I would like to
thank everyone for their support of the hamfest in Plant City this past
weekend. We had several club members stop by our table to sign in. A few of
the members stopped by to show off their great deals from the tail gate area
while others were on their way to forums. Peggy, N4PEG, and Bill, KI4ZMV, spoke
with several of the visitors at the table as well as other members that stopped
by. Other area clubs stopped by our table and took away some good ideas for
their club tables and club meetings. I was surprised to find that several other
clubs in the central Florida area know all about us. They know because they
told me that they read our blog regularly.
The East Pasco
Amateur Radio Society, EPARS, located in Dade City extended an invitation to
visit with Santa Claus, K4EX, during the Christmas Church Street walk in Dade
City, Dec. 21-23, 7-9 pm. EPARS always sets up a VHF station that allows people
to talk to Santa on 2 meters. Hundreds of people turn out for this gala light
show each year. It started out years ago as a Christmas card lane with the
locals taking part in placing giant, 4’ X 8’, Christmas cards along Church St.
It has grown into what it is today. I have been going to this for most of my
life as I am from Dade City. Church Street in Dade City is blocked off from
about 11th street to 14th street each year and the streets
are full of people looking at the lights that adorn the private homes and
churches. People from all over the area show up to see this event. Parking can
be found on block South of Church St. near the middle school but there will be
people parking on all of the nearby streets. http://eparsonline.org/
Another
attraction to remember is the Citrus Tower in Clermont. Each year at Christmas
time the Citrus Tower is lit up for the Christmas light show. All 226 feet of
the tower is lit with 75,000 LED lights which can easily be seen from 4 miles
away. The music that plays is coordinated with the lights to provide a
beautiful show. It is free. You sit outside and listen to the music and watch
the lights from 6pm to 10pm. If you would like to ride to the top of the tower
there is a $6.00 charge but the trip is worth it. For more information go to
the Citrus Tower website at http://www.citrustower.com/clermont/light-show/
. Remember to take a handheld with you. On the top level you are almost 500
feet above sea level and over 200 feet above the ground. I have checked into
the Thursday night net from up there and Andrew, WX4AMS, spoke to me last week
from the tower through the LARC repeater.
Thanks to all and
a very Merry Christmas to all,
Rich -
N4ESS
