<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto"><div dir="ltr"><br><br><br>Begin forwarded message:<br><br></div><div dir="ltr"><b>From:</b> Mister Mike <w1rc@near-fest.com><br><b>Date:</b> January 12, 2021 at 2:43:52 PM EST<br><br><br></div><div dir="ltr"><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><div dir="ltr"><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Dear Friends of NEAR-Fest.....</span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 27.4px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"></span><br></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">I am sure that just about everyone knew this was coming but this makes it is official.</span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 27.4px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"></span><br></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Given the current Coronavirus situation with new cases reported every day at astronomical levels (on January 8th there were 7,110 in Mass. alone) and the fact that the vaccination process is running behind schedule we have decided that <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://2">April 30th</a>/May 1st 2021 is far too soon to hold NEAR-Fest XXIX and guarantee that it will safe for all. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Consequently I have this day notified the Deerfield Fair Association that we have decided to cancel it.</span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 27.4px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"></span><br></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">This decision was not taken lightly but it is also a no brainer. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There are no options. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As you know this is the third NEAR - Fest that had to be cancelled because of Covid-19. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The good news is that NEAR-Fest XXX is scheduled for <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://3">October 15th</a>and 16th, 2021 and, for the first time since this started, I am fully confident this will be our grand “NEAR-Fest Homecoming!”</span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 27.4px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"></span><br></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Advance tickets and parking passes that were sold for NEAR- Fest XXIX will be valid for NEAR-Fest-XXX. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>However anyone wanting a full refund may have it. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Email <a href="mailto:w1rc@near-fest.com">w1rc@near-fest.com</a> for details. </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 27.4px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"></span><br></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">For more information visit <a href="http://forum.near-fest.com/index.php?topic=1522.0">http://forum.near-fest.com/index.php?topic=1522.0</a></span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 27.4px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"></span><br></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">73 and see you all <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://6">on October 15th</a>! </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 27.4px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"></span><br></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Mister Mike, W1RC</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Benevolent Dictator</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">New England Amateur Radio Festival, Inc.</span></p></div></div></body></html>