[WIham] Capital City Hamfest Review

[Don Buska - The Radio Lab Works]

Well it was the late 70's since I attended a hamfest in Madison.  I
remember it being a really big one at some EXPO center.  Naturally most
hamfests have dwindled over the years.

I decided to drive up from Kenosha this time to check it out, stopping
along the way to pick up my brother (W9KWB)in Oconomowoc.  Probably 
around 120-130 miles each way.

Not a very big fest, but I was pleased to see a good selection of
vintage equipment and parts which are something I personally seek.

On the negative side this churches facilities are way to small to house
this event!  The parking lot was nearly half full just with the sellers. 
We arrived early, but decided to get breakfast and return closer to 9AM. 
  We probably arrived around 9:15 and the lot was full so it was about a 
block walk using street parking.  Cars were lined up about three blocks 
when we left.  Inside was worse!  Using the entry hall and one (main) 
room not much bigger than my family room here at home.  I felt like a 
fish swimming up stream in the main room as there wasn't any space to 
maneuver.  Not sure how I'd carry something out of there if it was big. 
  If you need special handy-cap accessibility, which I don't, you would 
never have been able to enter and look around. At least not during the 
prime time hours which were just to crowded.


Overall it was a nice little fest with perhaps twenty 3' X 10', or were 
they 4' X 12', tables.  I might do the drive again, but not if it 
remains at the same location. We probably spent 30-45 minutes at the 
fest and headed for home.  As it stands I can't waste the gas to attend 
again until they find a bigger place to hold it.  I thought Waukesha 
early this month was small, albeit bigger than the last few years, but 
it was 4 or 5 times larger.

I hope they build this up as I truly wish them success in the future.
For now the South Milwaukee fest is still my yearly event.  I used to do 
Grayslake every year until they moved it way out west by Rockford.

Just my thoughts.  Take what you want and leave the rest ;)

73
Don N9OO
Kenosha, WI