NEAR-Fest Moving Forward!

Dear Friends of NEAR-Fest:

We are all in an unprecedented situation! As you all know by now Emergency Order No. 26 issued by the governor of NH on April 4th, 2020 decreed that NEAR-Fest XXVII would not take place as scheduled on May 1st and 2nd. I am glad that the decision was made for us but had it not been so ordered I would have cancelled the fester without hesitation because it simply is not safe or wise to have a hamfest at this point in the Coronavirus timeline. NEAR-Fest XXVII will not be rescheduled. We are now moving forward to NEAR-Fest XXVIII which is scheduled for October 16th and 17th 2020.

Obviously it is too early to speculate on whether or not it will actually take place. The Fair Association is preparing for their annual fair that will take place October 1st - 4th. Notwithstanding, I can tell you right now if I am not fully confident that our staff, exhibitors, vendors, attendees and the local townspeople will be safe if we come to Deerfield in October the Fall Fester simply will not happen. In this case the “next one” will be NEAR-Fest XXIX on April 30th and May 1st, 2021. Rest assured, no matter when it takes place, there will be a “next one.”

Of course this event has affected us financially because, despite the reason, we still have financial commitments and obligations we must meet. Coupled with our lower-than-average attendance in 2019, mainly because of weather issues, real and perceived, our treasury is low and needs to be replenished. In order to do this we have decided to begin selling advance admission tickets to NEAR-Fest XXVIII starting on May 15th, 2020.

Regretfully, we have no choice but to increase the price of admission purchased on site to $15.00 per person. Inside parking passes will remain $10.00. However if you purchase your tickets and parking passes in advance you will only pay the traditional amount of $10.00 for admission that has been in effect since 2007. The Fair Association has advised us there will be no changes to the camping/tent fees this year.

In the event that NEAR-Fest XXVIII has to be cancelled any advance tickets and passes purchased will be honored at the next NEAR-Fest, whenever it may take place. It’s like the Post Office sells “Forever” stamps. By buying them now you are investing in the future of NEAR-Fest as the premier radio enthusiast event in the Northeast and helping to ensure our survival.

Additionally we are creating a special new “VIP Pass” that will allow the holder certain perks like early entry (0800) for themselves and a guest that is valid for the lifetime of the purchaser at a cost of $250.00. Should you wish to make a donation of $100.00 or more NEAR-Fest is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and is able to issue a receipt for tax purposes.

As an added incentive we will be holding a special door prize drawing for advance ticket buyers for an Xiegu G90 HF 20W SDR transceiver valued at “around $500.00.” To be eligible you must buy your tickets before 11:59PM on Thursday October 15th 2020. Drawing will take place on Friday, October 16th at 4:00PM and the winner does not need to be present to win.

Tickets and passes will be available at Ham Radio Outlet in Salem NH and at Ross Hochstrasser's Clock Shop located at 40 Walnut Street, Whitman MA. Cash only is accepted at these locations. You may also purchase by mail by sending a check or money order payable to NEAR-Fest (and a SASE please) to NEAR-Fest, 316 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead MA 01945. Please do not send cash. Prize draw stubs will be filled in at time of purchase and retained so they may be entered in the special and regular prize drawing. Tickets will be mailed in early October so please do not send mail orders after October 1st. The “VIP Pass” will only be sold by mail order.

Thank you for your understanding, support and investment in the future of our beloved NEAR-Fest.

73,

Michael Crestohl, W1RC
Benevolent Dictator,
New England Amateur Radio Festival, Inc,