[AMRadio] Shelby NC Hamfest indicators

[Bill Cotter]

WOW, I didn't mean to depress anyone or have you think the hamfest 
was a bummer. To the contrary it was great, but it was a reflection 
on our times with COVID-19 and the aging-out of our ranks. Less 
attendees and buyers.

I did spot and purchase many components I needed for my 2x 4-1000A 
AM transmitter project I am designing, and lots of restoration 
parts like 810's for the Desk KW and 813's for the Collins 18S-4C 
airborne xcvr. Also, lots of relays, tube sockets, HV power 
connectors (tnx, Wm Perry) were bought.

See you next year at Shelby!

73 Bill N4LG


At 04:23 PM 9/6/2021, Bill Cotter wrote:
>This year at Shelby the weather couldn't have been better, sunny 
>skies, temperatures in the 80's and humidity in the 60% or so 
>range. The event started out on Friday morning with modest 
>attendance and fleamarket spaces filled. On Saturday there were 
>25% or so more vendors, and perhaps, 50% more buyers.
>
>I have seen the parking spaces overflowing with cars in years past 
>years, and the entire fleamarket space sprawling to the fences. In 
>2021, there was only one parking lot outside the hamfest grounds, 
>with the one across the street closed for construction. The one 
>lot was never filled to capacity, so I will venture to say that 
>there were likely one-third the attendees as in years past.
>
>Another observation I made over the hamfest days was that prices 
>were at auction levels on first day and about the same on the last 
>day. That was telling in that it was a buyers market and they 
>weren't wildly enthusiastic. Likewise, the majority of sellers 
>didn't seem to lower their prices as time went on to encourage 
>buyers or offerers. Those that did drop cut, went away lighter in 
>weight and dollars. What this says to me is that it is likely that 
>a lot of what I saw for-sale at Shelby will likely end up in the 
>dump after the SK sale of our hoardings.
>
>I suspect that COVID-19 put a damper on this year's Shelby Hamfest 
>attendance, as it may have on highway holiday travel. I thought 
>the traffic was lighter than usual.
>
>Very few attendees under 35yr old, as expected in the digital age. 
>As a young 70yr old, the crowd just seemed to an older-than-before 
>crowd. We all have enjoyed a lot of birthdays, Thanks be to God.
>
>I had a really good time meeting old friends, and connecting faces 
>to calls. Great seeing you guys!
>
>73 Bill N4LG
>
>
>
>At 12:47 PM 9/6/2021, you wrote:
>>Here's a link to the Shelby fest this past weekend.  Lot of 
>>vintage, lots of Collins (mostly Ebay prices on that), but not a 
>>lot of buyers.  Some folks sold everything they had, the others 
>>carted it all back to where they came from.  Weather was perfect, 
>>cooler than normal, probably the best WX in 50 years.
>>
>>https://photos.app.goo.gl/ph9p6f9RFzFXthjV7
>>
>>In addition to the pictured area, there are 3 buildings, but only 
>>one was full, plus a large barn for more vintage folks that want 
>>to be under a roof.  No major vendors, like HRO, DXE, MFJ or even 
>>some of our larger local vendors from the South.  Seems hams 
>>today are only interested in typing on their computer and using 
>>the hobby as a form of WIFI.
>>
>>Charlie, W4MEC in NC
>>______________________________________________________________
>
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