Back in 2019, the Prince William Fairgrounds announced that it had been sold. This was significant to the Ole Virginia Hams because this was the traditional home for our Hamfest. And so, it was time to move our Hamfest location.
We looked at many venues, schools, shopping centers and could not find anything that met our needs.
And then we met Amelia Powell.
Amelia works for the Parks and Recreation division of Manassas Park.
It was Amelia who booked us at the Manassas Park Community Center
This was a much bigger task than many people realize. The Hamfest Planning Committee, led by Don, WA2SWX, had to completely change venues. Planning and implementation changes included parking, security, food sales, setup access and tear down.
Amelia was very helpful every step of the way.
You probably remember that Hamfest 2019 was very successful. Amelia Powell was an important part of that success.
In 2020, plans were well underway again, when we had to deal with COVID-19. Because of this, we did not have a Hamfest in 2020. But we did get our deposit back from Manassas Park with no issues.
During June 2021, we wanted to have a Hamfest, however, Manassas Park was not renting the Community Center because of continuing COVID concerns. Despite this, the Hamfest Planning Committee sensed pent up demand from both the OVH membership & the ham community in general.
The idea of the Tailgate Party took hold. Manassas Park was not renting the Community Center because of COVID, but offered us a large field across from Signal Hill Park at a very reasonable price. But, another change of venue.
Again, Amelia helped us with all the setup issues including marking of the field, access to setup, garbage can, porta potty set up and removal. It was a joy to work with Amelia – doubly so after our experiences with the PWC Fairgrounds staff.
In recognition of her continual help, Don, WA2SWX, as Chairman of Hamfest and Tailgate events, decided to recognize Amelia for her extraordinary help. We had a custom engraved award created for her, that stated:
In great appreciation for your hard work
in making our club events happen.
We also had a custom embroidered polo shirt made for Amelia which had her name on one side and our name, Ole Virginia Hams, on the other side.
Don, as Chair of the two events, the Hamfest and the Tailgate Party, presented the award and the polo shirt together to Amelia on July 23, 2021. As you can see from the picture, it was very well received.
Very 73,
KB
KN4DD