Poll: AM Corral at Deerfield - What Say You?

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

We're fast approaching the 'Big Weekend' when we all return (or have our first visit) to Deerfield for NEAR-fest I. One of the questions we have is 'where will we be?' with respect to the AM gathering point and corral. This is a tradition originating from the earlier Deerfield hamfest, and carried over to Rochester (a.k.a. 'Rottenchester', 'Deerchester', 'Rainchester') and finally, Hopkinton.

Since the 'fest will be a clean slate, this is the time to stake out just where we will reside for years to come. Of course, no one is required to take part, it's all voluntary. But it's also where you find such marvelous traditions as Wayne, WA1SSJ's AM sign in sheet, AMer and mil types with equipment galore (including the KW1I/W2ILA/W1NZR gang and their famous breakfast gathering), excellent stories of days gone by, grown men dressed like Vikings, and the rest of those zaney AMers you've heard, maybe even worked on the air, and come to know like family. This includes the likes of K1KW, W2INR, K1JJ and other well-known dignitaries.

You will find a map here: http://near-fest.com/sitemapfull.htm

There was a picture posted recently of the Relaxation Grove area, it looks pretty nice to me with plenty of trees for aerials. Power could be an issue. The old corral area is also nice, but lies at the extreme edge of the fairground area. It's a 'six of one, half dozen of the other' situation, for sure. Haven't seen the place in daylight since the fall of '92, so it'll be like deja vu all over again for me.

Vote early and vote often. This is your chance to have a say in AM's future at NEAR-fest. We reserve the right to reject everything and laugh hysterically, just because we can. 

[W1RC]

I am glad you posted this poll, Todd.  Whatever the consensus I will reserve the area of choice for the AM'ers and their guests.

I should mention that the area indicated as the Relaxation Grove is where the Command Center will be located.  The Class E AM Station will be located adjacent to the Relaxation Grove and if the consensus reveals that this is where the AM'ers want to be I will make it happen.

73,

MrMike

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

Oh, sure....now ya tell me..... 

[KE7NL - Jack]

?que?  Is there a SWINE Barn at Deerfield?  Where do I look for the AM gaggle?
Why is there air?
If a man hollers in the woods and there is no woman to hear him, is he still wrong?
CQ Contest!
IMI QTF IMI K

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

?que?  Is there a SWINE Barn at Deerfield?  Where do I look for the AM gaggle?

That's what we're trying to determine. Having been at the former Deerfield 'fests, I must admit now that I can't remember which barn is named what.

I think the biggest drawback to the 'Grove' (aside from it already being designated for the Command Post) is lack of adequate power, despite looking nice and being centrally located. Also, the rest room (singular, with multiple operating positions) is located next to the former AM corral/Dairy Ring area. So there are a coupla more things to consider when voting.

Why is there air?
If a man hollers in the woods and there is no woman to hear him, is he still wrong?

You'll have to ask Master Vu about the first ? in this group, but I think the answer to the second is 'always'. 

[W1RKW]

Don't know if I missed this or not in previous posts about NEAR Fest but will entry to the grounds be the traditional manner in which we can arrive on Friday?

I've only made Deerfield a couple of times on daytrips before it was moved to Rochester.  What's the camping situation like there? Can one just setup camp anywhere? 

Still not sure if I'm going to make it that weekend for an overnight or even a daytrip this year. 

[W1JS]

Get all the information you need to know and more at:

http://www.near-fest.com/

[steve_qix]

?que?  Is there a SWINE Barn at Deerfield?  Where do I look for the AM gaggle?

That's what we're trying to determine. Having been at the former Deerfield 'fests, I must admit now that I can't remember which barn is named what.

I think the biggest drawback to the 'Grove' (aside from it already being designated for the Command Post) is lack of adequate power, despite looking nice and being centrally located. Also, the rest room (singular, with multiple operating positions) is located next to the former AM corral/Dairy Ring area. So there are a coupla more things to consider when voting.

Why is there air?
If a man hollers in the woods and there is no woman to hear him, is he still wrong?

You'll have to ask Master Vu about the first ? in this group, but I think the answer to the second is 'always'. 

The "grove" (relexation area) has quite a few outlets, and a sizable breaker box.  It appears to be very well powered, which is one reason we're putting the special events station there and not elsewhere.  Also, there is room to get "off the beaten path", if we wish  - and there's a lot of room for vehicles (particularly for sellers).   

[w3jn]

There needs to be a manger close by for Timmy and Tom to crap out in 

[Steve - WB3HUZ]

If a man hollers in the woods and there is no woman to hear him, is he still wrong?

LOL. A rhetorical question, I'm sure!

[W1RC]

Looks like the answer is pretty clear Todd - and I personally think it is appropriate for the "AM Corral" to be right where it was 15 years ago.  Call me a traditionalist or what. 

Since Timtron is the NEAR-Fest Director of On-Site Communications and has an OFFICIAL pass he can park his "car" right at the entrance to the Dairy Ring before 9AM so as to mark it as RESERVED.

These pics were taken on April 14th 2007 when we toured the grounds.  Check out the big electrical service box that is new.  I have a feeling that it will be well used. Click on them to enlarge them and save them if you wish.

73,

MrMike, W1RC

We're fast approaching the 'Big Weekend' when we all return (or have our first visit) to Deerfield for NEAR-fest I. One of the questions we have is 'where will we be?' with respect to the AM gathering point and corral.

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

I was fortunate to see Mike's latest comments while at his place for dinner last night, which reminded me to close the voting and announce the results.

*drumroll* 

After extensive publicity and voting, by a clear margin of 2 to 1, the AM area will be located where it began many years ago, in the Dairy Ring area on the site map:

http://near-fest.com/sitemapfull.htm

I'll be arriving early along with Joe, WA2PJP, to mark off the area to help those who have never been to Deerfield locate the group easier. "A.M. Corral signs (currently being printed) will be posted at Corral and the main points of entry, with arrows pointing the way.

Much of what we are doing for this event will not be required in the future. We mainly want folks who never had the chance to visit a Deerfield 'fest to have an easier time finding things during the initial first few hours of set up. Once everyone gets acclimated to the surroundings, future NEAR-fests will be much easier for all - participants as well as workers.

Thanks to those who participated. We could've just ruled by decree, but knowing that most folks would want to return to the original area, it seemed like a good way to get more folks to look over the site map. 

See you there.

[steve_qix]

Hi !

In light of the location of the AM coral, I am rethinking the special events station that I was planning on setting up.

This was originally going to at the Relaxation Area, for a variety of reasons including space to put up an antenna that did not cross any high voltage wires (in fact, any electrified wires at all!).  However, if everyone's going to be in another location, it would probably counterproductive to put an AM special events station all by itself, and not near the AM area.

I will most likely still bring the equipment with me, however if no good location presents itself in the AM coral, or if my operation would be too close to other stations operating on the fairground, it might be smarter to punt for this spring and regroup for the fall.

Any good suggestions, thoughts, etc. would be appreciated !!! 

Thanks and Regards,

Steve

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

Steve, I think your location is close to the AM Corral, maybe a few steps away? It's been a while, but IIRC, you walk out of the corral area and right past the Relaxation Grove? If not, I'm sure we can make it work in the corral. It has to, it's part of the tradition.

What time will you be arriving? 'PJP and I will be there early marking off the corral area to make it easier for first-timers to locate, we could find a good spot and reserve it for you if you'd like?

Lemme know...