Posted 5/29/06
This HamVention marked the 25th Anniversary of the I.O.O.K. It only seemed appropriate to celebrate that achievement by coming up with suitable awards and a commemorative cigar band. If you notice, the cigar band indicates "25th Anniversary Edition". Regarding awards, according to Hoss, I went with quantity rather quality. My effort was to award each of the IOOK'ers in attendance as well as their guests. On the table below starting on the left you see the cigar bands that have been cut out; a series of cigar band posters; AB8CO's face print; cigar boxes to hold the cigars once the bands are glued on; assorted folders with directions and so on; the flea market tickets; 4 bundles of cigars; the banners before they were taped together; the individual awards frame things across the bottom and right side.
The cigars shown in the above box are actually a bit larger than life. :-)
Below is a sample of the awards that were passed during the 25th Annual "Gathering Of The Faithful" (as pictured it is slightly larger than life). Some awards had a true and sincere meaning behind them, however, most of them were just for the fun of it!
This series of photos probably ought to have been the start of the page because it occurred clear back on May 3rd. After last year's fiasco with the tarp, Lou, N8KXM pondered many options on how to improve things and prevent future occurrences. To insure proper placement and measurements it was necessary to partially set things up. WB8WIQ and WA8ZWJ assisted N8KXM in this effort. The re-engineered structure takes into account the placement of support poles which had blocked entry into the side of the van. It is also sized so that it does not stick out onto our neighbor's flea market space behind us. Holes were drilled in the floors so that center support posts could reach ground level and be held securely. A new tarp was also purchased. This was all made possible by a collection made by NN3V and K8EI for the "new tarp fund" at the conclusion of last year's HamVention. Additional purchases included our own I.O.O.K. cooler so we no longer have to borrow one.
As the dates for HamVention approach, activities are coming to fruition! Below left N8KXM and KB8FJB are pictured on Wednesday evening (5/17/06) after assisting WA8ZWJ load the final items into the van that will go into the flea market for the duration. Thursday morning is bright and sunny as we head to the arena to meet WA5KUB's gang begin the preset of our booth. Below right is a picture of a Durango in Olive Drab which is KF8KK's favorite color to paint vehicles. He has a full sized van in Olive Drab, so, it only goes to reason that this must be one of his fleet of vehicles!
Lou, N8KXM also re-engineered the flag pole/antenna support structure and it performed beautifully! Thanks Lou for all your efforts!
Thursday afternoon is spent welcoming all the out-of-towners to Dayton and HamVention! Yee Haw!
Thursday evening all the folks who have arrived assemble at the Toll House Tavern for dinner and visiting - a fun time is had by all!
After dinner the "Flea Market Die Hards" go to the flea market to set up the tarp and load last minute items into the storage van! Zip ties are used along the front edge and the side by WA5KUB's sight to reduce gap over the tables and between the spaces. The entire erection event is broadcast over the Internet on KUB's Streaming Video. N8KXM uses tie down straps to firmly hold the tarp and structure down preventing the debacle of 2005!
Friday morning at 6AM WA5ZAI, N5AAA and WA8ZWJ were in line to get into the flea market to drop off the passenger van while N8KXM waiting to provide chauffeur service. NN3V, K8EI and N8BYT waited patiently at the California Garden Restaurant. The van was finally dropped off at 6:30 and the group made it to the restaurant around 6:40!
Here are some early flea market shots from Friday morning as things are getting set up.
Here are some flea market shots from Friday around the booth.
Here are some general shots of the flea market on Friday.
These shots were taken on Friday and are of some of the booths inside.
Now proceed to HamVention 2006 Part 2 to continue your I.O.O.K. Dayton HamVention experience!
