Re: Hosstraders Tailgate Swapfest

The October 2006 event was the last Hosstraders. After careful consideration, we have decided to discontinue hosting the event. A combination of factors have led to this difficult decision. We've been running Hosstraders for a third of a century, but we've always done it "our way" and we feel that the result has been an event unique in the Amateur Radio world, certainly in New England. A number of things have been taken into account, but foremost in our mind is that we want Hosstraders to be a quality experience in every way, and not to slowly run it into the ground just for the ride. We want to take things out on a high note, while we can still be proud of our efforts. Briefly, the factors that led us to this point are problems with site logistics, the changing face of flea marketing due to internet commerce, changes in directions of Amateur Radio, and just the fact that we have done it for a third of a century and we are getting old and tuckered out. It is not our intent to elaborate further on these matters. Nor do we intend to anoint or endorse any successors, or go into the business of Hamfest Consulting, so please don't ask. We are unaware of any person or group in the region with the experience to “take over”. Therefore, be very cautious of anyone who comes forward claiming to be the "new Hosstraders". Running an event of Hosstraders' size and impact is more challenging than it appears! What's the next step? Well, for us, we plan to relax and play radio. For the rest of the Amateur community in the Northeast, we'd suggest that you get off the internet and on the air. Support your local clubs, and their events. Put up an antenna for some ham who needs a bit of assistance, and help to maintain the fraternal aspects of our hobby. We wish to thank you for your great support these many years. We often hear from hams who have been attending Hosstraders since those early days in Seabrook. Since that first event, where 61 of us met on a flat grassy field, we've had lots of fun, and made lots of memories. We've also donated over 1.3 million dollars to the Shriners' Hospitals for the care and support of severely burned and crippled kids. We are proud of that, and those who participated can share in that pride. The need still exists at the Hospitals, so if you wish to make someone happy, perhaps each year on the anniversary of Hosstraders, you could send a check along to Boston, Springfield or Montreal. They will not waste it! We hope you'll remember the times we all had together at Seabrook, Deerfield, Kingston (!), Rochester and Hopkinton.
You can be sure that we will never forget.