On June 3rd, 2018 the Ole Virginia Hams had their 44th annual hamfest at the Prince Williams Fairgrounds. Although the weather was less than agreeable we had a good vendor turnout with 38 vendors who rented 80 tables necessitating us to even place a couple of additional vendors in the building housing the program sessions. Sandy KM4JUS did a wonderful job in managing a very dynamic situation. Additionally, we had 51 tailgaters and a gate attendance of approximately 345 brave individuals undaunted by the weather.
A big thank you goes out to Theresa KG4TVM and all others for managing the club table out in the rain and cold. Theresa and her team managed not only the table but prize drawings and announcements as well. In addition, Jeff Fuller WB6UIE ran interesting program sessions to include discussion of software defined radio and a solar driven weather station which utilized APRS for data communication. Testing also had a good showing in that 17 people were able to take licensing exams thanks to Alan Moeck WA2RPX and his team. Last but not least, the bake sale resulted in approximately $300 in sales which is being donated to the Haymarket Food Pantry.
Not mentioned but not forgotten are the numerous volunteers that came out to set up on Saturday, provide security around the clock, man the gates in the horrible weather, perform the numerous other functions and then tear down operations after the event. The hamfest would not have been possible without everyone pulling together.
A great thanks!!!!!!!
Don Meyerhoff
WA2SWX
