The History Of MartinFest

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It was the first web-based discussion forum of its kind targeted specifically to Purple Martins that was available to everyone with Internet access. The Purple Martin Forum quickly grew into the most visited Purple Martin web site on the Internet.</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>As forum participation grew there soon formed a core group of individuals who became friends through their frequent communication on Purple Martin behavior and colony management techniques. One of the earliest participants was Chuck Abare of Athens, Alabama. Chuck suggested that several of the regulars on the forum meet at a central location in order to meet face to face with the others that had become friends through participation on the forum.</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>The organizers suggested that the group meet at the home of Victor Stoll in Finger, Tennessee. Victor’s farm was centrally located and also hosted the largest colony of martins in North America. Everyone agreed that the Stoll farm would be an ideal location for the first meeting of forum participants. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>During the summer of 1998, thirteen forum participants met with the Stoll family and had a great time meeting and visiting with one another and enjoying the aerial show overhead. Vic Jodts of Missouri was in attendance and he made the comment that we were all having a regular "Martin Fest". Right then Vic unknowingly coined the phrase that became synonymous with the event ever since -- MartinFest. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>The event has grown over the years from humble beginnings to well over 500 participants, making MartinFest the largest gathering of Purple Martin enthusiasts in North America. Since its beginning, MartinFest has become an international event. Last year twenty-three U.S. states and two Canadian provinces were represented at MartinFest 2004. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>The Purple Martin Forum was handed over to the Purple Martin Conservation Association in 1999, but the PMCA does not sponsor MartinFest. All individuals and martin organizations are invited and encouraged to attend MartinFest each year.</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>MartinFest provides an opportunity for all martin organizations and enthusiasts to come together each year to enjoy the camaraderie of old friends and an opportunity to make new ones, all in the name of Purple Martin conservation. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>MartinFest is also a not-for-profit event. All funds generated by admission fees and the raffle of prizes that have been generously donated by individuals, manufacturers, and organizations go back into the budget for the next MartinFest. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>At MartinFest, we continue to focus on the conservation and enjoyment of one of nature’s most beautiful gifts – the Purple Martin.</B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="id96.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Purple MartinFest "><U><B>Back</B></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 52 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="dc9261b0.gif" border=0 width="550" height="27" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>