1. Fairground entrance is about 2 miles, on left.

• The Hopkinton State Fairgrounds website (http://www.hsfair.org) has a fairground map. GNHLUG is in building #16 on that map. The map labels it "American Legion Building Hall".
• The actual building has no sign. It has two separate green doors with ramps leading up to them.
• It is across from the building with the ATM in it. It is next to a four-way intersection of paved roads.
• If you enter at the "Green Gate" and follow the "road" straight in, "our" building is on the right, across from the last permanent building on the left.

From the South

From the North

1. I-89 South to Exit 7
2. Left at end of ramp
3. Pass northbound I-89 off-ramp and take first right onto Kearsarge Ave
4. Fairground entrance is ~2 miles on left. Enter parking lot if before 8 AM (gates open) to get in line, or through Green Gate further along

1. As NH-127 curves right (immediately after the bridge), "turn left" (keep going straight) onto Kearsarge Ave.

Helping Out

You'll need a pulse. If you've used Linux, that's nice, too. Seriously, we ask mainly for people to help evangelize Linux to a bunch of other geeks. We might ask for someone to keep an eye on the both for a bit here and there (during bio breaks and 'osstrading), but not a lot of that.

People with radio experience are especially welcome.

Getting There

• Google Map

Driving Directions

1. I-93 (for most people)
2. I-89
3. Exit 6 for NH-127 / Maple Street.
4. Turn East at top of ramp (right if from South, left if from North).
5. Follow road to T intersection in downtown. Turn left.
6. As NH-127 curves right, turn left onto Kearsarge Ave.
7. Follow road about half a mile. Turn right into fairgrounds at Green Gate.

At the Fairgrounds

The Hopkinton State Fairgrounds website (http://www.hsfair.org) has a fairground map. GNHLUG is in building #16 on that map. The map labels it "American Legion Building Hall". The actual building is signed simply "Commercial Exhibits". It is across from the building with the ATM in it. It is next to a four-way intersection of paved roads.

GNHLUG at Hosstraders

See Also: HamRadio

Introduction

It's Hosstraders time again!

As many GNHLUGers know, it has become something of a tradition for GNHLUG to have a table or two at the twice-yearly Hosstraders Hamfest. We demo Linux, talk about Linux, answer questions about Linux, and generally do Linux. It also serves to help get the word out about GNHLUG and other LUGs. Some years we've had a most excellent Linux+radio demo; other times we've just done basic evangelizing. We bring some computers and CD burners, and run off copies of the latest distros on demand. Sometimes, people bring "stuff" to sell, and/or buy more "stuff" (which usually ends up back at Hosstraders next year). Greasy fair food is eaten, war stories are swapped, and a good time is had by all. And it rains.

We welcome all comers at this. If you're in the area, feel free to stop by. Any help anyone can provide is also appreciated, even if it's just sitting at the booth for an hour or so (or longer). More than anything, what we do here is advocate Linux and answer questions.

What is Hosstraders?

Hosstraders, in it's present form, is best described as "a flea market for geeks", although it remains a hamfest (amateur radio gathering) at it's core. There are many vendors, both commercial and private, selling all manner of things. Ham radio exams are also given. A raffle is held.

All manner of things will be sold, including radio comm gear, electronics test gear, computers and peripherals, power handling equipment, tools, books, parts, and just about anything else. It ranges from brand new to moderately used to truly ancient. The latest from Radio Shack to 1950s tube-powered war surplus. Software. Old radio program recordings on CD. I think I've seen just about everything except human organs for sale at Hosstraders.

This spring, it will take place at the Hopkinton State Fairgrounds (about 15 minutes West of Concord), on Fri 5 May and Sat 6 May. Gates are officially open from 9 AM to 9 PM, but often open earlier and close later. Some people arrive Thursday evening and camp overnight. The place is usually a ghost town by around 2 PM on Saturday, though.

More information can be found at http://www.qsl.net/k1rqg/ ("official" site) and http://www.hosstraders.com/ (unofficial).

Admission and Costs

$5 to get in ($10 before 3PM on Friday), and all the profit goes to help injured children. It's $10 for your own "seller's space". GNHLUG has a space; if you volunteer to help at the booth you can use some of that, so long as it "works with Linux" somehow. There's also a $10 fee for overnight camping.

Helping Out

You'll need a pulse. If you've used Linux, that's nice, too. Seriously, we ask mainly for people to help evangelize Linux to a bunch of other geeks. We might ask for someone to keep an eye on the both for a bit here and there (during bio breaks and 'osstrading), but not a lot of that.

People with radio experience are especially welcome.