Here in Ann Arbor, MI, we are lucky to live relatively close to Dayton. It’s about a four-hour drive to get there from here.
In 2002, our Activities Director, Sam, KC8QCZ, had the bright idea of organizing a bus trip to Dayton. The bus was scheduled to leave at 4 am, get to Dayton just as the flea market opened at 8 am, and then begin the return trip just as the flea market closed at 5 pm. Over the years, the bus trip has been a resounding success, selling out most years and opening up the world of amateur radio for more than 500 hams, both new and experienced.
This year’s Dayton (actually Xenia, Hamvention’s moving!) bus trip will take place on Saturday, May 20, 2017. Tickets for the bus trip are $55 (if purchased before April 1) and $65 (after April 1). You can purchase tickets online from the ARROW website.
In addition to the trip there and back, there are a number of other benefits. Coffee, fruit, and bagels are provided on the way down, and if you have stuff to sell, you can do so at the ARROW flea market space. The space is also a good place to take a break and get a drink (cold water is FREE!)
Another nice benefit of taking the bus trip is that you’re eligible to win one of the many door prizes. In recent years, ARROW has been so successful in soliciting prizes from amateur radio vendors that everyone on the bus has gone home with a prize. This year, I’m donating a copy of my No Nonsense Extra Class License Study Guide and The CW Geek’s Guide to Having Fun with Morse Code.
I’ll include a list of this year’s donors here as the prizes come in.
RickB KA8BMA says
Is this event open to non members?
Dan KB6NU says
Absolutely! Anyone can ride the bus with us!