Subj : Hamfest Overview (2)
To   : All
From : Daryl Stout
Date : Mon Jan 21 2019 12:05 am

Getting To The Hamfest

Now, that you've decided to attend a hamfest, the question is "how do I get
there??". There will usually be a "talk-in" frequency, to direct you to the
hamfest site. Having run these in the past myself, you have to be sure to
help visitors from out of the area to find the hamfest...and giving good
directions is essential.

The talk-in station should also have basic information about parking,
admissions, license exam sessions, forums, demos, exhibits, prizes, etc.

Another thing to consider is if the hamfest is more than a one day event,
are the accomodations where you will stay while in town. The large events
such as Hamvention in Xenia, Ohio...the Huntsville Hamfest in Huntsville,
Alabama...and HamCation in Orlando, Florida...all have a HUGE DEMAND for
rooms, that they usually SELL OUT OVER A YEAR IN ADVANCE...and the room
rates are NOT cheap...in many cases, well over $100 per night!! And, the
closest rooms may be as much as an hour or more away...especially in the
case of the Hamvention in Xenia, Ohio!!

Most other hamfest venues and conventions will usually not have this "huge
demand", but it's best to not wait until the last minute to book a room.
Also, check the gasoline prices and locations in the area. You don't need
to run out of gas, or have vehicle trouble going to or from the hamfest.
Plus, you also need to be aware of weather conditions and forecasts for
the hamfest you plan to attend, so the appropriate weather gear can be
brought along, if need be.

To find weather forecasts for hamfests around the United States and its
territories, go to www.weather.gov -- then click on the desired area of
the map. You should be then taken to the website of that areas National
Weather Service office. Once there, check the map for any watches,
warnings, or advisories, and click on the word LOCAL under the forecasts
section on the left site of the page. You can also click on the area of
the map for a point forecast for that particular location. This way, you
can pack any needed weather gear.

Once there, you may have to walk a great distance to, from, and at the
event itself. So, if you have a disability, bear that in mind. Many places
usually have parking for the disabled, but you need to have either a
license plate or a special hang tag or placard. The local police agencies
WILL ticket and/or tow your vehicle, if you park in one of these spaces
without authorization. Hamvention has a limited number of "scooters"
during the event, for rental by disabled hams, with mobility impairments.
Reservations MUST be made IN ADVANCE, and both fees, and disability
documentation, will be required...go to www.hamvention.org for details.
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