HossTraders No More

[Ben Scott]

On 2/10/07, Ed Lawson <elawson at grizzy.com> wrote:
> I just received  notice that HossTraders is gone/finis.
> Sad.  After 30+ years they decided to fold the tent.

:-(

>From the official website (http://www.qsl.net/k1rqg/):

To All Radio Amateurs...
>From the Hosstraders, Joe K1RQG, Bob W1GWU, and Norm W1ITT
February 2007
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.