Just sort of on a lark, we decided to go to a non-local hamfest this year. We wanted to see how things were done in other parts of the country, so in April we went to the Des Moines, Iowa hamfest. This is the largest hamfest in Iowa (that's what we were told), and it lasted all of four hours. Quality hours, to be sure, but still only four hours.
It was a two-day drive up, and a two-day drive back. We passed through Mississippi, Tennesse, Arkansas, Missouri, and finally arrived in Iowa. The folks in Iowa are friendly, and curious about our accents. (We were polite, and didn't tell them the obvious, that we don't have accents, they do.)
The venue (Iowa State Fair food expo building) was spacious and well organized, and the setup was pretty easy. We were able to drive right up to our tables to unload and reload.
We saw more vintage gear here than we do at most hamfests. I don't recall many commercial vendors here, it was all (or mostly) flea market style vendors.
The accent thing is real. A lot of folks came by our tables to talk to us, and I think they wanted to hear genuine Southern accents, instead of the mock Southern accents heard on TV. Again, they were just as friendly and accommodating as our local folks, and we felt right at home.
Would we go back? Absolutely. The distance and expense of going makes it a non-profitable trip, but maybe that would improve as people there get to know us. Yep, I think we'll go back.
Missouri welcomed us, they even put up a sign to say so.
The day before the hamfest, Pella, Iowa was starting their Tulip Festival. Gray, overcast skies, cool temps, and light rain didn't deter anyone from enjoying the vast numbers of tulips throughout the town.
Turns out the Tulip festival is not the place to shop for new footwear.
Just like very other hamfest, notable t-shirts abound.
Boat anchors galore.
The first couple of hours were really busy, folks setting up and folks looking for gear, all at the same time, is an interesting time no matter where you are.
The local ARES folks had their trailer on display, and that corner of the room was always packed with forums and visiting.
I didn't get to look at this vendor's offerings, I had maybe ten minutes away from our table to grab a few photos for the website. I wanted to look, though.
Our table's reminder that we don't sell cheaply made Chinese connectors. If you want Chinese connectors, or lowest common denominator connectors, try Amazon. If you want good connectors, see us.
Older guys visiting next to empty radio cabinets. Yep, it's a hamfest.
SK estate gear. This gear reeked of "I work good enough, take me home". It was hard to resist.