Lakes Region Repeater Association’s second Flea and Ve. Our Flea and Ve is a place to buy, sell, and swap amateur radio, electronic, and computer equipment. Hams and non-hams alike are welcome.
These Hamfests are a convention of amateur radio enthusiasts, often combining a trade show, flea market, and various other activities of interest to amateur radio operators (hams). “Hamfests” were noted as early as 1924 in the U.S.
Our hamfest event was organized by our amateur radio club. We enjoyed our social gathering and promotion of the amateur radio hobby. Our semiannual event is held over a weekend on Saturday and last from 8am to 1pm. We feature a flea market where the attendees buy and sell radio and related equipment. The equipment found at our hamfest can vary significantly from the newest high-tech gear to used, refurbished, or even antique equipment.
Haggling or bargaining is the most common means of sale at our flea market. Equipment that originally sold at great expense to commercial users (such as public safety agencies) can often be found at a fraction of the price. Likewise, accessories which are no longer available from manufacturers may be found, and many sales of complete systems are made to buyers who only need one or two components.
Cardboard junk boxes are a common site at our flea market. They sit on the tables or floors and frequently contain scraps and remnants from finished projects or equipment long-since gone.
Some hamfests feature demonstration and sales booths manned by vendors and manufacturers of commercial amateur radio equipment. This is something we are considering for the future.
Hamfests may also include meetings of amateur radio clubs, seminars on technical, operational, or legal aspects of amateur radio.
At 1pm we hold a session for examinations for technical, general, or advance license.
Our hamfest is becoming a popular tradition. We included a food vendor, staffed by volunteers, with the proceeds going into our Repeater Fund.