As I thought about the recent Appleton Wisconsin area hamfest held this November I wondered what other hams’ expectations are of the “best” hamfest? For non ham radio operators a hamfest is like a large multi-family rummage sale. Rummage sale is called different things in different parts of the country. Some call it a garage sale. Some call it a yard sale, etc.. You get the idea. A place where hams can bring mostly used – but some new – ham radio related equipment of all type to sell.
To me, the best hamfest is any hamfest that you walk away from happy. You may be happy for many different things. It may be that you had a specific radio or antenna in mind and found a great buy on that specific model. It may be that you ran in to that ham you haven’t seen for a long time in person. It could be that your funds were a bit tight and were just glad you got out of there without spending as much as you were afraid you would.
This particular Fox Cities Amateur Radio Club ( www.FCARC.us ) hamfest ended up being different than I thought it would be. First, being relatively new to the Appleton, WI area the location was somewhat hard to find. The directions provided by the club were good enough but when I got down to the Menasha, WI downtown area (Menasha is one of the Fox River Valley area cluster of small cities and towns that include Appleton, WI) it was a bit confusing to drive through. The downtown area is built on what looked to be a peninsula and so there was not a normal square grid to the roads. The Germania Hall building was also somewhat tucked away. I was glad that I had asked some co-workers about the location before the event. They had mentioned the name of a nearby business and when I saw THAT building I knew I was close by.
The setting for the hall was nice – ample parking for the most part. The lot was filled but I was able to find a spot to park as one fellow pulled out. There were also spots along the street… Inside – things were admitedly a bit tight. The club makes a guess as to how many people will display, how many people will come to shop and what they can afford as far as renting space. That guess will never be perfect for EVERYONE. Some will say they spent too much or not enough, etc.. To me – and I tend not to be a “grumpy Gus” type of ham – it worked nicely. The idea, from the club’s perspective I think, is to provide a service to the ham community and raise some money. Kudos on both objectives! From the perspective of grumpy Gus that has to pay the entry fee to buy door prizes and make a profit – s/he expects quality entertainment. Only that SPECIFIC radio or antenna they are looking for in an uncrowded venue for a bargain basement price. Sorry Gus…
This hamfest, for the population of hams in the surrounding area, had a good draw. I was able to go to the hamfest and say hi to quite a few people that I knew and get a few odds and ends (odds were speakers and ends were coax connectors… chuckle…). The weather was OK and I had a nice time overall.
After I got the speakers home – I think I paid no more than $25 for three communications extension speakers – I tried them out. One in the car, one in the truck and one in the new basement ham shack. I was thrilled with the quality of sound I got out of the inexpensive – not cheap – speakers. In reflecting on the speakers I commented to one vendor at the hamfest that I was glad he was there since I wouldn’t want to have to pay the shipping on the heavy magnets in the speakers and it made it a nice deal for me. I had not intended on buying them when I went to the hamfest but when I saw them, thought of the use for them and registered the prices – it just resonated.
And that’s why I think this was the best hamfest ever. At least in my ham radio experience. I am all about getting the absolute best performance for the dollar. Unlike some famous hams, I have a budget. I’d love a $1,5000 screwdriver antenna for the car but with a $20 Hamstick on 20 meters I do quite nicely thank you very much! So – after hearing the quality of the sound I get from these new speakers, I am quite pleased with this hamfest. Sure – with unlimited budget – bigger is better. But for the overall investment of gas, time and gear purchased – I am quite pleased.
Thanks to all the people that put the hamfest on this year and in years past. I had thought of volunteering to help this year but I had just taken on the roll of Outagamie County ARES Emergency Coordinator and decided to opt out this time. Perhaps some other time…
Stay radio active!
Jon Kreski – AB9NN – Appleton, Wisconsin / Green Bay, Wisconsin area
http://www.HamRadioResources.com http://www.Twitter.com/AB9NN
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