[Boatanchors] Shelby NC Hamfest indicators

[Dave Sublette]

Bill, et. al.,

If I can believe the reports on TV(and there is reason to disbelieve
anything seen on TV),  the pandemic levels during this Delta phase is worse
than the original.  The vast majority of the cases are in people who have
not received the shots.  I cannot believe any event is still being held
where people gather, indoors or out.

My wife's sister and her husband both have the COVID and both had their
shots.  This is too scary for me.  I am now in lockdown for the duration.

73 all,

Dave, K4TO

On Mon, Sep 6, 2021 at 4:23 PM Bill Cotter <n4lg at qx.net> 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
> >______________________________________________________________
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Boatanchors mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/boatanchors
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Boatanchors at mailman.qth.net
>
> List Administrator: Gary Harmon, K5JWK
> ** For Assistance: gharmon at idworld.net **
>
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to k4to.dave at gmail.com
>