[Towertalk] Hamfests may be on the slide but.........

[N0OEL@aol.com]

Dayton is down!  Yes, I would agree with that.     But Towertalkers, can you 
name
many hamfests in the US that havent been a little more each year for the last
several years?    From most all of the Florida hamfests to Dayton, you name 
it!
They are all down this year and they were last year.    It isnt the mens 
rooms in
Dayton.    It isnt parking.    It isnt the layouts or the price of tickets.   
Its really
a combination of the economy, amateur radio and believe it or not, Sept 11.
Lots of people still dont fly.    

Amateur radio has had a tough time for years and ladies and gentlemen,
if you dont blieve me ask your amateur store how business is compared to
five years ago!     And its the Internet!   Yes!   Lots of deals on the 
Internet in 
both the used market and in the new market.    Take a look at QTH.com or
Ebay if you dont believe me.     And youth isnt coming into the hobby like 
they
did years ago.     Thats why we need to consider supporting hamfests and
clubs and youth in our hobby.     

Next time a hamfest rep asks you to buy a ticket.    Next time you are asked
to help your club.    Next time you let sales tax get in the way of 
supporting your
local dealer............think about how  helped the hobby and the hamfests.
Dont complain about what hamfests should do.    Get involved and help them do 
it!!!

I missed K7LXC's/Steve's talk.    I wanted to see it and meet him.    My 
fault Steve but there will be a Hamvention next year in Hara Arena and lunch 
is one me!

73
Mike
K0BUD