[AMRadio] hamfest?

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On Sun, Feb 12, 2012 at 7:59 PM, Mark K3MSB <mark.k3msb at gmail.com> wrote:
> I'm saddend to hear that about Berryville;  My buddy and I make the long
> trek each year for that fester, and it's always has a nice sampling of BA
> gear.

Haven't been for a couple years, but it looked like it was doing okay
last time I was there. Definitely a good little 'fest with a high
'good stuff to junk' ratio.

> I started going to Timonium in 2000 when I moved here, and I've seen it go
> downhill steadily.   They will not allow any outdoor tailgating this year;
> that's going to kill it I'm afraid.

Supposedly due to the tax collectors showing up (maybe you're the one
who relayed that to me, Mark?) and shaking down the folks selling
outside. I agree, considering the amount of junk inside the buildings
it'll likely be the death knell for that event.

NEAR-Fest does well because the folks who run it are active and
involved with amateur radio and enjoy it, as well as caring enough to
keep the junk out. Of the original 3 founders, 2 are AMers and the
other is a vintage gear buff. Of the nine current team members, 3 are
AMers (including our new media chief, W1GUD) and at least 2 others are
into old gear. One is into old military vehicles. I actually wrote up
the original draft guidelines for keeping things like computer
monitors and other junk out, and made sure we don't advertise any
recycling services on site, even when we have them there. This is an
open invitation to some to haul along whatever they want to get rid
of, including old portable saunas, air conditioners, and whatever
else.

Some junk still slips in, but we make note of it and if they're not
selling radio equipment or services directly related to it, they don't
come back as a seller. We're also not table nazis, walking around
checking every table to be sure it's all radio stuff. So long as they
are selling radio gear, we don't care if they have some tools or such
on the table as well. Just don't show up with a truckload of lawn
ornaments.

Unfortunately, some events judge their success by the number of tables
sold and allow in flea market types simply to fill up space, open more
buildings, etc. The successful events are successful because they know
folks come there for radio, not a yard sale. That's the group you
cater to, since without them you don't have a hamfest - you have a
flea market, garage sale, junk fest, or whatever else. It's all about
quality over quantity.

Those things combined with sellers who are tired of ebay fees and
shipping makes for a great event with plenty of gear old and new to
choose from. It does require some effort, though.

~ Todd,  KA1KAQ/4