TZUTC: -0500   
   MSGID: 426.fidonet-ls_arrl@1:2320/33 28b874b0   
   PID: Synchronet 3.20a-Win32 master/a59d7d36d Apr 13 2023 MSC 1929   
   TID: SBBSecho 3.20-Win32 master/a59d7d36d Apr 13 2023 MSC 1929   
   BBSID: TBOLT   
   CHRS: ASCII 1   
   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.   
   --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32   
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)   
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