With apologies to all the other hamfests in our area, the Black Warrior Hamfest is the friendliest hamfest within driving distance of Starkville. I like all the hamfests we've been to this year, but to be honest, the Black Warrior Hamfest has it figured out. The most recent Black Warrior Hamfest was in June, 2022.
When I asked to reserved some vendor tables, they messaged back and then even called to talk about what we needed.
When we arrived, volunteers descended upon us and insisted on helping lug/tote/carry our gear into the building. "Are these tables okay?" Yes, thanks. "Need anything else?" No, we're good. "We'll have security watching your stuff tonight." Wow.
Saturday they came around to check on us a couple of times, always checking to make sure we had all we needed.
We were in an air-conditioned gym. The chairs they provided were padded. PADDED FOLDING CHAIRS. Lots of door prizes. Gave away radios.
At lunch time, they had Pastor's Mexican food truck outside. A volunteer came by to see if we wanted them to bring a menu and then get our lunch for us so we could stick to the table.
When we got ready to leave volunteers toted our boxes out to the car and made sure we didn't carry our own stuff in the 98 degree heat. They gave us cold bottles of water for the drive home.
You get the picture. They were a considerate bunch, and did small things that made a world of difference to us. Isn't it always the small things that matter the most?
If you want to attend a good hamfest, put this one on your schedule for next year. Go, and take some friends.