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