Prize Drawings at NEAR-Fest

As the person ultimately responsible for everything that goes on at NEAR-Fest I must offer a mea culpa for the confusion surrounding the manner in which prize drawings have been conducted in the past in which winners were required to be present to claim their winnings. After much deliberation and discussion I have decided to modify and clarify the policy regarding whether a winner's presence is required in order to win a door prize.

At many hamfests in the past winners of major prizes were required to be present in order to receive it. There were several reasons for this. In those days people tended to stay for the entire hamfest. Everyone likes to see winners excitement as they come up to the podium to collect their prize. It also dispels any questions of who won what.

It was never our intention to disenfranchise anyone who purchased a ticket as we believe that everyone who does so has a right to win if their ticket is drawn for a "significant" prize. However times have changed people seem busier and have more to do so they don't stick until the end anymore. What worked in the "old days" doesn't seem to apply today.

Henceforth ticket stub drawings for "major" prizes including any "Door" or "Grand" prizes will NOT require the winner to be present. Such drawings will take place at the Closing Ceremony, Saturday at 2:00 PM at the Relaxation Grove stage as well at such ther time(s) that may be announced. So it is very important that you include your address and telephone number along with your call and name on your ticket stub and place it in the drawing barrel located at the Relaxation Grove stage. Remember, if we cannot identify the winner we cannot send their prize.

"Lesser" prizes, nominally less than $50.00 or less in value will be drawn at to-be-determined times during the Hamfest. A "Winners Board" that will list the prize and the corresponding winner's ticket number will be prominently displayed at the stage in the Relaxation Grove . Times of these drawings will be announced on FM 95.1 and AM 650 in advance as will be winning ticket numbers. It is the responsibility of the ticketholder to check the board to determine whether he or she is a winner. You must claim these prizes in person. Any unclaimed prizes will be redrawn at the Closing Ceremony.

So to summarize: Winners presence NOT required for "Major", "Door" or "Grand" prizes.
Winners (or their surrogates) must check the "Winners Board" located at the stage at the Relaxation Grove and must claim "lesser" prizes (valued at $50.00 or less" in person.

I hope this finally clarifies the manner in which NEAR-Fest will be distributing prizes to our attendees.

73,

MisteriMike