[Boatanchors] Shelby NC Hamfest indicators

[Bill Cotter]

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
>______________________________________________________________