NEAR-Fest XXXVI was officially convened on Friday, October 4th, 2024 and closed at 3:00 PM on Saturday October 5th. This was the inaugural event at our new home, the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds and 4-H Youth Center in New Boston NH, approximately 15 miles west of Manchester. The transition from Deerfield to New Boston was an UNQULAIFIED success. The wx was PERFECT both days. The final attendance figures are not known at the time of this writing but, especially on Friday, the place was PACKED. Also a lot of very good stuff changed hands. The best bargain I spotted was a MINT Collins 75A-4 with three filters for $250.00. I saw most of the regular suspects from the AM and Boatanchor community in attendance, including AM FONE’s own W3JN, “Johnny Novice” who made the trip from MD to join in the fun. There are too many others to name here but I hope they will post their comments here and elsewhere to let everyone know that NEAR-Fest v2.0 was a success, Next one is May 2nd and 3rd, 2025. Mark your calendars NOW so you won’t miss it, This first event at New Boston reminded me very much of the first NEAR-Fest that was held at Deerfield on May 4th and 5th, 2007. The wx on both events was the same - PERFECT. There was much speculation on both events as they were the first at a new venue which is always an unknown. And both were packed with attendees who were pleased behind words at the event. On a personal note the transition to the new NEAR-Fest location completes my retirement from Benevolent Dictator to Benevolent Dictator Emeritus which actually started a couple years ago. The fester is ably guided by Phil Brooks, KA1PXK, whose official title is Chief of NEAR-Fest and his XYL Kelley Brooks, KA1LEY, NEAR-Fest Treasurer, also known as “The Ticket Lady”. They are assisted with a number of wonderful volunteers; Paul, W1PRA, Glenn, N1GAS, John, N1JAF and many more, too numerous to mention. I want to personally thank them all for all their hard work and selfless dedication to making our first event at New Boston an unqualified SUCCESS. Also a new location for the traditional AM Dinner was found and so this important tradition will continue, thanks to Steve WA1QIX, who quickly organized the ad hoc affair. My involvement with NEAR-Fest will continue as I plan on remaining a Director along with Mike, K1TWF, Gregg, W1USA, Phil KA1PXZ and Kelley, KE1LEY but after 18 years will not be involved in running the event except maybe to help out here and there if needed. Hope to see many of you on May 2nd 2025 at New Boston. Thank you all for your support, 73, MisterMike, W1RC, Benevolent Doctator Emeritus, Founder and Director, New England Amateur Radio Festival, Inc.
