RC
Mike, I realize that as the Benevolent Dictator Emeritus is required make appearances and preside over ceremonies. But, please try to make time to visit and have a coffee with us common folks on the grounds. The weather is shaping up for a very nice event and a slight shower to keep any dust and pollen down. It should be perfect. Lets look forward to seeing everyone and especially seeing those who missed the October fest (which was chamber of commerce perfect). I have a number of pony express items going north and south from the grounds and some wants and needs so hopefully everyone brings fun stuff. This is a great fest - see you there.
As of 13:25 today, the weather outlook seems to be improving: mostly cloudy Friday morning, with increasing sun later in the day; partly sunny Saturday morning, with increasing chances of thunderstorms later. The old saying "If you don't like the weather in New England, wait a few minutes," is even more valid when consulting our modern-day, largely computer-generated weather forecasts. The computers are looking at incoming data, crunching the numbers, and spitting out forecasts. With new data coming in constantly, the computers are constantly re-crunching and re-re-crunching the numbers, leading to jitterbug forecasts with rapidly changing predictions. I pretty much have to go; a friend of mine will be going, rain-or-shine, and if I chicken out, and the weather turns out fine, he'll be sending me texts all day long telling me how great it is, and I'll be sitting here in my misery. Wishing everyone a great Nearfest: the premier radio event in the New England area!
Friday went well, aside from a few brief passing showers, which were just enough to keep the vendors scrambling; hurriedly covering and then uncovering their stuff. The sun came out later, and it actually got quite warm. The drive up wasn't particularly pleasant. As I was getting ready at 0330, I heard a rumble of thunder, and I told my wife that the storms would probably follow me most of the way up, which they did, since I would be traveling northeast, as were the storms. Dark, swirling sheets of downpour; wipers slapping away at full speed, always a good time. It let up by the time I got to the fairgrounds, though. Tomorrow I get to do it all again, minus the morning storms (which will come later in the afternoon) and with the added and very welcome company of my wife. Friday at Nearfest is too long a day for her; I get there at 0630 and leave at 1600, but tomorrow will be a shorter day, and more sun in the morning, hopefully.
