FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ Regarding the 2010 Greater Baltimore Hamboree & Computerfest (Timonium Hamfest) March 27-28, 2010
 



1.)    Will there be a 2010 Show? YES

2.)    Are you going to ONE Building? As of right now NO but it may happen in the future.

3.)    IF you do go to one building are you not going to have Outdoor Tailgating? IF we ever do go to one building (Cow Palace) that is a distinct possibility.

4.)    IF you do go to one building what happens to the commercial vendors and flea market vendors? IF that day ever comes, we would move the commercial vendors into the Cow Palace. Will some vendors be moved? maybe. We would take into consideration how long a vendor has been with us etc. NOBODY would just be pushed out. We would work with each and everyone to try to come up with a solution.

5.)    Why did the Outdoor Tailgate Area move? It is simply a cost decision with an added plus. The last few years the club has rented the Home Arts building. This is the building that is at the top of the midway and for the last few years it has been empty. We have seen conjecture that it is empty because we just want it that way. That building costs the club about $7000 to rent and leave empty. WHY do we rent the building to leave it empty? Simply put to have total control of the fairgrounds you have to rent the fairgrounds. We have tried to have another IFM area there, an actual Flea Market and this year an art show. None have blossomed enough to even half fill the building.  So what does this have to do with tailgating being moved? Simple, if we do not rent the building the fairgrounds has the right to rent it to another organization to hold whatever. If that is done then the entire midway MUST be general parking for BOTH shows. Since we no longer fill that lot with 650 tailgaters and the last few years has seen 350 or less the decision to move tailgate to the side of the Exhibition Hall was made. Yes there are a few less spaces 290. Next year we hope to learn from this year and be able to fill the gaps so more spaces can actually be sold. The only other solution is to NOT have tailgating at all. We do not want to do this, but Tailgating does not cover the cost of renting the Home Arts Building. Next year we will NOT be renting this building.  The two added pluses are that the spaces are already lined and using the midway for parking allows the general public closer access to their vehicles to drag those boat anchors to.

We have also created a PREMIUM TAILGATING area in the front two rows of the parking lot.   This is the main walking path between our two buildings.

6.)    Will there be outdoor tailgating next year? As of right now YES. But there is one thing that from a strictly financial perspective says WHY. We charge $25 for a tailgate spot before March 1 and $30 after and that includes an admission ticket for the weekend. So the spot in reality is $15 for the weekend. We have to pay a group of scouts $1,000 to clean up the trash and We have to pay to have dumpsters delivered and picked up from the fairgrounds and pay BY THE POUND for the trash that is removed and by the way all of those unwanted monitors, laptops and old computers are considered hazardous material so we have to pay a FEE because of that. In 2007 those costs totaled over $5000. From a financial point of view having Outdoor tailgating COSTS us money. Yes we generate trash from the other areas but the JUNK left behind is much less since we have assigned the spots and know who left it behind.

7.)    What does it cost to tailgate?   We've lowered the prices this year, and we have added PREMIUM OUTDOOR TAILGATE.  We also now have tailgating and Basic Indoor tickets for one day only, so you can come one day and not pay for the other.   Please go back to the "for sellers" page to check out the pricing to these various areas.

13.)            Will there be a Mini-Fest this January?  As of now the club will hold this event. Please be aware that this does cost the club money and while we do not charge for the event we do ask for donations. Unfortunately, we do not meet expenses for this event. Look for more information later on the status or date of the mini-fest.

14.)            How can you help make sure the show continues? We need your support. Come to the show support the vendors, talk it up. Running a hamfest is a double edge sword. Without the vendors the attendees do not come and without the attendees the vendors do not come. We are not the only hamfest to be feeling the effects of less vendors and less attendees. Only you can help us continue to make the show happen.
If you wish to respond please send you comments directly to me at
n3wd at arrl.net.
Bill Dobson, N3WD
 

Camping Questions

What camping spaces are available?
GBH&C does not administer or sell camping space.  There are some spaces that have camping hookups accessible along the racetrack in the main parking area.  There are also some spaces with hookups down near the swine barn.  They are managed by the fairgrounds security guards.

Can I reserve camping space?
Sorry, there is no way to reserve camping space. 

Is there a fee to hook up or to camp?
The fairgrounds operators have the right to charge for camping and the use of the hookups.  The cost is approximately $15 per night.  They will come to you, there is no requirement to register.

May I sleep in my tailgate space?
Sure.  The fairgrounds may assess a camping fee.  There are a number of tailgaters that operate all night, and have a nice social time.