I had been planning on going to the Michigan Club's Extravaganza in July.

You will recall that they always had a super meet in Lansing for a number of years under the big tent and that was one to look forward to.

They moved to Kalamazoo and had one of the best inside venues around. Inside, air conditioned, clean rest rooms, and easy to get into and out of. I loved Kalamazoo too.

Then the plan was for an inside venue in the Detroit area in July.

But Covid and I guess other reasons changed that, so instead of a multi-day event as originally planned there is a one-day in conjunction with a ham radio club. We have done that in our area with the Nashville club and that worked out OK. And it is on the same weekend as RadioActivity in Maryland.

I spoke with Mark Oppatt and he explained all that has happened, the hotel issues in Lansing and the poor attendance in Kalamazoo. Those of you who missed Kalamazoo missed a great show. Mark says their big meet will be in January and it has always surpassed the other meets in attendance.

Mark said many believe that the days of people travelling long distances for multi-day events are coming to an end. I guess there are exceptions like Kutztown, Radioactivity, and even Charlotte. I plan to attend the Illinois Club's meet in the Chicago area in August, but I must be the exception.

A lot of people have no idea all that goes into putting a show like this together, as well as the financial risk and the costs at these hotels for meets as well as rooms as escalated, to say nothing of fuel costs.

Michigan has always had a fine show and I am sure their January meet will be a good one, but with Winter in Michigan I don't think I want to risk that one, especially if it is a one-day event. I sure do miss Lansing and Kalamazoo in July and maybe the situation will improve and change and perhaps a summer meet in in the offing in the future. I will certainly plan on attending that one.

I was looking forward to a sale this past January, it was advertised, but cancelled a few weeks before the show date.
Now word is they will join the Chelsea Hamfest for a sale on June 5th. It said to stay tuned for info. It's now less than a month away.
This one could also slip by.

YES MARC has a show set for Sunday, June 5 at the Chelsea Fairgrounds 8am-4pm in partnership with the Chelsea Hamfest ! See new posting here in Clubs/ Events section.
Mark Oppat