On Sun, 23 May 2004 22:56:42 -0400, Mike Coslo
wrote:

wrote:

On Tue, 18 May 2004 17:06:52 GMT, TUFF (John
Goller, k9uwa) wrote:


In article 1drqc.112183$Ik.9147885@attbi_s53,
says...

John k9uwa


Forgot one...
the Dayton Convention Buro .. sets the prices that the Hotels
Charge for Hamvention as well as all other Conventions..

100 bucks plus for a Holiday Inn Express ... is a little on the
high side!


I probably shouldn't tell you this John.

We stayed in Troy, 19 miles north on I 75 for 57.00 a night.

Our 2nd year in that location......15 minute drive.

Yup, I stayed in Middletown for 49.00/night. I didn't have any 3 or 4
night minimum either.

This is only my second year at Dayton, so I can't comment on any "glory
days" but:

The flea had a lot more ham radio oriented stuff this year than last
year. Last year I wasn't sure if I was at a festival for vintage 486
computer sales and 1985 Motorola UHF handi-talkies or a Hamfest. The
flea was more interesting from a Ham outlook this year IMO.

Hara was doing a better job on the rest rooms compared to last year.
probably 50 percent less stink.

But Hara is without doubt getting old and run down. Presuming a person
is keeping their eyes open inside the building, it is obvious to see. I
can understand DARA's loyalty, but if Hara doesn't do some serious
upgrading soon, Dayton Hamfest will start to appear as old and run down
as the facilities it is held in.

Whilst I was enjoying an adult beverage in the Hara pub, I had
occasion to speak with the lovely young barmaid.

She said that the owner (of Hara) had died and that the heirs were in
the process of trying to sell the complex.

I don't know what that means for Hamvention's long term prospects,
however as was already mentioned, the commitee stated that the fest
would be held at Hara again next year.

The Hara parking lot where the flea is held is pretty sad. A couple
more years, and the macadam will be gone. You really have to watch your
step to keep from tripping on the potholes and non-level repairs.

Those mud wrestling pits....erm... parking lots beside the building are
pretty awful. I park at the Derelict mall and find that to be a pretty
good alternative.

But, I'll be there next year if all goes well.

- Mike KB3EIA -





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