Those who have wondered what brings about 30,000 amateur radio operators to the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Xenia, Ohio, in May will have a chance to see for themselves at no cost this year. Jack Gerbs, WB8SCT,2019 Hamvention General Chairman, said, "We have decided to open the doors to Hamvention to the public on Sunday, May 19, without buying a ticket. This will make it a little easier and cheaper for someone with just a little interest in Hamvention to see what all the excitement is about." In addition to the amateur radio equipment which attracts all the ham radio operators, there are also vendors selling a variety of other electronic equipment including computers and accessories, security devices networking supplies, tools and many other items of interest to the general public. Those visiting the flea market area will be surprised at what's available, often at a small fraction of its original cost. The chairman said that Sunday is Hamvention's lightest traffic day, making it convenient for anyone who just wants check out what's there. Many vendors have final day specials on a variety of items. The many food trucks offer a wide selection of menus, providing residents with a chance to make Hamvention 2019 a family outing. Hamvention hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. While some parking will be available at the fairgrounds, much of it is weather dependent. Visitors are urged to use one of the remote lots with free shuttles. They are located at Hobson Freedom Park, 2910 Trebein Road, Fairborn, OH 45325; Xenia High School, 303 Kinsey Road, Xenia, 45383; Warner Middle School' 600 Buckskin Trail, Xenia, OH, 45385 and Xenia Towne Square, 84 Xenia Towne Square, Xenia, OH, 45385. Buses run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Anyone wanting to receive current information on a cell phone during Hamvention about traffic, parking, weather conditions and other facts affecting the event is encouraged to sign up for the text alerts by texting Hamvention19 to 888777. Thanks to Greene County Sheriff Gene Fischer, KX8GCS, for making the alerts possible again this year.
Brilliant! But what we NEED is a 'THIS IS HAM RADIO' booth JUST INSIDE the main gate, so non-ham visitors on Sunday can see what we are all about, answer questions, and tell people how to take the next step! Sign me up, Jack! 73 Chip W1YW
Great idea, and I second Chip's idea about a "This is Ham Radio" booth, but not limited to Sunday. I've met quite a few folks at hamfests who buy a ticket to see what it's all about, and being engaged when they come through the gate would be very encouraging! Melanie AG4YL
The flea market on Sunday is pretty sparse. Many tailgaters have pulled out late Saturday, and most of the rest are packing it up. It's pretty well cleared out by noon, as everybody has/wants to be home Monday. Also, lots of vendors over in the buildings and the 2 tents have left overnight, or are in the process of packing it up. That being said, deals are to be had if you look around. Also, even though you're not supposed to, some people leave a small pile of stuff they don't want to take home by the garbage cans, potential FREE STUFF if there's anything there you want. KC2PMM
Sunday at Hamvention is like any last-day at a large show: it starts out moderate and ends up sparse. This happens because of airline schedules and long rides ahead. That actually is an excellent sign, because it shows that Xenia's participants come from all over, not just locally. Actually, Hamvention's profile may be understated locally. There is a huge pool of folks in the Dayton-Columbus corridor ( namely Wright-Pat) who are NOT hams but certainly would like to check out Hamvention...curious about ham radio; hi- tech thing to do, etc. Free admissions on Sunday can drive an extra few thousand to come in and check out ham radio and a hi-tech hobby. Likely 99% of the admission tickets are sold before Hamvention, or on Friday or Saturday. So opening the show up for free on Sunday is no detriment to ticket sales, and it certainly doesn't take anything away from those who already bought tickets. In fact, if you are there to sell something, it is an excellent addition of new potential customers. I think its important that the WRONG impression not be interpreted: Hamvention is VERY healthy and DARA is doing this as a clever way to increase draw on the last day--for the benefit of vendors and flea sellers, and to give ham radio a higher profile in the area. Again, its a brilliant move!
Maybe have a small GOTA station near the gate with demonstations of analogue and digital modes as well. N3TPM
I remember one year they tested the concept of letting the general public into the CES show in Las Vegas on a Sunday, for a very low ticket price. It was a total disaster (got the T shirt) for the exhibitors... several of the top exhibitors threatened to drop out and start another show if they planned to do it the following year... and AFAIK, they didn't repeat it. Hopefully, Hamvention will have a better experience. Batten down the hatches
Bonnie, I don't see how that is relevant here. CES is a huge and even overpopulated show. Many of the vendors have their own city-states inside with invitation only admittance. Registration is used as a gate to keep only serious people and retailers/buyers in. When it opened up to everyone, it became a zoo, because everyone is a 'consumer' . CES is not 'BEST BUY' but that's how it looked and played. And THAT's why the vendors got angry. There isn't a chance in he&& of that happening at Hamvention. If you don't have at least a passing interest or curiosity in ham radio, there is no way you will drop by on Sunday. 'Consumers' will not show up at a ham show. The churches will not be emptied and dumped into the Xenia Fairgrounds on Sunday.
....could be a "watershed moment", if like 2017, bummer! if wx cooperates a wonderful future may await!